Summary

The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, visited Honduras from 16 to 27 October 2023. In the present report, while recognizing some important advances, the Special Rapporteur describes the challenging context of complex and long-lasting human rights problems in Honduras, sustained by a culture of impunity. The Special Rapporteur expresses particular concern about persistently high rates of violence and threats against human rights defenders, journalists and social communicators in Honduras, accompanied by high rates of impunity. The Special Rapporteur recommends an overhaul of the National Protection System for Human Rights Defenders, Journalists, Social Communicators and Justice Officials and calls for effective investigations into all cases of killings and attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and social communicators. The Special Rapporteur describes the need to strengthen media freedom and pluralism and access to information, and to invest in building trust across society, including by recognizing the importance of community media and enabling their full operationality and by addressing disinformation in line with international standards. The Special Rapporteur recognizes the openness of the Government of Honduras to technical advice and assistance from international and regional mechanisms and encourages it to pursue its efforts to advance freedom of expression and the safety of journalists and civil society actors.