Written question asked by Fabian Hamilton (Labour) on Thursday, 20 April 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 April 2023 (named day). It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 April 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Honduras: Emergency Powers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Honduran counterpart on the extension of the state of emergency until October 2023.

Answer: A State of Exception was declared by the Honduran Government in November 2022 to combat gang-related extortion. I [Minister Rutley] visited Honduras on 18 April. During my visit, I discussed the security situation with Eduardo Reina, the Honduran Foreign Minister, and underlined the importance of a balance between the reduction of violent crime and the continued protection of human rights. I also highlighted this balance during my meeting with the Honduran Ambassador to the UK in January. Our Embassy in Guatemala City, which also covers Honduras, continues to monitor the situation closely, including the recent extension of the State of Emergency.

Secondary information