For this semester’s beat, my focus will be the Republic of Honduras, located in Central America, west of Guatemala and El Salvador, and east of Nicaragua. Honduras has claimed its independence twice now, the first time was back in 1821 when it declared its independence from Spain and joined the Central American Federation. 1841 marks the start of Honduras’ current status as an independent republic after it no longer belonged to the Central American Federation.
There are currently overlapping circumstances that shape the living conditions of the people of Honduras, essentially facing a humanitarian crisis. These factors range from the global climate crisis to domestic conditions of low income/high poverty rates, high crime rates, and high displacement rates.
Climate Crisis effects in Honduras:
For many people of Honduras, having their homes and small businesses destroyed by a natural disaster marks their last straw for bearing the harsh conditions of constantly living with no shelter or security. Many families either have to stay on the streets or place their remaining hope on seeking refuge or sending their children to seek refuge in the U.S.
Natural disasters have taken enough from the people of Honduras, some even describe the living conditions during the aftermath of a storm as unlivable. “That’s why they leave home and come to the United States,” says Vice President Harris. “They are suffering. They are in pain. Some are experiencing unimaginable anguish” (Harris, 2022).
Violence in Honduras:
Children, women, and LGBTQ+ members are often more targeted and more vulnerable to violence in Honduras, due to a lot of gang activity or people being economically or sexually exploited. Violence is a leading cause of the displacement of families in Honduras because many families and businesses are obligated to give money to the international criminal gang known as the MS-13. If the obligations aren’t met, people and even entire families are at risk of being killed.
Displacement of the people of Honduras:
Honduras currently represents one of the largest highest numbers of nationalities from Central America crossing the southern U.S. borders, in seeking asylum. More than 200 families a day, according to U.S. costumes and border protections. Many people of Honduras get killed, go missing, get raped, or get their belongings stolen by those who they rely on to get them to the southern borders.
Honduran Communities in New York:
New York / New Jersey Honduran population: Estimated 114,769
Locations: West Bronx, Newark – NJ, Islip Long Island.
Honduran Businesses: Ruinas de Copan & Bar (still searching)
Insightful Publications:
https://www.npr.org/2021/05/10/994065661/why-people-are-fleeing-honduras-for-the-u-s-all-thats-left-here-is-misery ( Why people are fleeing Honduras for the U.S.) – Includes interviews of people with illegal professions in Honduras.
https://www.rescue.org/article/crisis-honduras-ongoing-violence-and-climate-shocks#:~:text=Gang%20violence%20and%20organized%20crime,38%20homicides%20per%20100%2C000%20people. (Honduras ongoing violence and climate crisis) – offers and overview on the worsening Honduran humanitarian crisis, groups that are at higher risks of being targeted by violence, mentions of corrupted authority.
https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-honduras/ (U.S. relations with Honduras) – offers information on U.S migration policy toward Honduras and U.S. assistance to Honduras as a response to the humanitarian crisis/ high rates of displacement.