| HONDURAS Republic of Honduras Republica de Honduras Joined United Nations: 17 December 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 04/08/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Tegucigalpa
7,833,696
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality
due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher
death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2009 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality
due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher
death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of
population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2009 est.)
Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo Sosa
President since 27 January 2010
President since 27 January 2010
President and Vice President elected by popular vote for a
four-year term; election last held: 29 November 2009
Next scheduled election: November 2013
four-year term; election last held: 29 November 2009
Next scheduled election: November 2013
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
According to the Honduras Constitution, the president is both
the chief of state and head of government.
the chief of state and head of government.
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%, black 2%, white 1%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant 3%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Democratic constitutional republic -18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) . Legal system is rooted in Roman and
Spanish civil law with increasing influence of English common law; recent judicial reforms include abandoning Napoleonic legal
codes in favor of the oral adversarial system; accepts ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)
Legislative: Unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128 seats; members are elected proportionally to the number
of votes their party's presidential candidate receives to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges are elected for seven-year terms by the National
Congress)
Spanish civil law with increasing influence of English common law; recent judicial reforms include abandoning Napoleonic legal
codes in favor of the oral adversarial system; accepts ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)
Legislative: Unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128 seats; members are elected proportionally to the number
of votes their party's presidential candidate receives to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 29 November 2009 (next to be held in November 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges are elected for seven-year terms by the National
Congress)
| LANGUAGES |
Spanish, Amerindian dialects
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Honduras was inhabited by indigenous tribes of a great linguistic and cultural diversity. The most powerful and advanced of these
were the Mayans, who also populated Yucatán, Belize, and the northeast of Guatemala and built their sacred city and ceremonial
metropolis in Copán, in the western part of Honduras. After the collapse of Mayan culture, different groups slowly settled in various
parts of the Honduran territory. Their languages reveal a relationship with the Toltecs and Aztecs of Mexico, the Chibchas of
Colombia, and even tribes from the southwestern United States. The western-central part of Honduras was inhabited by the
Lencas, who spoke a language of unknown origin. These autonomous groups had their conflicts but maintained their commercial
relationships with each other and with other populations as distant as Panama and Mexico. Descendants of these peoples and of the
Mayas were the aborigines, who would later oppose the Spanish conquest and produce the legendary figures of Tecún Uman,
Lempira, Atlacatl, Diriagúan, Nicarao and Urraca, leaders for autonomy among the native populations of Central America.
Christopher Columbus landed on mainland Honduras near modern Trujillo in 1502, giving the country its name (which means
depths) in reference to the deep water off the coast. Spaniard Hernán Cortés arrived in 1524. Some local tribes and nations
continued to fight the Spanish invaders through the late 1530s; one native defender, Lempira, was leader of the Lenca people, and
is now considered a national hero whom the currency is named after. As the Spanish began founding settlements along the coast,
Honduras came under the control of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. The spaniards developed mining activity and sugar
Plantations. The Indians were enslaved to work for the spaniards. The cities of Comayagua and Tegucigalpa developed as early
mining centers. The Indian population decreased dramatically because of the diseases brought by the Europeans , the hard work-
conditions and their resistance-war against the invaders. So the spaniards began to ship black slaves from Africa to replace the
Indians. Honduras, along with the other Central American provinces, gained independence from Spain in 1821; it then briefly was
annexed to the Mexican Empire. In 1823, Honduras joined the newly formed United Provinces of Central America. Before long,
social and economic differences between Honduras and its regional neighbors exacerbated harsh partisan strife among its leaders,
bringing about the federation's collapse in 1838-39. General Francisco Morazán, a Honduran national hero, led unsuccessful efforts
to maintain the federation. Restoring Central American unity remained the officially stated chief aim of Honduran foreign policy until
after World War I. In 1888, a projected railroad line from the Caribbean coast to the capital, Tegucigalpa, ran out of money when
it reached San Pedro Sula, resulting in its growth into the nation's main industrial center and second largest city. Since independence,
Honduras has had 300 internal rebellions, civil wars, and changes of government--more than half occurring during the 20th century.
Traditionally lacking both an economic infrastructure and social and political integration, Honduras's agriculturally based economy
came to be dominated by United States companies, notably United Fruit Company and Standard Fruit Company, which established
vast banana plantations along the north coast. The economic dominance and political influence of these companies was so great
from the late 19th until the mid 20th century that it coined the term banana republic. During the relatively stable years of the Great
Depression, authoritarian General Tiburcio Carías Andino controlled Honduras. His ties to dictators in neighboring countries and to
U.S. banana companies helped him maintain power until 1948. By then, provincial military leaders had begun to gain control of the
two major parties, the National Party of Honduras (PNH) and the Liberal Party of Honduras (PLH).In October 1955, after a
general strike by banana workers on the north coast in 1954, young military reformists staged a coup that installed a provisional
junta. The death penalty was abolished in 1956, though the last person to be executed was in 1940 (The current PNH presidential
candidate Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo wants to bring it back). There were constituent assembly elections in 1957 which appointed Ramon
Villeda Morales as President, and itself becoming a national Congress with a 6-year term. The PLH ruled during 1957-63. The
military began to become a professional institution independent of politics, with the newly created military academy graduating its
first class in 1960. In October 1963, conservative military officers preempted constitutional elections and deposed Villeda in a
bloody coup. These officers exiled PLH members and governed under General Oswaldo López Arellano until 1970. In July 1969,
Honduras was invaded by El Salvador in the short Football war. Tensions in the aftermath of the conflict remain. A civilian president
for the PNH, Ramón Ernesto Cruz Uclés, took power briefly in 1970 until, in December 1972, López staged another coup. This
time round, he adopted more progressive policies, including land reform. López's successors continued armed forces modernization
programs, building army and security forces, and concentrating on Honduran air force superiority over its neighbors. During the
governments of General Juan Alberto Melgar Castro (1975-78) and General Policarpo Paz García (1978-83), Honduras built most
of its physical infrastructure and electricity and terrestrial telecommunications systems, both of which are state monopolies. The
country experienced economic growth during this period, with greater international demand for its products and the increased
availability of foreign commercial capital.In 1979, the country returned to civilian rule. A constituent assembly was popularly elected
in April 1980 and general elections were held in November 1981. A new constitution was approved in 1982 and the PLH
government of Roberto Suazo Córdova assumed power. Between 1979 and 1985, under John Negroponte's appointment as U.S.
