Honduras Security Minister presents crime reduction results to Congress

Honduran Security Minister Gerzón Velásquez is appearing before the National Congress to present progress in combating violence and to request increased political and budgetary support for the National Police.

Velásquez reported a reduction of over 4% in homicides, according to institutional data and the Violence Observatory. He stated that the current administration aims to reduce the homicide rate by at least two points from the previous rate of 26.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, which could result in approximately 200 fewer violent deaths this year. He also noted decreases in massacres and violent deaths of women.

Despite these gains, the Minister identified traffic accidents as a persistent challenge due to irresponsible driving. Additionally, Velásquez noted that Honduras possesses the smallest police force in Central America, prompting his call for greater resources to strengthen operational capacity and combat organized crime and drug trafficking.