Doubts remain about the effectiveness of the state of emergency imposed by the Castro government

More than a year and a half after the start of the state of emergency imposed by the government of Xiomara Castro, levels of violence and crime in Honduras have not shown a sustained decline, intensifying the debate over the effectiveness of this measure in the context of national security.

Since its approval in December 2022, the state of emergency was proposed as an immediate response to the territorial control of gangs in urban and rural areas. However, its uninterrupted application for more than 18 months and repeated extensions have failed to contain phenomena such as extortion, homicides, and other forms of violence that directly affect strategic sectors of the economy and daily life.

Endurance of crime and societal views

Several studies from civic groups and law enforcement statistics concur that criminal organizations persist in functioning with strong intimidation abilities, particularly in strategic routes in the northern and central parts of the nation. Business owners, transport providers, and locals still report unlawful charges, intimidation, and homicides in regions where the government keeps a military and police presence during the emergency situation.

Community representatives, like one interviewed in Tegucigalpa, have expressed that “people are still very frightened” and that they do not see any significant progress in safety. These opinions highlight that crime still dominates whole areas, while officials present statistics that don’t match the situation on the ground, which has increased public skepticism.

Inquiries regarding the government’s strategy

The emergency state was introduced as an exceptional action to tackle organized crime, granting special authority to security forces for intervention. Nevertheless, its execution has faced criticism due to its extended duration and the lack of a thorough plan.

Documents from the National Human Rights Commissioner (CONADEH) and global entities have highlighted a rise in accounts of unjust arrests and breaches of basic rights.

At the same time, security experts warn that militarization without operational intelligence has not yielded sustainable results or weakened criminal structures.

“The government’s approach has been more forceful than tactical,” stated a security expert, who thinks that a system of action focused on prevention, justice, and coordination between institutions has not been realized.

Demands for an inclusive safety strategy

Given the continuation of the state of emergency and the persistence of extortion, one of the crimes that has the greatest impact on the informal economy, public transportation, and neighborhood stability, different sectors have called for a technical review of the current security policy.

Incidents of extortion are on the increase and, even though there are occasional reports of the arrest of supposed leaders, these measures have not produced a long-term deterrent outcome. Based on accounts collected in the local press, numerous victims decide to stay quiet or escape due to insufficient protection assurances.

The corporate world has voiced its worries over the absence of tangible outcomes and has urged a reconfiguration of the safety strategy, involving legal experts, civil society groups, and international collaboration. “Honduras requires genuine outcomes, not more publicity stunts,” stated a representative of the corporate world, calling for openness and responsibility regarding the application of extraordinary measures.

Difficulties faced by institutions in a setting of continuous violence

Extending the state of emergency without openly evaluating its impact underscores the conflict between the pressing need to curb violence and the obligation to uphold democratic principles and basic rights. In a nation characterized by weak institutions and significant distrust towards the authorities, emphasizing security continues to create tension among the government, societal groups, and the populace.

The primary task for Xiomara Castro’s government is to identify a lasting approach that merges crime management with holistic, credible public policies and extensive engagement. In the meantime, ongoing violence and the sense of danger leave the community, which continues to seek impactful and enduring solutions, in suspense.