diplomat from 1981 to 1985, U.S. military and economic aid to Honduras jumped from $31 million to $282 million. Honduras
agreed in exchange to become a base for an estimated 15,000 Nicaraguan Contras, providing logistical and intelligence support,
and joining the U.S. military in joint maneuvers. Negroponte himself supervised the construction of the El Aguacate air base where
Contras were trained (they also used Lepaterique, where Argentinian Batallón de Inteligencia 601 was training Contras). Battalion
3-16, a special intelligence unit involved in the assassination of hundreds of people, including U.S. missionaries, was trained by the
CIA and the Argentine military. Negroponte, currently Director of National Intelligence, was later accused by the Honduras
Commission on Human Rights of human rights violations. In August 2001, 185 corpses, including two Americans, were discovered
at the Aguacate base. Between 1979 and 1985, U.S. development aid fell from 80% of the total to 6%.As the November 1985
election approached, the Liberal Party had difficulty settling on a candidate, and interpreted election law as permitting multiple
presidential candidates from one party. In September 1992, the border dispute between Honduras and El Salvador reached a
culmination, as the Court awarded most of the disputed territory to Honduras. In October 1998, Hurricane Mitch devastated
Honduras, leaving more than 5,000 people dead and 1.5 million displaced. Damages totaled nearly ’3 billion. President Maduro has
been a strong supporter of the global war on terrorism and joined the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq with a contribution of 370 troops.
Under President Maduro's guidance, Honduras also participated in the successful Central America Free Trade Agreement talks and
actively promoted greater Central American economic integration.
Sources Honduras.com History of Honduras; Wikipedia History of Honduras
were the Mayans, who also populated Yucatán, Belize, and the northeast of Guatemala and built their sacred city and ceremonial
metropolis in Copán, in the western part of Honduras. After the collapse of Mayan culture, different groups slowly settled in various
parts of the Honduran territory. Their languages reveal a relationship with the Toltecs and Aztecs of Mexico, the Chibchas of
Colombia, and even tribes from the southwestern United States. The western-central part of Honduras was inhabited by the
Lencas, who spoke a language of unknown origin. These autonomous groups had their conflicts but maintained their commercial
relationships with each other and with other populations as distant as Panama and Mexico. Descendants of these peoples and of the
Mayas were the aborigines, who would later oppose the Spanish conquest and produce the legendary figures of Tecún Uman,
Lempira, Atlacatl, Diriagúan, Nicarao and Urraca, leaders for autonomy among the native populations of Central America.
Christopher Columbus landed on mainland Honduras near modern Trujillo in 1502, giving the country its name (which means
depths) in reference to the deep water off the coast. Spaniard Hernán Cortés arrived in 1524. Some local tribes and nations
continued to fight the Spanish invaders through the late 1530s; one native defender, Lempira, was leader of the Lenca people, and
is now considered a national hero whom the currency is named after. As the Spanish began founding settlements along the coast,
Honduras came under the control of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. The spaniards developed mining activity and sugar
Plantations. The Indians were enslaved to work for the spaniards. The cities of Comayagua and Tegucigalpa developed as early
mining centers. The Indian population decreased dramatically because of the diseases brought by the Europeans , the hard work-
conditions and their resistance-war against the invaders. So the spaniards began to ship black slaves from Africa to replace the
Indians. Honduras, along with the other Central American provinces, gained independence from Spain in 1821; it then briefly was
annexed to the Mexican Empire. In 1823, Honduras joined the newly formed United Provinces of Central America. Before long,
social and economic differences between Honduras and its regional neighbors exacerbated harsh partisan strife among its leaders,
bringing about the federation's collapse in 1838-39. General Francisco Morazán, a Honduran national hero, led unsuccessful efforts
to maintain the federation. Restoring Central American unity remained the officially stated chief aim of Honduran foreign policy until
after World War I. In 1888, a projected railroad line from the Caribbean coast to the capital, Tegucigalpa, ran out of money when
it reached San Pedro Sula, resulting in its growth into the nation's main industrial center and second largest city. Since independence,
Honduras has had 300 internal rebellions, civil wars, and changes of government--more than half occurring during the 20th century.
Traditionally lacking both an economic infrastructure and social and political integration, Honduras's agriculturally based economy
came to be dominated by United States companies, notably United Fruit Company and Standard Fruit Company, which established
vast banana plantations along the north coast. The economic dominance and political influence of these companies was so great
from the late 19th until the mid 20th century that it coined the term banana republic. During the relatively stable years of the Great
Depression, authoritarian General Tiburcio Carías Andino controlled Honduras. His ties to dictators in neighboring countries and to
U.S. banana companies helped him maintain power until 1948. By then, provincial military leaders had begun to gain control of the
two major parties, the National Party of Honduras (PNH) and the Liberal Party of Honduras (PLH).In October 1955, after a
general strike by banana workers on the north coast in 1954, young military reformists staged a coup that installed a provisional
junta. The death penalty was abolished in 1956, though the last person to be executed was in 1940 (The current PNH presidential
candidate Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo wants to bring it back). There were constituent assembly elections in 1957 which appointed Ramon
Villeda Morales as President, and itself becoming a national Congress with a 6-year term. The PLH ruled during 1957-63. The
military began to become a professional institution independent of politics, with the newly created military academy graduating its
first class in 1960. In October 1963, conservative military officers preempted constitutional elections and deposed Villeda in a
bloody coup. These officers exiled PLH members and governed under General Oswaldo López Arellano until 1970. In July 1969,
Honduras was invaded by El Salvador in the short Football war. Tensions in the aftermath of the conflict remain. A civilian president
for the PNH, Ramón Ernesto Cruz Uclés, took power briefly in 1970 until, in December 1972, López staged another coup. This
time round, he adopted more progressive policies, including land reform. López's successors continued armed forces modernization
programs, building army and security forces, and concentrating on Honduran air force superiority over its neighbors. During the
governments of General Juan Alberto Melgar Castro (1975-78) and General Policarpo Paz García (1978-83), Honduras built most
of its physical infrastructure and electricity and terrestrial telecommunications systems, both of which are state monopolies. The
country experienced economic growth during this period, with greater international demand for its products and the increased
availability of foreign commercial capital.In 1979, the country returned to civilian rule. A constituent assembly was popularly elected
in April 1980 and general elections were held in November 1981. A new constitution was approved in 1982 and the PLH
government of Roberto Suazo Córdova assumed power. Between 1979 and 1985, under John Negroponte's appointment as U.S.
