New Honduras law on displacement addresses a wide range of needs, highlights UNHCR

The National Congress of Honduras approved this week the “Law for the prevention, care and protection of internally displaced persons”, which establishes the basis for dealing with the consequences suffered by people who have been forced to leave their communities and to prevent further uprooting.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) welcomed the approval, stating that it “marks a milestone in establishing an essential legal framework to respond to the complex situation of thousands of forcibly displaced people” in Honduras, where violence has led to the displacement of more than 247,000 people, of which 55% are women and 43% children and adolescents.

The legislation creates an institutional framework and establishes prevention and protection mechanisms for the population displaced from threats such as forced recruitment by criminal groups and child exploitation.

Give them back their dignity, hopes and rights

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees visited the Central American country last week and met with the president of the National Congress to talk about the humanitarian situation of the displaced, discuss their needs and stress the importance of the approval of the then project Of law.

During that official mission, Filippo Grandi also listened to the tragic experiences of the displaced who have lost everything and now need assistance and protection.

“This law on internal displacement is a much needed step to restore their dignity, hopes and rights. Now that it has been approved, I encourage the authorities to implement it promptly,” Grandi said.

Integral approach

In a statement, UNHCR stressed the scope of the new regulations, which seek to address the needs of the displaced and the phenomenon of mass uprooting in a comprehensive manner.

One of the aspects contemplated by the legislation, for example, is education. The data indicates that the 46% of displaced students had to suspend their studies or were unable to return to school due to gang violence operating in the country. To address this problem, the law provides for the creation of reintegration protocols.

On the other hand, 85% of the displaced people who have health problems need access to mental health servicesTherefore, the regulations include them in the programs dedicated to that effect.

Another serious problem common to the majority of the displaced population is the dispossession or loss of their homes. According to official figures, 68% of the owners suffered the appropriation, destruction, abandonment or sale of their properties, and only 32% managed to keep them after displacement. The law establishes a protection mechanism for abandoned homes, land and property.

UNHCR affirmed that the new law is a sample of the progress of Central America and Mexico in terms of solutions for forcibly displaced people. Likewise, it endorsed its readiness to support the Honduran government in the response and prevention of displacement.