Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 22nd Session
Universal Periodic Review of Honduras
Statement by Australia
Australia appreciates the engagement of the Honduran delegation in the Universal Periodic Review Process. Australia recognises the efforts of the Government of Honduras to improve the human rights situation since the last review.
Australia welcomes recent legal reforms, such as expanding the definition of special aggravating circumstances in its criminal code to include murder and other violent crimes against women and establishing a special court against domestic violence in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. However, Australia remains concerned at the high rates of murder of women and gender-based violence in Honduras. Australia recommends that Honduras continues to strengthen the response of its criminal justice system to violent crimes against women and girls; in particular measures to support capacity to investigate, prosecute and punish such crimes.
Australia supports Honduras’ efforts to continue to address the high murder rate, especially of journalists and human rights activists, but notes there is much work to be done. Australia recommends that Honduras ensures freedom of expression and take steps to end threats and attacks against journalists and human rights defenders, including LGBTI defenders. In this regard, Australia encourages Honduras to consider implementing the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, and the recommendations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.