diplomat from 1981 to 1985, U.S. military and economic aid to Honduras jumped from $31 million to $282 million. Honduras
agreed in exchange to become a base for an estimated 15,000 Nicaraguan Contras, providing logistical and intelligence support,
and joining the U.S. military in joint maneuvers. Negroponte himself supervised the construction of the El Aguacate air base where
Contras were trained (they also used Lepaterique, where Argentinian Batallón de Inteligencia 601 was training Contras). Battalion
3-16, a special intelligence unit involved in the assassination of hundreds of people, including U.S. missionaries, was trained by the
CIA and the Argentine military. Negroponte, currently Director of National Intelligence, was later accused by the Honduras
Commission on Human Rights of human rights violations. In August 2001, 185 corpses, including two Americans, were discovered
at the Aguacate base. Between 1979 and 1985, U.S. development aid fell from 80% of the total to 6%.As the November 1985
election approached, the Liberal Party had difficulty settling on a candidate, and interpreted election law as permitting multiple
presidential candidates from one party. In September 1992, the border dispute between Honduras and El Salvador reached a
culmination, as the Court awarded most of the disputed territory to Honduras. In October 1998, Hurricane Mitch devastated
Honduras, leaving more than 5,000 people dead and 1.5 million displaced. Damages totaled nearly ’3 billion. President Maduro has
been a strong supporter of the global war on terrorism and joined the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq with a contribution of 370 troops.
Under President Maduro's guidance, Honduras also participated in the successful Central America Free Trade Agreement talks and
actively promoted greater Central American economic integration.
Sources Honduras.com History of Honduras; Wikipedia History of Honduras
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Honduras, the second poorest country in Central America, has an extraordinarily unequal distribution of income and high un- and
underemployment. The economy relies heavily on a narrow range of exports, notably apparel, bananas, and coffee, making it
vulnerable to natural disasters and shifts in commodity prices; however, investments in the maquila and non-traditional export
sectors are slowly diversifying the economy. Nearly half of Honduras's economic activity is directly tied to the US, with exports to
the US equivalent to 30% of GDP and remittances for another 22%. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)
came into force in 2006 and has helped foster investment, but physical and political insecurity may deter potential investors. The
economy is expected to register marginally positive economic growth in 2010, insufficient to improve living standards for the nearly
60% of the population in poverty. Despite improvements in tax collections, the government's fiscal deficit is growing due to
increases in current expenditures from increasing public wages. Tegucigalpa lacks an IMF agreement; its Stand-By Agreement
expired in April 2009 and former President ZELAYA's commitment to a fixed exchange rate undermined a follow-on.
underemployment. The economy relies heavily on a narrow range of exports, notably apparel, bananas, and coffee, making it
vulnerable to natural disasters and shifts in commodity prices; however, investments in the maquila and non-traditional export
sectors are slowly diversifying the economy. Nearly half of Honduras's economic activity is directly tied to the US, with exports to
the US equivalent to 30% of GDP and remittances for another 22%. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)
came into force in 2006 and has helped foster investment, but physical and political insecurity may deter potential investors. The
economy is expected to register marginally positive economic growth in 2010, insufficient to improve living standards for the nearly
60% of the population in poverty. Despite improvements in tax collections, the government's fiscal deficit is growing due to
increases in current expenditures from increasing public wages. Tegucigalpa lacks an IMF agreement; its Stand-By Agreement
expired in April 2009 and former President ZELAYA's commitment to a fixed exchange rate undermined a follow-on.
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
There is a great feeling of insecurity amongst the population about the chronically poor security situation in Honduras. The major
problem is rooted in the gangs, who are called maras in Spanish (ants in English). These include the Mara Salvatrucha and the Mara
18. The gangs are rooted in the poverty of Honduras, and in the ready availability of crack cocaine. Honduras is not only a transit
point for cocaine running between Colombia and the US but also has an internal market, creating all sorts of inner city urban
problems. The gangs sell the crack, commit other crimes, and hire themselves out to the seriously organised drug smugglers. Those
engaged in international trafficking are better resourced than the state authorities combating them. An argument some would use to
justify increasing US military aid to Honduras to help fight the organised drug gangs, while others would say that Honduras would be
better off legalizing drugs, thus avoiding military solutions to Honduran security problems.
In the early hours of 28 June 2009, approximately 200 members of the Honduran Army entered the Presidential Palace, arrested
Zelaya, forced his resignation and placed him in exile in Costa Rica at the behest of the Honduras Supreme Court as Zelaya
intended to move forward with a Constitutional referendum to amend the constitution to allow a third presidential term despite a
defeat in the courts. He was replaced by Speaker of the National Assembly Roberto Micheletti.
The Honduran general election, 2009 was held in Honduras on 29 November 2009, including presidential, parliamentary and local
elections. Porfirio Lobo Sosa, popularly known as Pepe Lobo, of the opposition conservative National Party was elected to
succeed Micheletti. Early reports gave Lobo over 50% of the popular vote, with Elvin Santos the closest opponent with around
35%. While some regional nations did not accept the election as valid, others including the United States have supported its
legitimacy. While exiled President Manuel Zelaya called for a boycott of the election, turnout ranged from around 30% in poorer
areas to 70% in more wealthy communities. Lobo previously served in the Honduran Congress. He has hinted that charges against
Zelaya will be dropped.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Honduras
problem is rooted in the gangs, who are called maras in Spanish (ants in English). These include the Mara Salvatrucha and the Mara
18. The gangs are rooted in the poverty of Honduras, and in the ready availability of crack cocaine. Honduras is not only a transit
point for cocaine running between Colombia and the US but also has an internal market, creating all sorts of inner city urban
problems. The gangs sell the crack, commit other crimes, and hire themselves out to the seriously organised drug smugglers. Those
engaged in international trafficking are better resourced than the state authorities combating them. An argument some would use to
justify increasing US military aid to Honduras to help fight the organised drug gangs, while others would say that Honduras would be
better off legalizing drugs, thus avoiding military solutions to Honduran security problems.
