Congress President defends criminal reforms in Honduras and responds to UN warnings on human rights

Tomás Zambrano defended the criminal reforms approved by the National Congress following the warnings from the United Nations. (Photo: Archive) The president of the National Congress, Tomás Zambrano, defended the criminal and penitentiary reforms approved in Honduras and asserted that they respect human rights, after the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) warned of possible risks to fundamental guarantees. The head of the Legislature reacted to the international body's statement and maintained that the legal modifications seek to strengthen the State's tools to combat the maras, gangs, and organized crime structures operating in the country. Through his social media, Zambrano stated that the National Congress will analyze the United Nations' recommendations and that there is a willingness to incorporate those that contribute to improving the fight against crime. "Enough! The criminal and penitentiary reforms guarantee due process and respect human rights, but they prioritize honest Hondurans who work and do not commit crimes," he expressed. The body questioned the use of tattoos as possible indicators of membership in criminal structures. (Photo: DAET) The congressman argued that the reforms were approved with the victims of violence in mind, the families affected by extortion, and the citizens who for years have lived under threats from criminal structures. Likewise, he defended the need to toughen measures against criminal organizations in order to restore peace to Honduran neighborhoods, housing developments, and communities. "We are going all out against criminals and terrorists to return peace and tranquility to Honduras!" he added. Zambrano's response came after the OHCHR expressed concern over decrees 84-2026, 208-2026, and 258-2026, related to modifications to the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code. The body acknowledged that Honduras faces serious challenges of violence and organized crime, but warned that security measures must respect the State's international human rights obligations. The OHCHR called for strengthening the Public Defense and guaranteeing access to habeas corpus. (Photo: DAET) Among the main criticisms is the use of tattoos and physical characteristics as possible indicators of membership in criminal structures, considering that these criteria could affect the presumption of innocence and lead to arbitrary detentions. It also pointed out risks in the provisions related to searches without subsequent judicial oversight, as well as in the mandatory application of pretrial detention under a maximum security regime without individualized evaluation. Another concern relates to the extension of the detention period to up to 48 hours without appearance before a judicial authority, a measure that, according to the United Nations, could increase the risks of abuse and violations of personal liberty. In response to these criticisms, the OHCHR recommended that the Honduran State review the reforms to ensure that their application does not compromise fundamental rights. Among its proposals, the creation of a Central Registry of Detained Persons, with public access, stands out, in order to prevent forced disappearances and facilitate the location of those who remain in custody. The United Nations recommended creating a public registry of detained persons to prevent forced disappearances. (Photo: Europa Press) It also called for strengthening the Public Defense, guaranteeing access to the writ of habeas corpus, and ensuring effective oversight of investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office. The statement and Zambrano's response open a new debate on the scope of the criminal reforms, at a time when the government of President Nasry Asfura is pushing a strategy of crackdowns against organized crime, while the United Nations calls for greater guarantees to prevent possible abuses during their application.