A team of three United Nations experts arrived in Honduras on July 10, 2023. Their purpose is to explore the installation of an anti-corruption mission in the country. The experts come from different parts of the world and will spend the next two weeks in Honduras. During their visit, they will meet with government officials, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to discuss the feasibility of such a mission.
Honduras has faced pressure to crack down on corruption in recent years. In 2022, former President Juan Orlando Hernández was extradited to the United States on drug trafficking charges. The current government, led by President Xiomara Castro, has made promises to root out corruption and impunity.
The UN experts’ primary task is to assess the existing national instruments, institutions, and capacities for fighting corruption and impunity in Honduras. They will also identify necessary constitutional, legal, and administrative reforms required to establish an international anti-corruption mission.
Once the experts have completed their assessment, they will present their findings to the UN Secretary-General. The Secretary-General will then make a recommendation to the UN Security Council. If approved, it would mark the first time the UN has established an international anti-corruption mission in a country.
Establishing an anti-corruption mission in Honduras is of significant importance. It would convey a strong message from the international community, indicating their commitment to assisting Honduras in tackling corruption and impunity. Additionally, the mission would provide vital support to the Honduran government and civil society groups in their efforts.