In the early hours of 28 June 2009, approximately 200 members of the Honduran Army entered the Presidential Palace, arrested
Zelaya, forced his resignation and placed him in exile in Costa Rica at the behest of the Honduras Supreme Court as Zelaya
intended to move forward with a Constitutional referendum to amend the constitution to allow a third presidential term despite a
defeat in the courts. He was replaced by Speaker of the National Assembly Roberto Micheletti.
The Honduran general election, 2009 was held in Honduras on 29 November 2009, including presidential, parliamentary and local
elections. Porfirio Lobo Sosa, popularly known as Pepe Lobo, of the opposition conservative National Party was elected to
succeed Micheletti. Early reports gave Lobo over 50% of the popular vote, with Elvin Santos the closest opponent with around
35%. While some regional nations did not accept the election as valid, others including the United States have supported its
legitimacy. While exiled President Manuel Zelaya called for a boycott of the election, turnout ranged from around 30% in poorer
areas to 70% in more wealthy communities. Lobo previously served in the Honduran Congress. He has hinted that charges against
Zelaya will be dropped.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Honduras
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on the delimitation of "bolsones" (disputed areas) along the El Salvador-Honduras border
in 1992 with final settlement by the parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS) survey and a further ICJ ruling
in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Fonseca with consideration of
Honduran access to the Pacific; El Salvador continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not mentioned in the ICJ ruling, off Honduras in
the Gulf of Fonseca; Honduras claims the Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays off the coast of Belize in its constitution, but agreed
to a joint ecological park around the cays should Guatemala consent to a maritime corridor in the Caribbean under the
OAS-sponsored 2002 Belize-Guatemala Differendum; memorials and countermemorials were filed by the parties in Nicaragua's
1999 and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and Colombia at the ICJ over the maritime boundary and territorial claims in the
western Caribbean Sea - final public hearings are scheduled for 2007
in 1992 with final settlement by the parties in 2006 after an Organization of American States (OAS) survey and a further ICJ ruling
in 2003; the 1992 ICJ ruling advised a tripartite resolution to a maritime boundary in the Gulf of Fonseca with consideration of
Honduran access to the Pacific; El Salvador continues to claim tiny Conejo Island, not mentioned in the ICJ ruling, off Honduras in
the Gulf of Fonseca; Honduras claims the Belizean-administered Sapodilla Cays off the coast of Belize in its constitution, but agreed
to a joint ecological park around the cays should Guatemala consent to a maritime corridor in the Caribbean under the
OAS-sponsored 2002 Belize-Guatemala Differendum; memorials and countermemorials were filed by the parties in Nicaragua's
1999 and 2001 proceedings against Honduras and Colombia at the ICJ over the maritime boundary and territorial claims in the
western Caribbean Sea - final public hearings are scheduled for 2007
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transshipment point for drugs and narcotics; illicit producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally for local
consumption; corruption is a major problem; some money-laundering activity
consumption; corruption is a major problem; some money-laundering activity
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Honduras
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
On June 28, the military forcibly removed and sent into exile President Jose Manuel Zelaya, and Congress President Roberto
Micheletti Bain became the leader of a de facto regime. Until the June 28 coup d'etat (June coup), the country was a constitutional,
multiparty democracy with a population of approximately eight million. The coup was preceded by months of political tension
between the executive and other branches of government in relation to an executive proposal to hold a referendum on convening a
constitutional assembly to consider reforms to the constitution. Although the coup was bloodless, subsequent related events
resulted in the loss of life as well as limitations by the de facto regime on freedom of movement, association, expression, and
assembly. On November 29, voters elected Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo of the National Party for a four-year term to the presidency, in
elections that international observers considered to be generally free and fair. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective
control of the security forces prior to the June coup, there were instances in which elements of the security forces acted
independently of government authority.
The following human rights problems were reported:
During the political crisis following the June coup, demonstrations occurred throughout the country. Curfews were arbitrarily
implemented during which security forces employed disproportionate use of force, resulting in some cases of loss of life and acts
of vandalism by protestors. The de facto regime also limited freedom of assembly and restricted freedom of the press. Most
notably, on July 1, September 26, and October 5, the de facto regime enacted decrees that suspended the constitution during
curfew hours and placed substantial restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
Click here to read more »
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
On June 28, the military forcibly removed and sent into exile President Jose Manuel Zelaya, and Congress President Roberto
Micheletti Bain became the leader of a de facto regime. Until the June 28 coup d'etat (June coup), the country was a constitutional,
multiparty democracy with a population of approximately eight million. The coup was preceded by months of political tension
between the executive and other branches of government in relation to an executive proposal to hold a referendum on convening a
constitutional assembly to consider reforms to the constitution. Although the coup was bloodless, subsequent related events
resulted in the loss of life as well as limitations by the de facto regime on freedom of movement, association, expression, and
assembly. On November 29, voters elected Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo of the National Party for a four-year term to the presidency, in
elections that international observers considered to be generally free and fair. While civilian authorities generally maintained effective
control of the security forces prior to the June coup, there were instances in which elements of the security forces acted
independently of government authority.
The following human rights problems were reported:
- unlawful killings by members of the police and government agents;
- arbitrary and summary killings committed by vigilantes and former members of the security forces;
- harsh prison conditions;
- violence against detainees, and corruption and impunity within the security forces;
- lengthy pretrial detention and failure to provide due process of law;
- arbitrary detention and disproportionate use of force by security forces after the June coup;
- politicization, corruption, and institutional weakness of the judiciary;
- erosion of press freedom;
- corruption in the legislative and executive branches;
- limitations on freedom of movement and association;
- government restrictions on recognition of some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs);
- violence and discrimination against women;
- child prostitution and abuse;
- trafficking in persons;
- discrimination against indigenous communities;
- violence and discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation;
- ineffective enforcement of labor laws;
- child labor.
