Honduras State of Exception: Security Tool or Human Rights Crisis?
- THE MAG POST
- Aug 22, 2025
- 7 min read
Honduras's state of exception has become a focal point of concern, as this emergency declaration, initially aimed at curbing rampant crime, has inadvertently created a climate where law enforcement excesses might flourish. This policy, characterized by the suspension of certain constitutional rights to empower security forces, has been repeatedly extended, moving beyond its intended temporary scope. Critics, including international human rights bodies, argue that this prolonged state of emergency has led to significant violations, such as extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances, effectively shielding perpetrators within the very institutions meant to protect citizens. The situation prompts a critical examination of whether such measures truly enhance security or merely mask deeper systemic issues of corruption and impunity, mirroring controversial approaches seen elsewhere in the region.
Honduras's State of Exception: A Double-Edged Sword Against Crime
Honduras's attempt to combat escalating crime through an emergency declaration, known as the "state of exception," has become a contentious issue, drawing sharp criticism from human rights organizations and legal experts. While ostensibly designed to curb drug trafficking and gang violence, the prolonged suspension of constitutional rights has, by many accounts, created a breeding ground for impunity within law enforcement agencies. This measure, initially intended as a swift, temporary solution, has seen numerous extensions, raising serious concerns about its true impact and potential for systemic abuse.
The Alarming Erosion of Civil Liberties
The declaration of a state of exception in Honduras, first enacted in December 2022, was presented as a necessary response to a surge in organized crime. However, its continuation, marked by at least 17 extensions often bypassing congressional approval, has shifted the focus from crime reduction to the potential for widespread human rights violations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has voiced significant concerns, urging an end to the measure due to credible reports of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions. These abuses, allegedly perpetrated by security forces, paint a grim picture of unchecked power.
Unraveling the Human Rights Crisis
The Honduran National Commission for Human Rights (CONADEH) has corroborated the UN's findings, highlighting a disturbing trend of abuse. Investigator Joaquin Mejia of the Team for Reflection, Investigation and Communication points to the alarming number of complaints lodged against state security forces. Between December 2022 and December 2024, nearly 800 such complaints were registered, underscoring the pervasive nature of these violations. This systematic pattern suggests that the state of exception may be inadvertently shielding those sworn to protect citizens, rather than ensuring their safety.
The implications of these unchecked violations are profound. When law enforcement agencies operate with diminished oversight, the very foundations of justice and accountability begin to crumble. Citizens are left vulnerable, fearing not only criminals but also the state's own agents. This erosion of trust is particularly damaging in a nation striving to rebuild its democratic institutions and ensure the rule of law for all its inhabitants. The continued disregard for fundamental rights risks creating a permanent climate of fear and repression.
Echoes of El Salvador's 'Iron Fist' Approach
Honduras's current approach bears a striking resemblance to the controversial "mano dura" or "iron fist" policies implemented in neighboring El Salvador. Facing a severe crime epidemic that earned it the moniker "murder capital of the world," El Salvador, under President Nayib Bukele, adopted a state of exception in March 2022. This strategy involved a massive deployment of military and police forces to conduct widespread arrests of alleged gang members. While homicide rates reportedly decreased, human rights organizations contend that these mass arrests often swept up innocent individuals, with limited recourse for proving innocence.
Mass Trials and Due Process Concerns
El Salvador's model, which has seen mass trials involving hundreds of individuals simultaneously, raises significant due process concerns. Critics argue that such procedures overwhelm the justice system and deny defendants adequate legal representation or the opportunity to have their individual cases heard. The "coolest dictator in the world," as Bukele styles himself, has championed these tactics, but the long-term consequences for human rights and the rule of law remain a subject of intense debate. The effectiveness of such broad-stroke measures is often questioned when compared to targeted, rights-respecting interventions.
The parallels between Honduras and El Salvador are not merely academic; they represent a regional trend towards adopting stringent, security-focused measures that may come at a steep cost to civil liberties. The success of these policies is often measured by statistics, such as reduced homicide rates, but this overlooks the potential for systemic abuses and the creation of a more authoritarian state apparatus. As Honduras navigates its own security challenges, understanding these regional precedents is crucial for charting a more just and equitable path forward.
A Shift in Security Strategy: From Military to Police
President Xiomara Castro's administration in Honduras initially promised a demilitarization of the country, a stark contrast to the policies of her predecessor, Juan Orlando Hernandez. Hernandez had heavily relied on elite military-police forces, such as the National Anti-Mob and Gang Force (FNAMP), which was later disbanded amid allegations of operating as a death squad in league with powerful gangs like MS-13. This disbandment, acknowledged by then-National Police Chief Gustavo Sanchez as a necessary reform due to human rights violations, paved the way for a new security paradigm.
