Honduran President Calls Migrants "Martyrs, Heroes" in U.N. Speech

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last week, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández called Honduran migrants "new martyrs and new heroes" in a speech delivered at the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

"These brave individuals work tirelessly under tough conditions to provide for themselves and for their families," President Hernández said.

The president stressed that his administration is working to stem migration to the United States by improving domestic security in Honduras. The country has reduced its homicide rate by 30 percent since Hernández took office.

President Hernández also argued that the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras, a joint effort of the government and the Organization of American States, will make the country more secure. "We have purged the national police, created anti-corruption tribunals, and strengthened the Ministry of Public Security," he said.

In addition, President Hernández touted his country's economic accomplishments. The economy is projected to grow 4.1 percent this year, and Honduras has reduced its fiscal deficit from 8 percent to 3 percent. Exports have increased, and private investment is taking off, Hernández said.   

The president attributed Honduras's growth to development programs like Honduras 20/20, which aims to create 600,000 jobs over the next five years in Honduras, and Vida Mejor, which provides housing and financial benefits to impoverished Hondurans.

President Hernández also emphasized the importance of cooperation with other Central American nations, highlighting an agreement between Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua to increase security and foster economic growth in the Gulf of Fonseca, which borders all three nations.

The president concluded his speech by encouraging the international community to work together to fight terrorism and climate change.

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SOURCE Republic of Honduras