Honduras: UN rights expert to examine violence-induced internal displacement

GENEVA / TEGUCIGALPA (18 November 2015) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Chaloka Beyani, will conduct his first official visit to Honduras from 23 to 27 November 2015 to assess the situation of internally displaced persons in the country.

“Ongoing internal displacement in Honduras, including displacement triggered by widespread criminal and gang related violence and insecurity has a devastating impact on the lives of those affected and requires preventative action and measures to protect the rights of IDPs,” Mr. Beyani said. “I warmly welcome this opportunity to make an assessment of the situation on the ground and assist the Government in its responses.”

“My visit presents a unique chance to consult widely with Government representatives and other stakeholders on current challenges with regard to IDP protection and assistance. I look forward to discussing initiatives to prevent and respond to the problem of internal displacement and to ensure durable solutions for IDPs in Honduras,” the Special Rapporteur added.

During his five-day visit, at the invitation of the Government of Honduras, the human rights expert will visit Tegucigalpa as well as locations where people have been internally displaced or are at risk of displacement such as San Pedro Sula, recognized as being one of the world’s most violence affected cities.

At the end of his mission, on Friday 27 November 2015, Mr. Beyani will present his preliminary findings at a press conference that will be held in the morning in Tegucigalpa (time and venue to be confirmed). Access to the press conference is strictly limited to journalists.

The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report on his visit to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2016.

Mr. Chaloka Beyani, professor of international law at the London School of Economics, was appointed Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons by the Human Rights Council in September 2010. Learn more, visit: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IDPersons/Pages/IDPersonsIndex.aspx

The Special Rapporteurs are part of the Special Procedures of Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization, and serve in their individual capacity.

Check the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IDPersons/Pages/Standards.aspx

UN Human Rights, Country Page – Honduras: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/LACRegion/Pages/HNIndex.aspx

For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Tegucigalpa (during the visit): Mr. Félix Daniel Gómez (+504 22201100, Ext 1203 / fgomez@ohchr.org)
In Geneva (before and after the visit): Mr. Graham Fox (+41 22 917 9640 / gfox@ohchr.org) or write to idp@ohchr.org

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)  

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