The spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed this Friday her concern about the militarization of public security in Honduras. The declaration comes two days after the Government extended the state of emergency established to deal with extortion and organized crime for 45 days.
In force since December 2022 in 17 of the 18 departments of Honduras, the state of exception allows the military police to support the national police in carrying out public security tasks. It also repeals the right to personal liberty, freedom of association, assembly and movement, and allows the armed and security forces to carry out arrests and searches without a warrant, explained Marta Hurtado.
Control of the prison system by the military police
On June 21, the authorities announced that command and control of the prison system was transferred to the military police. The spokeswoman pointed out that this decision was taken as a result of a violent incident that occurred in the national women’s prison in the city of Tamara, where 46 inmates were killed when members of a gang attacked a part of the prison where members of a rival gang.
Since then, interventions by the military police have been carried out in all prisons in Honduras.
“Initial monitoring by our Office, as well as information from civil society organizations and other sources regarding military operations in prisons, indicates that inmates, particularly those suspected of being associated with gangs, have been beaten and kicked by military police. They have also been subjected to sleep deprivation and have had their food and water rationed, actions that may constitute ill-treatment,” stated Marta Hurtado.
In this context, the Office asked the authorities to that guarantee that there is internal and external supervision of military action in prisons, as well as the command and control of the prison system, to prevent violations of fundamental rights. They also called for allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force to be promptly investigated.
The state of exception must be exceptional
Marta Hurtado recognized that there is an urgent need to address the prevailing levels of violence in the country, both inside and outside prisons, but the measures that have been adopted should not lead to human rights violations.
“We remember that the use of states of exception must be exceptional, limited in time and restricted to what is strictly necessary depending on the circumstances of the specific case,” he added.
Hurtado reminded the State of Honduras that the prison system must be under civilian control, within the framework of a comprehensive security policy that addresses the root causes of violence and contribute to the dismantling of gangs and other organized crime groups.
“must Immediately redouble efforts to address longstanding prison and criminal justice challenges. These include the extensive use of incarceration, overcrowding, inadequate living conditions, lack of basic services, and inmate control of some prisons. The State must protect the lives of detainees,” he urged.
Nelson Mandela Rules
Finally, the spokesperson referred to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), which should serve as a standard to address the problem of prisons in accordance with international law and human rights standards. humans.
“This will not only serve to guarantee the human dignity of the inmates, but will also redound for the benefit of public safety and the social cohesion of society in general,” he added.
Hurtado stated that the Human Rights Office in Honduras remains available to provide technical assistance.
