Honduras human rights defender warns of penal code reform risks

Hugo Maldonado, president of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in Honduras (Codeh), has urged the National Congress to carefully evaluate the legal implications of proposed reforms to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.

Maldonado emphasized that any legislative changes, particularly those concerning public security measures and the reduction of the age of criminal responsibility, must align with international human rights treaties. He warned that if reforms are enacted without adhering to these legal frameworks, the Honduran state could face lawsuits and significant indemnification costs. He noted that such financial burdens could divert essential funds away from health, security, and the penitentiary system.

The defender suggested that if the proposed changes are incompatible with existing international obligations, lawmakers should formally analyze the process of denouncing specific treaties or amending the Constitution to ensure legal consistency. The discussion must balance the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking with the protection of human rights and social stability.