A/HRC/35/23/Add.1
111. In an interview, one family member of a victim said “we have lost our culture
of life”. Beyond legal reform, it is that culture that must be restored. The Special
Rapporteur has also met with people who are restoring the normality of life through
open-air concerts, sport and opportunities for young people. These are all important
initiatives, and more is needed. The crucial and most difficult part of the road back to
a culture that cherishes life lies ahead. Some additional legal changes are required,
but it is important not simply to wait for them to come about. The challenge, in
addition to taking other steps to restore the culture of life, is the consistent
implementation of the current laws — without fear or favour, and as a matter of
urgency.
112. Civil society is an active part of the quest to improve the situation, as seen for
example in the giant demonstrations against corruption that were managed with
restraint. At the same time, one can feel in Honduras a sense of resignation that the
status quo is unlikely to change. The current downward trajectory in the incidence of
violence should help to counter that approach and demonstrate that change is
possible.
B.
Recommendations addressed to the Government
113. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government develop a
comprehensive strategy to ensure the effective protection of the right to life. The
process should be driven by cross-sectoral coordination or, if the necessary capacity
and inclination can be found therein, by the National Human Rights Commission.
114. With respect to legislation, the Special Rapporteur recommends that the
Government:
(a)
Ensure that the provisions on the use of force by all sectors of law
enforcement, including the police, military police and penitentiary system, are
brought into conformity with international standards;
(b)
Also ensure that the reform of the Organic Law of the National Police
complies fully with international standards governing the use of force, including the
Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials and
the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials;
(c)
Further ensure that the reform of the Law on the Control of Firearms,
Ammunition, Explosives and other Similar Items introduces strict regulations on the
type and number of weapons permissible, and tight registration requirements for the
purchase of guns, in order to protect all individuals from the threat of gun violence.
115. With respect to law enforcement, the Special Rapporteur recommends that the
Government:
(a)
Develop clear criteria for the police certification process;
(b)
Guarantee clearly defined rules of engagement for the military police
and the cessation of its functions as soon as the emergency situation has passed;
(c)
Ensure that the National Force for Inter-institutional Security is headed
by a civilian, and guarantee the independent performance of duties of judges and
prosecutors who are part of that Force.
116. With respect to government officials and institutions, the Special Rapporteur
recommends that the Government:
(a)
Strengthen the independence of the National Human Rights Commission
in accordance with the Principles relating to the status of national institutions for the
promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) and ensure that the
nomination and selection process is fair and transparent;
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