During the political crisis following the June coup, demonstrations occurred throughout the country. Curfews were arbitrarily
implemented during which security forces employed disproportionate use of force, resulting in some cases of loss of life and acts
of vandalism by protestors. The de facto regime also limited freedom of assembly and restricted freedom of the press. Most
notably, on July 1, September 26, and October 5, the de facto regime enacted decrees that suspended the constitution during
curfew hours and placed substantial restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
Click here to read more »
23 June 2009
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
Forty-second session
Geneva, 27 April to 15 May 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
HONDURAS
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the initial report of Honduras and commends the State party for its frank and open
assessment on the implementation of the Convention in the State party. Nevertheless, it regrets that the initial report was submitted
with a 10-year delay. The Committee notes with satisfaction the constructive efforts made by the multisectoral State party
delegation to provide additional information and explanations during the dialogue.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the ratification of the following international instruments:
(a) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights on the abolition of the death penalty (18 April 2008);
(b) International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (1 April 2008);
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Definition of torture
7. While noting the criminalization of torture by amendment to the Honduran Criminal Code in 1996, the Committee is concerned
that the national legislation is not yet fully harmonized with the Convention, as article 209-A of the Honduran Criminal Code does
not contain intimidation, or coercion of the victim or a third person and discrimination of any kind as a purpose or reason for
inflicting torture. It further lacks provisions criminalizing torture inflicted at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence
of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. The Committee also notes that, in contravention of article 1 of the
Convention, the Honduran Criminal Code allows for adjustments in the sanction depending on the pain or suffering inflicted. The
Committee notes that the crimes of coercion, discrimination and ill-treatment are prohibited in other articles of the Criminal Code; it
however expresses concern at the different sanctions provided for those crimes (art. 1).
The Committee encourages the State party to continue its commitment to revise the definition of torture contained in article 209-A
of the Honduran Criminal Code and recommends that the provision be harmonized in strict conformity with article 1 of
the Convention. It further recommends that the State party make torture an imprescriptible offence.
Click here to read more »
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
Forty-second session
Geneva, 27 April to 15 May 2009
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
HONDURAS
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the initial report of Honduras and commends the State party for its frank and open
assessment on the implementation of the Convention in the State party. Nevertheless, it regrets that the initial report was submitted
with a 10-year delay. The Committee notes with satisfaction the constructive efforts made by the multisectoral State party
delegation to provide additional information and explanations during the dialogue.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the ratification of the following international instruments:
(a) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights on the abolition of the death penalty (18 April 2008);
(b) International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (1 April 2008);
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Definition of torture
7. While noting the criminalization of torture by amendment to the Honduran Criminal Code in 1996, the Committee is concerned
that the national legislation is not yet fully harmonized with the Convention, as article 209-A of the Honduran Criminal Code does
not contain intimidation, or coercion of the victim or a third person and discrimination of any kind as a purpose or reason for
inflicting torture. It further lacks provisions criminalizing torture inflicted at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence
of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. The Committee also notes that, in contravention of article 1 of the
Convention, the Honduran Criminal Code allows for adjustments in the sanction depending on the pain or suffering inflicted. The
Committee notes that the crimes of coercion, discrimination and ill-treatment are prohibited in other articles of the Criminal Code; it
however expresses concern at the different sanctions provided for those crimes (art. 1).
The Committee encourages the State party to continue its commitment to revise the definition of torture contained in article 209-A
of the Honduran Criminal Code and recommends that the provision be harmonized in strict conformity with article 1 of
the Convention. It further recommends that the State party make torture an imprescriptible offence.
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Freedom In The World 2009 Report
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
Civil society organizations in 2008 banded together to form a new social movement against corruption and impunity. Acts of
repression and violence against union leaders, public officials, and other activists were a cause for concern during the year, and the
country was shaken by persistent gang-related crime as well as a rise in poverty linked to increased food prices. Political parties
held primary elections in November, aiming to resolve internal rifts ahead of the 2009 general elections.
Long-standing civil society complaints of corruption among the political and business elite led to the creation in May 2008 of the
Comprehensive Movement for Dignity and Justice (MADJ), an umbrella group that included social and religious organizations, trade
unions, and prosecutors. In April, 25 prosecutors staged a 38-day hunger strike to protest the unwillingness of the attorney general’
s office to investigate alleged acts of corruption. The group also objected to a new law creating a criminal investigative unit within
the office of the attorney general, arguing that it would concentrate power in the hands of corrupt officials.
Fears of increased political repression also emerged in 2008 when security officials at the National Autonomous University of
Honduras seized a “black list” of 135 public figures from two plainclothes policemen who had been following the president of the
student union. The list included indigenous and labor leaders, lawmakers, journalists, and clergy, many of whom were marked for
surveillance. A number of officials and activists received death threats in 2008, including five human rights prosecutors, the mayor
of Tegucigalpa, the attorney general, and the Supreme Court president. In September, prosecutor Luis Javier Santos was wounded
in an attack linked to his anticorruption work.
Political parties suffered from infighting between rival primary candidates ahead of the 2009 general elections. In the PL, the two
presidential contenders were Vice President Elvin Santos and Roberto Micheletti, the president of Congress. In the PN, the two key
leaders were Mario Canahuati, a businessman and former ambassador to the United States, and Porfirio Lobo Sosa, the party’s
2005 nominee. Due to a last-minute ruling from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Santos was rendered ineligible to run for president
because he had temporarily served as commander in chief in his role as vice president. Santos was replaced by Mauricio Villeda to
compete in the primary, and was successful in securing the PL nomination. Santos resigned as vice president in November and
vowed to pursue his candidacy for the presidency. Sosa won the PN’s nomination.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
Civil society organizations in 2008 banded together to form a new social movement against corruption and impunity. Acts of
repression and violence against union leaders, public officials, and other activists were a cause for concern during the year, and the
country was shaken by persistent gang-related crime as well as a rise in poverty linked to increased food prices. Political parties
held primary elections in November, aiming to resolve internal rifts ahead of the 2009 general elections.
Long-standing civil society complaints of corruption among the political and business elite led to the creation in May 2008 of the
Comprehensive Movement for Dignity and Justice (MADJ), an umbrella group that included social and religious organizations, trade
unions, and prosecutors. In April, 25 prosecutors staged a 38-day hunger strike to protest the unwillingness of the attorney general’
s office to investigate alleged acts of corruption. The group also objected to a new law creating a criminal investigative unit within
the office of the attorney general, arguing that it would concentrate power in the hands of corrupt officials.
