Reducing Impunity for Crimes of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Honduras

This project aims to strengthen the justice system’s response to high rates of gender-based crimes in Honduras including femicides and crimes against LGBTQ2 persons in eight departments in the country with the highest reported incidence of these offences. The goal is to improve investigations and enhance the prosecution of gender-based crimes through better preparation and argumentation of legal cases and support to and protection of victims. Project activities include: (1) providing training and technical assistance to investigators prosecutors and judges on investigation and case management techniques; (2) developing a quality control system for investigations of sexual and gender-based violence; (3) developing a system to monitor the progress and outcomes of all offences reported to the Attorney General’s Office; (4) supporting existing pilot initiatives like the use of video conferencing for testimony to protect the identity of victims and prevent re-victimization and the use of DNA to enhance the effectiveness of evidence; (5) strengthening government and civil society support structures for victims of gender-based violence.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved investigations by Honduran justice actors of cases involving sexual and gender-based violence including femicides and crimes against LGTBQ2 people; (2) improved preparation presentation and evaluation by Honduran justice actors of trials involving sexual and gender-based violence including femicides and crimes against LGBTQ2 people; and (3) enhanced protection for victims and witnesses of sexual and gender-based violence by justice actors in Honduras.