Weve made it pretty clear that Honduras isnt the safest country. Bukeles example resonates in societies with a fragile institutional framework and with a tendency towards populism and authoritarianism, said Ismael Moreno, a human rights defender. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Honduras. And Hondurascan be a safe place for solo female travelers, but wed only recommend it after some solo travel experience. An audit of government purchases of medical supplies to fight Covid-19 revealed supplies worth tens of millions of dollars had gone missing. Corruption, crime, and gang activity inhibits the ability to conduct business activities freely and dissuades entrepreneurs from establishing new businesses. And watch out for bad road conditions after heavy rain. The former vice president has become the Democratic front-runner with primary victories across the country. Access to health care services was a concern in Honduras prior to the pandemic, particularly for rural and economically marginalized communities. Political power brokers also have ties to drug smuggling and have even run trafficking operations themselves. To make sure youre having a successful trip, weve listed the safest, and the no-go areas below. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery, is common. This new donation is in addition to the 81,900 doses of Pfizer . Extortion in Latin America continues to bring in fortunes for criminal gangs. Violence has long ruled here. In April, Public Order Military Police (PMOP) officers severely beat three brothers and shot two of themone fatallyfor allegedly violating a curfew in El Paraso in order to sell bread. It may not exactly be classed as safe, but Honduras shouldnt be ignored. Ex-Honduras president's arrest puts US war on drugs into focus Classes were broadcast on television, radio, and online, in some cases with assignments sent via Whatsapp. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. 'Impossible to escape': El Salvador unveils new mega-prison How Gangs Control Honduras - YouTube When the time came, the police departed in caravans to gang-infested neighbourhoods throughout the capital city, as part of an effort to combat an apparent rise in extortion. Until his life grew increasingly violent. The story 6 gang members killed in Honduras prison was published by the Associated Press on 2022-07-04 18:29:24. Utila is unlike the rest of mainland Honduras in just about every way. And taxi driversprobably wont have enough change to cover a big bill, socarry small denominations. Donate now to support the IRC's life-changing work in Honduras, across northern Central America, and worldwide. It is important to know that Utila is very much a developed backpacker hotspot. This is when things can get sketchy. There have been protests due tocontested election results in late 2017. The primary drivers of this violence are gangs like the Barrio 18 and MS13, which concentrate their criminal activities in urban areas and recruit young people, many of whom are suffering from widespread economic inequality and a lack of opportunity. The government of Honduras is committed to attracting more tourists. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Former president of Honduras makes initial appearance in US - CNN Honduras is one of the Western Hemisphere's deadliest countries for journalists, with security forces representing their biggest threat, Reporters Without Borders noted in 2021. There is no exact number of the exodus, but according to the United States Customs and Border Protection Service, in 2020, they arrested 40,091 Hondurans, who were trying to enter the United States irregularly and until September 2021, this amount increased to 98,554 Honduran arrests, more than double the previous year. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. The number one network in cable, FNC has been the most-watched television news channel for 18 consecutive years. And what you had, you know, after the coup, while the U.S. did cut assistance, it was very. ThisCentral Americancountry suffers from what many countries in the region have suffered from or are currently battling with namely corruption, gangs,anddrugs. The likelihood of you getting caught up in all that relies very much on you being somehow related to one of the gangs. The government has set up roadblocks, deployed security forces, and used violence to prevent people from leaving the country. TEGUCIGALPA, Jan 7 (Reuters) - The Honduran government on Saturday extended a state of emergency declaration for 45 days, expanding it to additional areas of the country in an effort to fight. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Since 2012, the Honduran police have implemented a program sponsored by the US Department of State called Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) which aims to discourage youth crime and gang recruitment. Honduras Honduras declares war against gangs - and for control of popular narrative Xiomara Castro's crackdown on gangs is also an attempt to counter allegations the government hasn't done. Use these tips to reduce the risk, but we also recommend that you pack some medication fit for a bad stomach. Everyone from children to adults are recruited. The food in Honduras is super tasty. Honduras Newspaper : List of All Honduras Newspapers | Honduras News Honduras is one of the murder capitals of the world. Many Hondurans dont have access toclean waterandmedical care. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) Honduras became the second country in Central America to declare a state of emergency to fight gang crimes like extortion. Just in case, thats No quiero compartir el taxi.. Already vulnerable people in Honduras live in an evolving humanitarian crisis, says IRC protection coordinator Zuleyma Chahin. Over60% of the populationlive below the poverty line. According to the U.N., Honduras has the highest femicide rate in the world. Along with Honduras, the IRC also identified Haiti and Venezuela as the countries most at risk of experiencing deteriorating humanitarian crises in 2022 in Latin America and the Caribbean. Wed classify it as generally hazardous. While homicide rates have dropped in recent years, Honduras is still the most dangerous country in the region, with 38 homicides per 100,000 people. It is honestly NOT safe to drink the water in Honduras. A collection of moments during and after Barack Obama's presidency. And that is pretty cool. Yery Noel Medina Ulloa of Honduras pleaded guilty . The storms, among other shocks, led to higher levels of food scarcity while weakening the states capacity to cope with displacement. So backpacking Honduras isnt always just a breeze. Clearly, with the pandemic, that goal wasnt reached, but its not been forgotten either. The government bans emergency contraception, known as the morningafter pill, which can prevent pregnancy after rape, unprotected sex, or contraceptive failure. For years, street gangs have charged protection money from bus and taxi drivers and store owners in Honduras, as in neighboring El Salvador. On theCaribbean coast, there are plenty of delicious dishes to sample, with tortillasand things likerefried beansserved up with every meal. In fact, according toInSight Crime there has definitely been around a 26% drop in crime since 2016. The Covid-19 pandemic has further limited access to education for many children. Its a country with a big heart. Seth Sidney Berry / SOPA Images/Sipa USA (Sipa via AP Images), Share this via Facebook Corruption, no supervision, and poor legislation have led to Latin American military weapons ending up in criminal hands. The US is losing allies in Latin America just as production of cocaine, fentanyl, and other synthetic drugs is going through the roof. Patrick said the inmates were captured about 7:45 AM in downtown Newton. That means suncream, sun-hats, and limiting time in the sun. To Desafio, the Barrio 18 gang in Honduras was everything. The IACHR expressed concern in 2019 regarding the critical levels of impunity and inadequate and insufficient attention to victims of human rights violations. Journalists, environmental activists, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). Honduras may have one of the highest murder rates in the world, and as a solo female traveler, that doesnt sound very inviting as a destination. You dont know how clean the persons hands are whos been peeling and chopping the, Dont go TOO in on the food when you first arrive, especially if you get ill from food quite easily. Some victims of extortion said that the only thing that has changed is how the money is collected. The Inescapable Prison of Barrio 18 in Honduras, Death, Taxes, and Extortion: Why Latin American Companies Keep Paying Up, Timber Mafias - Preying on Latin Americas Forests, State and Community Responses to Extortion, A Mayor and a Wave of Narco Violence on Guatemala's Pacific, One Party, Many Crimes: The Case of Honduras National Party, Drug Trafficking and Political Protection in Paraguay: The Case of Cucho Cabaa, How Colombia Regulators Became Purveyors of Illegal Wood, The Logging Barons of Catacamas, Honduras, How Drug Cartels Moved into Illegal Logging in Mexico, Municipalities Fight Back in Guatemalas Gang-Preyed Upon Neighborhoods, How the Private Sector Helped Counter Rural Extortion in El Salvador. It can get SUPER hot in Honduras. It has experienced one of the world's highest homicide rates, with multiple forms of violence linked to drug trafficking groups. They forcibly recruit children and sexually abuse women, girls, and LGBT people. Traveling around the country is a more complicated matter. Locals drive atcrazy speeds on the highways, there are random toll roads that make the cost high (but if you dont take them, alternative routes are often not paved), and there are animals on the road. Chances are it wasnt cooked with too much care. This is essentially anunsafecountry. Juan Orlando Hernndez extolled his achievements as. By BRENT MAZE. If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Honduran people are friendly and welcoming. Gangs exercise territorial control over neighborhoods and extort residents throughout the country. crime | Honduras News As of August, prisons had reported 1,700 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 38 deaths. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Planning a safe trip to Honduras can get quite overwhelming. Women in Honduras face high levels of gender-based violence. You will have to agree on a pricebefore you get in. Abuses by security forces, including alleged collusion with criminal organizations, and weak state institutions, have contributed to the persistence of gang violence. Schools were closed from March onward due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Honduras declared a state of exception as extortion cases rise, suspending constitutional rights in cities and deploying thousands of troops. FILE PHOTO: Police raid a house after Honduras' President Xiomara Castro (not pictured) mobilised . The Honduran government on Saturday extended a state of emergency declaration for 45 days, expanding it to additional areas of the country in an effort to fight criminal gangs amid high levels of violence. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy. 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