Fears of increased political repression also emerged in 2008 when security officials at the National Autonomous University of
Honduras seized a “black list” of 135 public figures from two plainclothes policemen who had been following the president of the
student union. The list included indigenous and labor leaders, lawmakers, journalists, and clergy, many of whom were marked for
surveillance. A number of officials and activists received death threats in 2008, including five human rights prosecutors, the mayor
of Tegucigalpa, the attorney general, and the Supreme Court president. In September, prosecutor Luis Javier Santos was wounded
in an attack linked to his anticorruption work.
Political parties suffered from infighting between rival primary candidates ahead of the 2009 general elections. In the PL, the two
presidential contenders were Vice President Elvin Santos and Roberto Micheletti, the president of Congress. In the PN, the two key
leaders were Mario Canahuati, a businessman and former ambassador to the United States, and Porfirio Lobo Sosa, the party’s
2005 nominee. Due to a last-minute ruling from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Santos was rendered ineligible to run for president
because he had temporarily served as commander in chief in his role as vice president. Santos was replaced by Mauricio Villeda to
compete in the primary, and was successful in securing the PL nomination. Santos resigned as vice president in November and
vowed to pursue his candidacy for the presidency. Sosa won the PN’s nomination.
Click here to read more »
Amnesty International issues human rights plan for Honduras
28 January 2010
Amnesty International on Thursday issued a series of recommendations to newly elected Honduran President Porfirio Lobo to
repair the damage done to human rights since the June 2009 coup d'état, which left hundreds seeking justice.
The 13 recommendations include issues relating to investigations into the human rights abuses committed by security forces,
rejecting amnesty laws for those responsible for the crimes, training judges on international human rights legislation and setting up
an effective witness protection programme.
"Honduras' devastating coup d'état has left the country in urgent need of a programme of human rights reconstruction with clear
objectives and a timeline for completion," said Kerrie Howard, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Americas programme.
"If President Lobo wants to restore the rule of law and confidence in his government, he must ensure the abuses of the past seven
months are dealt with quickly and effectively."
Amnesty International's report also summarizes 20 cases which include police killings, arbitrary detentions, beatings and
ill-treatment in detention, sexual abuse of women and girls, harassment of journalists, judges and activists.
No-one has been held to account for these abuses and few investigations have been opened.
On 1 August, 38-year-old teacher Roger Abraham Vallejo died in hospital as a result of injuries sustained from a bullet wound to the
head, caused by a rubber bullet reportedly fired by police during the break up of a protest in Tegucigalpa in July. An investigation
into the killing is open but no advances have been reported.
On 23 September, 16-year-old Gerson Ariel Cruz was seriously wounded by police following the break up of a protest in
Tegucigalpa. According to an eyewitness, the police chased protesters into a residential neighbourhood where they opened fire with
live ammunition. Gerson, who had taken no part in the protest, was shot in the stomach.
When family members tried to take him to hospital they were turned back from a police roadblock, substantially delaying their
journey to seek emergency treatment. Gerson survived but sustained serious injuries from which he has still not fully recovered.
The shooting was reported to the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights and an investigation is on-going.
Click here to read more »
28 January 2010
Amnesty International on Thursday issued a series of recommendations to newly elected Honduran President Porfirio Lobo to
repair the damage done to human rights since the June 2009 coup d'état, which left hundreds seeking justice.
The 13 recommendations include issues relating to investigations into the human rights abuses committed by security forces,
rejecting amnesty laws for those responsible for the crimes, training judges on international human rights legislation and setting up
an effective witness protection programme.
"Honduras' devastating coup d'état has left the country in urgent need of a programme of human rights reconstruction with clear
objectives and a timeline for completion," said Kerrie Howard, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Americas programme.
"If President Lobo wants to restore the rule of law and confidence in his government, he must ensure the abuses of the past seven
months are dealt with quickly and effectively."
Amnesty International's report also summarizes 20 cases which include police killings, arbitrary detentions, beatings and
ill-treatment in detention, sexual abuse of women and girls, harassment of journalists, judges and activists.
No-one has been held to account for these abuses and few investigations have been opened.
On 1 August, 38-year-old teacher Roger Abraham Vallejo died in hospital as a result of injuries sustained from a bullet wound to the
head, caused by a rubber bullet reportedly fired by police during the break up of a protest in Tegucigalpa in July. An investigation
into the killing is open but no advances have been reported.
On 23 September, 16-year-old Gerson Ariel Cruz was seriously wounded by police following the break up of a protest in
Tegucigalpa. According to an eyewitness, the police chased protesters into a residential neighbourhood where they opened fire with
live ammunition. Gerson, who had taken no part in the protest, was shot in the stomach.
When family members tried to take him to hospital they were turned back from a police roadblock, substantially delaying their
journey to seek emergency treatment. Gerson survived but sustained serious injuries from which he has still not fully recovered.
The shooting was reported to the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights and an investigation is on-going.
Click here to read more »
Honduras: Investigate Attacks on Journalists
Wave of Killings and Threats Undermine Free Expression
March 19, 2010
(Washington, DC) – Honduras should conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into a recent wave of killings and
threats against journalists, Human Rights Watch said today. Three journalists have been killed in March, and five others have been
threatened.
“It’s impossible to know the exact motive of these attacks without an adequate investigation,” said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas
director at Human Rights Watch. “But the murders and threats are generating a climate of fear that is likely to have a chilling effect
on the Honduran media.”
The following three journalists were killed in Honduras this month:
• On March 14, while Nahún Palacios was driving his car, two cars came up behind him and shot at him repeatedly. He died
instantly at the scene. Palacios, who directed TV Channel 5 of Aguán, covered several politically sensitive issues, including anti-
coup demonstrations, drug trafficking, and agrarian conflicts. Two days after the coup of June 28, 2009, which Palacios had
criticized, military officials searched his home, seized his work equipment, threatened him, and pointed their guns at his children.
On July 24, the Inter American Commission on Human Rights granted Palacios “precautionary measures,” ordering Honduras to
protect him. Palacios continued to receive threats until he was killed.
• On March 11, David Meza, a reporter for the local radio El Patio and correspondent of the national Radio America, was driving
his car when a truck opened fire on him, causing him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into a building. According to the OAS
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Meza had been reportedly threatened after he published several reports on drug
trafficking.
