The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has published a report accusing Honduran authorities of serious human rights violations during the state of emergency in effect since December 2023. The document lists, among other things, extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and torture and deaths in custody. The state of emergency was introduced by President Xiomara Castro to combat drug gangs, but according to the UN, it has led to an escalation of violence by security forces. The report calls for an immediate end to these practices and for those responsible to be held accountable.

Extrajudicial Executions and Disappearances

The UN report documents numerous cases of extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances of individuals detained by security forces. The victims are mainly young men from poor neighborhoods, suspected of links to gangs. Many bodies were found with signs of torture.

Torture and Death in Custody

UN documentation indicates the systematic use of torture against detained persons, which in several cases led to death in police custody. Victims were beaten, electrocuted, and subjected to other forms of physical and psychological violence.

State of Emergency Since 2023

President Xiomara Castro declared a state of emergency in December 2023, expanding the powers of police and military in the fight against drug cartels. These measures, initially enjoying public support, according to the UN, have created a climate of impunity for security forces.

Call for Cessation and Prosecution

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on Honduran authorities to immediately cease all extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and torture. The report also demands an independent investigation and criminal accountability for all those responsible for these crimes.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has published a shocking report documenting massive and systematic human rights violations in Honduras during the state of emergency. This state, introduced by President Xiomara Castro in December 2023 to combat drug gangs, according to the UN, has led to an escalation of violence by security forces, not its reduction. The document details cases of extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture, and deaths in police custody. Honduras has been struggling for years with gang violence and one of the highest murder rates in the world. The country is a key transit point for drugs from South America to the United States. Previous governments have also undertaken controversial, militarized anti-drug operations, often with the tacit support of the USA. The victims are mainly young men from poor neighborhoods, suspected of links to organized crime. The report indicates that many bodies were found with visible signs of brutal treatment. According to UN information, Honduran authorities are not conducting thorough investigations in these cases, which perpetuates a culture of impunity. „These reports are deeply alarming. They constitute gross violations of the right to life, liberty and security of person, as well as the prohibition of torture.” — Volker Türk The UN High Commissioner emphasized that the fight against crime cannot justify violating fundamental human rights. The report calls on the Honduran government to immediately cease all illegal practices, conduct independent and effective investigations, and hold perpetrators accountable. The UN also offers its assistance in reforming the security and justice sectors. The reaction of Honduran authorities to these allegations is not yet known, but the publication of the report exerts significant international pressure on President Castro's administration. This situation calls into question the effectiveness and moral costs of the militarized approach to the drug problem in Latin America.

Mentioned People

  • Xiomara Castro — President of Honduras, who declared the state of emergency in December 2023.
  • Volker Türk — United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, author of the quoted statement.