[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

HONDURAS (Tier 2) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Honduras does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.  The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Honduras remained on Tier 2.  These efforts included convicting twice as many traffickers, including convicting labor traffickers and a complicit official.  The government also increased funding to the Inter-institutional Commission to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons (CICESCT), allocated funds to an NGO that provides shelter to victims, and conducted outreach and awareness events to prevent trafficking.  However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.  The government investigated and prosecuted fewer suspects, and it identified and assisted fewer victims.  The government did not allocate adequate financial or human resources to effectively respond to trafficking crimes and provide comprehensive victim support throughout the country.

Prioritized Recommendations

Increase funding for victim protection, including government and NGO shelters and other service providers, and expand access to services for male victims, given their exclusion from most shelters, and victims outside major cities.

Vigorously investigate and prosecute traffickers, including complicit officials and perpetrators of forced labor crimes, and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms.

Ensure convicted traffickers are ordered to pay compensation to victims, as called for in Honduran law.

Increase training for front-line officials on implementing SOPs for victim identification and referral, including screening for indicators of trafficking among migrants and returnees, forcibly displaced persons, children apprehended for illicit gang-related activities, and Cuban nationals working in Honduras.

Increase and institutionalize anti-trafficking training for police, prosecutors, judges, and CICESCT’s immediate response team (IRT), with a focus on applying trauma-informed, victim-centered procedures and investigating and prosecuting forced labor.

Provide reintegration and livelihood support services for victims’ long-term wellbeing and to prevent re-trafficking.

Amend the 2014 anti-trafficking law to include a definition of human trafficking consistent with international law.

Draft a new national action plan (NAP) and secure resources for its implementation.

Expand prevention measures, including raising awareness of fraudulent recruitment for employment in Honduras and abroad and punishing employers or employment agencies for illegal practices that facilitate trafficking, such as fraudulent offers of employment or illegal fees for migration or job placement.

Increase collaboration with, including funding for, civil society organizations to support protection and prevention efforts at the community level.”