The Rise of DIPAMPCO and Lingering Doubts
The creation of the Anti-Maras, Gangs and Organised Crime Police Directorate (DIPAMPCO) under police control was intended to signal a cleaner approach to law enforcement. However, critics argue that many of DIPAMPCO's members are former FNAMP personnel, raising questions about whether the systemic issues have truly been addressed. Reports from Honduran media, such as Contracorriente, indicate that DIPAMPCO has been linked to forced disappearances, casting a shadow over the effectiveness and integrity of this new security unit. The police chief's assertion that criminal groups have mimicked DIPAMPCO uniforms to commit crimes further complicates the narrative.
The transition of power from military-led units to police forces was a significant policy shift, aiming to professionalize domestic security. Yet, the persistent allegations of abuses, including disappearances linked to the new police directorate, suggest that the underlying problems of accountability and human rights respect may not have been resolved. This situation highlights the complex challenge of reforming security forces, especially when dealing with deeply entrenched issues of corruption and violence. The public’s trust remains fragile, demanding greater transparency and accountability.
Questioning the Efficacy of the State of Exception
Beyond the human rights concerns, there is significant debate about whether Honduras's state of exception has actually achieved its primary objective: reducing crime. In communities like Bonitillo, a low-income neighborhood in La Ceiba, residents report a worsening security situation. Community leader Rely Mencilla states that the state of exception is a "farce" that isn't working, citing a disturbing increase in daily killings. This sentiment is echoed by other residents who suggest that criminals are adapting by making victims disappear rather than killing them outright, thereby manipulating crime statistics to avoid increased government scrutiny.
The Shadow of Elections and Political Manipulation
As Honduras approaches a crucial election year, the state of exception takes on a new political dimension. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, are calling on all candidates to pledge an end to the emergency measures. Critics, such as Rely Mencilla, argue that the continued application of the state of exception is less about public safety and more about political control. The fear is that limiting civil liberties, such as free speech, could stifle dissent and influence electoral outcomes, ensuring the incumbent party's grip on power through intimidation rather than democratic mandate.
The upcoming elections present a critical juncture for Honduras. The outcome could determine whether the country moves towards restoring full civil liberties or continues down a path of extended emergency rule. The human rights investigator Joaquin Mejia emphasizes the danger this poses to the electoral process, stressing that a peaceful political climate with respect for civil rights is essential for a fair and transparent election. The decisions made in the coming months will significantly shape the future of democracy and human rights in Honduras.
The Ultimate Verdict: Accountability and Restoration
Honduras stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with the complex interplay between security and civil liberties. The prolonged state of exception, while intended to combat crime, has inadvertently fostered an environment where human rights violations by state security forces may be occurring with impunity. The comparison to El Salvador's "iron fist" approach serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential for such measures to erode democratic norms and due process. The transition from military-led security to police oversight has also been met with skepticism, as allegations of abuse persist.
Moving Forward: Rebuilding Trust and Rights
For Honduras to truly overcome its challenges, a return to constitutional order and a robust commitment to human rights are paramount. This necessitates not only ending the state of exception but also implementing comprehensive reforms that ensure accountability for any abuses committed. Strengthening independent oversight bodies, promoting transparency within security forces, and guaranteeing due process for all citizens are crucial steps. The upcoming elections offer an opportunity for a new mandate that prioritizes the restoration of fundamental freedoms and the rebuilding of public trust.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of any security strategy must be measured not just by crime statistics but by its adherence to the rule of law and respect for human dignity. Honduras's experience underscores the delicate balance required to maintain public safety without sacrificing the very liberties that define a just society. The path forward demands courageous leadership committed to transparency, accountability, and the unwavering protection of every citizen's rights.
Aspect of State of Exception | Key Concerns and Observations |
Initial Rationale | Combatting drug trafficking and gang violence through emergency powers. |
Duration and Extensions | Declared December 2022, extended multiple times, often without explicit congressional approval. |
Human Rights Violations | Allegations include extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and raids without judicial oversight. Cited by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and CONADEH. |
Law Enforcement Accountability | Concerns about impunity for security forces, potential resale of seized evidence (drugs, weapons) on the black market. |
Comparison to El Salvador | Similar to "mano dura" policies, including mass arrests and trials, with questions about due process and effectiveness. |
Security Force Reforms | Disbandment of military-run FNAMP due to alleged abuses; creation of police-led DIPAMPCO, but concerns about former FNAMP members persist. |
Effectiveness in Crime Reduction | Community leaders report worsening security despite the state of exception; potential for criminals to hide victims to manipulate statistics. |
Political Implications | Concerns that the state of exception could be used to suppress dissent and influence upcoming elections by limiting civil liberties. |
Recommendations | Calls for an end to the state of exception and for candidates to commit to restoring civil liberties and ensuring accountability. |
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