• On March 1, unknown individuals killed Joseph Hernández Ochoa while he was driving his car with Carol Cabrera, another
journalist who was injured in the attack. Ochoa hosted an entertainment show on TV Channel 51, and Cabrera hosts a radio show
in Cadena Voces. Cabrera, who openly supported the coup and hosted a TV show on a public station during the de facto
government of Roberto Micheletti, has received multiple death threats since the coup. She usually has a police escort, who was not
with her when the attack occurred.
Click here to read more »
Wave of Killings and Threats Undermine Free Expression
March 19, 2010
(Washington, DC) – Honduras should conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into a recent wave of killings and
threats against journalists, Human Rights Watch said today. Three journalists have been killed in March, and five others have been
threatened.
“It’s impossible to know the exact motive of these attacks without an adequate investigation,” said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas
director at Human Rights Watch. “But the murders and threats are generating a climate of fear that is likely to have a chilling effect
on the Honduran media.”
The following three journalists were killed in Honduras this month:
• On March 14, while Nahún Palacios was driving his car, two cars came up behind him and shot at him repeatedly. He died
instantly at the scene. Palacios, who directed TV Channel 5 of Aguán, covered several politically sensitive issues, including anti-
coup demonstrations, drug trafficking, and agrarian conflicts. Two days after the coup of June 28, 2009, which Palacios had
criticized, military officials searched his home, seized his work equipment, threatened him, and pointed their guns at his children.
On July 24, the Inter American Commission on Human Rights granted Palacios “precautionary measures,” ordering Honduras to
protect him. Palacios continued to receive threats until he was killed.
• On March 11, David Meza, a reporter for the local radio El Patio and correspondent of the national Radio America, was driving
his car when a truck opened fire on him, causing him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into a building. According to the OAS
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Meza had been reportedly threatened after he published several reports on drug
trafficking.
• On March 1, unknown individuals killed Joseph Hernández Ochoa while he was driving his car with Carol Cabrera, another
journalist who was injured in the attack. Ochoa hosted an entertainment show on TV Channel 51, and Cabrera hosts a radio show
in Cadena Voces. Cabrera, who openly supported the coup and hosted a TV show on a public station during the de facto
government of Roberto Micheletti, has received multiple death threats since the coup. She usually has a police escort, who was not
with her when the attack occurred.
Click here to read more »
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Great expectations generated Nation Plan presentation in Paradise
Saturday, March 20, 2010
In a participatory democracy, the people are the author of his own destiny. There is something real and that power resides in the
people, "said the President Lobo Sosa.
Generated a significant buzz this weekend presenting the Vision Plan Country Office and among the mayors and representatives of
the forces of the department of El Paraíso, specifically among municipalities that comprise the eleventh subregion.
The National Plan presentation was held at the Normal School gymnasium Joint Villa Ahumada, Danlí, department of El Paraíso in
the presence of President of the Republic, Porfirio Lobo Sosa.
President Lobo Sosa, recalled that the formulation of the Nation and Vision of the Country, is a process that has been gestating for
12 years through various consultations and consensus in the administrations of former presidents Carlos Flores, Ricardo Maduro
and Manuel Zelaya.
He stressed that apart from the ideological, political, religious and even age, "the important thing is that unites us all and we are all
Honduras Honduras."
The president said that the Presidency of the Republic should not be used to decide and implement all, because the state is
inefficient and repeals a power that no longer has the real power resides in the people.
In this regard, called on residents to unite and seek an understanding to move the country forward through the Plan of Nation and
Vision of the Country, crowding around the water.
Click here to read more »
Great expectations generated Nation Plan presentation in Paradise
Saturday, March 20, 2010
In a participatory democracy, the people are the author of his own destiny. There is something real and that power resides in the
people, "said the President Lobo Sosa.
Generated a significant buzz this weekend presenting the Vision Plan Country Office and among the mayors and representatives of
the forces of the department of El Paraíso, specifically among municipalities that comprise the eleventh subregion.
The National Plan presentation was held at the Normal School gymnasium Joint Villa Ahumada, Danlí, department of El Paraíso in
the presence of President of the Republic, Porfirio Lobo Sosa.
President Lobo Sosa, recalled that the formulation of the Nation and Vision of the Country, is a process that has been gestating for
12 years through various consultations and consensus in the administrations of former presidents Carlos Flores, Ricardo Maduro
and Manuel Zelaya.
He stressed that apart from the ideological, political, religious and even age, "the important thing is that unites us all and we are all
Honduras Honduras."
The president said that the Presidency of the Republic should not be used to decide and implement all, because the state is
inefficient and repeals a power that no longer has the real power resides in the people.
In this regard, called on residents to unite and seek an understanding to move the country forward through the Plan of Nation and
Vision of the Country, crowding around the water.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Thursday February 25, 2010
Human Rights Commissioner:
Urge continental strategy designed to defend democracies
The National Commissioner for Human Rights, Ramón Custodio, said it is urgent to design a continental strategy, to defend
democracy and the institutional face of brutal aggression of which are covered by pseudo-democratic dictatorships.
The Honduran ombudsman said that this defense should be well understood by the whole society.
Asked to recommend to the supporters of the XXI Century Socialism in Honduras, Custodio did not hesitate to answer that as
Hondurans are all in the same boat.
He added that they are neither Chavez nor with Ortega, are on the boat with the rest of the Honduran people, and the people we all
are.
"Either we save all or we lose all," he said.
According to the owner of the humanitarian agency there are two simple steps that must exist to defend democracies and
institutions.
It recommended that the first step is to initiate a frank and open debate continental about what happens to our democracies to
improve them.
He added that as a second instance must create an organization to undertake a coordinated defense of democracy and the
institutionalization of Latin America.
"If they are organized, we should also better organized," the Honduran ombudsman.
Recent statements by the National Commissioner for Human Rights, Ramón Custodio, said the "anarchism of the century"
disguised in the name of Socialism of the XXI Century, aims to "bowling" with Honduran institutions and jettison the
institutionalization of State.
"They want to play" bowling "and with the same ball bounce first one and then the other state institutions, he said.
He stressed the urgent need to devise a strategy to defend continental democracies and institutions of any State in Latin America
against the unjust and brutal aggression of which are covered by the pseudo-democratic dictatorships.
