Honduran Government Tells U.N.: We've Made Strong Progress on Human Rights

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The government of Honduras has successfully completed its second periodic report to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In his testimony, Rolando Argueta Perez, President of the Supreme Court of Justice of Honduras, shared the concrete steps that the Central American nation has taken to protect human rights within its borders.

"We are pleased that the U.N. Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner has recognized our tireless efforts to address corruption and impunity in Honduras," said Ricardo Cardona, minister of the presidency of Honduras. "This official testimony provides a strong rebuke to the misinformation that several non-governmental organizations have disseminated about the state of human rights in our nation."

Chief Justice Argueta delivered his report before a panel of 18 human rights experts in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 5. He detailed Honduras's progress regarding human rights, security, the fight against organize crime and corruption, and the treatment of vulnerable sectors of society.

The government currently has eight suspects in custody, including two criminal organizers, for the 2016 murder of well-known Honduran environmental activist Berta Cáceres, and has issued an executive order to provide her family with official protection from special security forces.

In addition, President Juan Orlando Hernández decided to elevate the current office of the undersecretary for Human Rights to a national cabinet department. He also has enacted the Law on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Journalists, Media Professionals and Judicial Officers, which provides government protection to activists and journalists who request it.

Honduras has also made strides tackling crime and corruption. The nation's homicide rate plummeted 30 percent between 2011 and 2015, and a national purge of the police force has been underway since April 2016.

Honduras is committed to issuing accurate and transparent information on its human rights progress, its fight against organized crime, and on the Berta Cáceres case.

"We recognize that we have work to do, but we are steadfastly committed to improving the respect for and protection of human rights in Honduras," said Cardona. "The U.N. has recognized the progress that we have made. It's time for the rest of the international community to take notice."

Media Contact:
Yael Wollstein
[email protected] 
202-471-4228 ext. 118

SOURCE Republic of Honduras