Why is honduras so dangerous

While the cycle of violence, corruption, and weak systems has created deep challenges for Honduras, this cycle can be broken. Cases of corruption and drug trafficking are coming to light and being brought to trial. Communities that were once lawlessly ruled by gangs now have reliable law enforcement standing up for justice. Criminals are being held accountable for their crimes, and more people have access to justice.

We have seen that peace is possible for Honduras. At ASJ, our work in Honduras focuses on securing justice for the vulnerable and making government systems work for all members of society.

We do this through both community-level interventions and national reforms. Updated April Leadership Financials Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy. Sign Up for Updates Attend an Event. Learn more. Why is Honduras so Violent? If multiple gangs want to sell drugs in the same area, they may fight over that territory.

Gangs have strict codes for their members that, if broken, are punishable by death. Here is where MACCIH will be imperative because of its focus on improving the judicial system and building prosecutorial capacity in Honduras.

At the very least, the process for selecting international judges and prosecutors must be absolutely transparent, and the MACCIH will have to interpret its mandate broadly to include both supervising and supporting the Honduran justice system as stated in the OAS proposal , rather than merely accompanying it in its labors.

Critics in Honduras and the United States have correctly pointed out that Honduras has had a terrible track record on fighting impunity and corruption. There are undoubtedly entrenched, corrupt interests in Honduras that will oppose reform.

If the government tries to deflect the efforts of the international bodies whose support it has invited, this will quickly become apparent to all. That would provide ammunition for its critics at home and further increase political pressure for change in this troubled country. Even if the international community is unable to help Honduras fully address its most troubling challenges organized crime, corruption, human rights violations , at the very least the enhanced level of scrutiny will put the government on notice to deliver on its commitments to improve—or have its shortcomings exposed for all to see.

Order from Chaos. Poverty, violence, and insecurity cause significant outflows of migrants and asylum-seekers. Human rights groups reported unjustified lethal force and other excessive use of force by security forces during a police and military crackdown on public protests between March and July.

The crackdown left several people dead and many more injured. It was not clear how many of those killed or injured were victims of excessive force by authorities. Journalists, environmental activists, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender LGBT individuals are vulnerable to violence. Efforts to reform public-security institutions have stalled. Marred by corruption and abuse, the judiciary and police remain largely ineffective. Impunity for crimes and human rights abuses is the norm.

In December , the legislature approved a resolution to extend the mandate of a Special Commission for Police Reform Restructuring, charged with removing active members of the National Police who do not comply with their duties, through January As of June , almost half of more than 13, police officers evaluated by the commission had been removed for acts committed during their tenure as officers.

However, the commission has been criticized for its opacity and several of the almost 6, dismissed officers have been arrested by police for alleged criminal acts committed after their dismissal. This prompted the government in July to establish an elite police force tasked with monitoring the activities of dismissed police officers after they are purged from the institution.

In February, the National Anti-Corruption Council, an independent civil-society group, accused, before the Special Prosecution Unit Against Impunity for Corruption, former president Porfirio Lobo of misappropriating government funds during his presidency.

Lobo denies the allegations. In August, media reported that a court sentenced former First Lady Rosa Elena Bonilla, wife of ex-President Lobo, to 58 years in prison on corruption charges. He is set to be sentenced in January Honduras is one of the murder capitals of the world. The rate of young people killing other young people is down to two main gangs : Mara Salvatrucha MS and Barrio This helps keep everyone in poverty.

There have been protests due to contested election results in late In these demonstrations, more than 1, were arrested and 30 people were killed. This is due to negotiations between criminal groups and the government, and possibly because of economic aid from the US. Anyone else would do well with a trusted tour group. There are probably more sketchy areas in Honduras than there are safe ones. The Bay Islands are the only palace in Honduras that can kind of be considered somewhat safe.

While there were a few violent crime incidents, most travelers have a safe and pleasant stay. You can also visit the island through a guided tour, which will add another layer of safety to your trip. These are the safest islands:. Once you get off the ferry in Utila you have officially entered an alternate reality.

Utila is unlike the rest of mainland Honduras in just about every way. Suddenly you find yourself surrounded by backpackers, dive shops, hostels, burger shacks, smoothie stands, and pirate bars. It is important to know that Utila is very much a developed backpacker hotspot. That said, the development that has taken place has not totally sucked the island dry of its charm. It may have improved it actually. Roatan is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands. Roatan is the more developed, more expensive, and family friendly big brother of Utila.

The island attracts a very different crowd indeed. Expat retirees, yachties, families with kids, and cruise ship tourists make up a large majority of the demographic found on Roatan at any given time.

One good thing I can say about Roatan is that the dive sites are excellent around the island. If you are a keen diver, Roatan is well worth a visit. You can definitely push your luck by staying in the wrong neighborhood as well. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can seriously get you in trouble.

Note that they are generally safe to visit during the day with a bit of caution obviously , especially if you have a local guide, but should be fully avoided at night. Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? Have fun in Honduras, but take it from us, overseas medical care and canceled flights can be seriously expensive — insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver.

Travel mishaps can and do happen and it is well worth thinking about insurance before you leave home. We have used World Nomads for years now and I have personally made several claims.

Why not get a quote from them yourself? Gang violence is a big issue in Honduras. Namely, being robbed. There are some safety points that travelers should know for anywhere they travel, but Honduras requires these special considerations. Not really. But traveling there is possible, of course.

Independent travel is going to require A LOT of being careful. Travel smart and make sure your safety and security is your number one priority. Seeing the world without anyone to answer to, getting to challenge yourself and grow as a person. There are definitely a fair few pros to solo travel.

At the same time, traveling alone can be stressful, boring, lonely, and dangerous in varying quantities. This is essentially an unsafe country. Hondurans are warm and welcoming people who have to live day in, day out with the violence in their country. Chatting to them means getting first-hand knowledge, and means your experience is going to be a lot richer. People do it. You can too.

Be prepared for what life throws at you on the road. We get it.