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CAT status Status under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment State Party since 5 February, 1996. State Party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention (OPCAT) since 23 May, 2006
Reviewed 2016 Read review

Honduras

At a glance

In Honduras torture is used as an ordinary tool of repression and social control by both public and private security forces. The situation has been made worse by the alarming security situation following the 2009 coup, and is now characterized by one of the highest homicide rates in the region and even the world. Widespread impunity hinders prospects for improvement, amidst a worrying trend of militarisation of the most basic functions of the State under policies of “zero tolerance” against mara gangs.

The OMCT has worked intensively with local organisations and coalitions, including our SOS-Torture Network members CPTRT and ACI Participa, Caritas San Pedro Sula, Coalición contra la Impunidad and many others, to bring Honduras into the spotlight of international attention, notably by ensuring regular engagement with the Committee Against Torture and other international bodies. Along with our partners, we monitor conditions of detention in heavily overcrowded prisons, advocate for limitations on the use of force and contribute to the protection of human rights defenders. Honduras remains a very dangerous country for human rights defenders, who face constant repression, criminalization and attacks on their lives, in particular those working on land and environmental issues, indigenous organisations, students and the LGBTI community.

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