The ongoing state of emergency in Honduras, initiated in December 2022, remains a contentious issue due to its prolongation and fears regarding potential misuse of authority and breaches of human rights. This action was declared by President Xiomara Castro’s administration with the declared purpose of fighting crime, focusing particularly on extortion and the operations of groups like Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18. The enforcement of this state of emergency has resulted in the revocation of certain constitutional rights, enabling arrests without judicial orders and imposing limits on the freedom of movement across different regions of the nation.
Since its introduction, the state of emergency has been extended on multiple occasions. In January 2025, the measure was extended for another 45 days, covering 226 of the 298 municipalities in the country. Although the authorities argue that this tool is essential to combat crime, various sectors have expressed concern about possible abuses and the lack of concrete results.
Discussion about efficiency and civil liberties during the emergency situation
Entities like the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) have highlighted concerns that the state of emergency endangers human rights, calling on the Honduran authorities to ensure adherence to legal principles and refrain from imposing unnecessary limits on essential liberties. The authorities have announced a reduction in murder rates and have disrupted criminal groups during this period. Despite this, reports reveal that extortion and violence still impact citizens. Moreover, there have been recorded incidents of misconduct by law enforcement, such as unwarranted arrests and the disproportionate application of force.
The extension of this measure has sparked a debate about its effectiveness and implications for human rights. While the executive branch maintains that the state of emergency is a necessary tool to combat crime, national and international organizations are calling for a review of its application and for guarantees that security measures do not compromise the fundamental freedoms of citizens.
Therefore, the emergency situation in Honduras is a disputed initiative aimed at addressing criminal violence, but it has ignited discussions regarding its efficiency, lawfulness, and adherence to human rights. The continuation of this extraordinary measure presents obstacles for the assurance of basic liberties and the strengthening of a democratic framework that safeguards both citizens’ security and their rights.