Click here to read more »
Thursday February 25, 2010
Human Rights Commissioner:
Urge continental strategy designed to defend democracies
The National Commissioner for Human Rights, Ramón Custodio, said it is urgent to design a continental strategy, to defend
democracy and the institutional face of brutal aggression of which are covered by pseudo-democratic dictatorships.
The Honduran ombudsman said that this defense should be well understood by the whole society.
Asked to recommend to the supporters of the XXI Century Socialism in Honduras, Custodio did not hesitate to answer that as
Hondurans are all in the same boat.
He added that they are neither Chavez nor with Ortega, are on the boat with the rest of the Honduran people, and the people we all
are.
"Either we save all or we lose all," he said.
According to the owner of the humanitarian agency there are two simple steps that must exist to defend democracies and
institutions.
It recommended that the first step is to initiate a frank and open debate continental about what happens to our democracies to
improve them.
He added that as a second instance must create an organization to undertake a coordinated defense of democracy and the
institutionalization of Latin America.
"If they are organized, we should also better organized," the Honduran ombudsman.
Recent statements by the National Commissioner for Human Rights, Ramón Custodio, said the "anarchism of the century"
disguised in the name of Socialism of the XXI Century, aims to "bowling" with Honduran institutions and jettison the
institutionalization of State.
"They want to play" bowling "and with the same ball bounce first one and then the other state institutions, he said.
He stressed the urgent need to devise a strategy to defend continental democracies and institutions of any State in Latin America
against the unjust and brutal aggression of which are covered by the pseudo-democratic dictatorships.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Authorities ordered INAM National Congress and military police and repress women
Tegucigalpa, M. D. C.,
March 9, 2010
A peaceful activity that was made this 08 March in the framework of the International Day of Women's Day by Feminists in
Resistance, was repressed by the authorities of the National Congress and, paradoxically, from the National Women's Institute,
INAM, intending to disrupt the activity.
As the paper says, INAM in his vision is "To be one of the fundamental pillars of the state regarding the full inclusion of women
driving the improvement of their quality of life, and promoting respect for human rights, in harmony with the interests of all social
sectors in a participatory and democratic framework. "
And their mission, "We are the institution responsible for formulating, develop, promote, coordinate and monitor policies that ensure
and protect the rights of women, girls and girls with gender equality, to contribute to sustainable human development country. "
But officials of the institution in charge of the controversial Minister Maria Antonieta Boto, appointed by the regime of Porfirio Lobo
Sosa, forget their responsibility and ordered police and soldiers who fired from the vicinity of the National Congress in the Feminist
Resistance.
The activity started at nine in the morning, but when they were setting up several opportunities to show what women have done in
the context of resistance against the coup, Congress officials and military police arrived to prevent the installed , but they did not
allow them to violate their rights.
According to the story, a sour-looking man came to tell who was a mockery of the flag. Sara Tome INAM other activity was right
there even though the feminist in the Resistance was widespread, what seemed like a boycott to women's organizations who came
to demonstrate peacefully in the place.
The action deepened the differences that from the beginning had Boto, who have questioned not qualify to be in office. After noon,
he again ordered attacks on women
"We were doing our business here in the Plaza La Merced, quiet all of a sudden we were sent to remove the energy because the act
was to begin INAM it mounted to the underside of the National Congress when we cut the electricity get into the auditorium that
We connect the light and then immediately returned to cut us, we immediately went to the Minister of INAM to connect us back to
the light, but what they did was lie down police officers with sticks and weapons, beat fellow, threw us cartels, "said one of the
assaulted by the police."
The women were taken to shoving by police since the coup have been savagely abused women involved in the resistance for his
starring role not to be feared. Regina Fonseca, Center for Women's Rights, CDM, reported that this is a week of the great
international feminist movement not only in Honduras but other countries in Latin America who came to support them.
Click here to read more »
Authorities ordered INAM National Congress and military police and repress women
Tegucigalpa, M. D. C.,
March 9, 2010
A peaceful activity that was made this 08 March in the framework of the International Day of Women's Day by Feminists in
Resistance, was repressed by the authorities of the National Congress and, paradoxically, from the National Women's Institute,
INAM, intending to disrupt the activity.
As the paper says, INAM in his vision is "To be one of the fundamental pillars of the state regarding the full inclusion of women
driving the improvement of their quality of life, and promoting respect for human rights, in harmony with the interests of all social
sectors in a participatory and democratic framework. "
And their mission, "We are the institution responsible for formulating, develop, promote, coordinate and monitor policies that ensure
and protect the rights of women, girls and girls with gender equality, to contribute to sustainable human development country. "
But officials of the institution in charge of the controversial Minister Maria Antonieta Boto, appointed by the regime of Porfirio Lobo
Sosa, forget their responsibility and ordered police and soldiers who fired from the vicinity of the National Congress in the Feminist
Resistance.
The activity started at nine in the morning, but when they were setting up several opportunities to show what women have done in
the context of resistance against the coup, Congress officials and military police arrived to prevent the installed , but they did not
allow them to violate their rights.
According to the story, a sour-looking man came to tell who was a mockery of the flag. Sara Tome INAM other activity was right
there even though the feminist in the Resistance was widespread, what seemed like a boycott to women's organizations who came
to demonstrate peacefully in the place.
The action deepened the differences that from the beginning had Boto, who have questioned not qualify to be in office. After noon,
he again ordered attacks on women
"We were doing our business here in the Plaza La Merced, quiet all of a sudden we were sent to remove the energy because the act
was to begin INAM it mounted to the underside of the National Congress when we cut the electricity get into the auditorium that
We connect the light and then immediately returned to cut us, we immediately went to the Minister of INAM to connect us back to
the light, but what they did was lie down police officers with sticks and weapons, beat fellow, threw us cartels, "said one of the
assaulted by the police."
The women were taken to shoving by police since the coup have been savagely abused women involved in the resistance for his
starring role not to be feared. Regina Fonseca, Center for Women's Rights, CDM, reported that this is a week of the great
international feminist movement not only in Honduras but other countries in Latin America who came to support them.
Click here to read more »
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Maria Antonieta Guillen de Bogran
Vice President since 27 January 2010
Vice President since 27 January 2010
