Unethical and Ethical Issues in the Prison System of Honduras

Introduction

Honduras is one of the countries that face many challenges but lacks public attention to them. For instance, it has some of the highest homicide rates in the world (“Prisons in Honduras”). Prisons in Honduras are associated with high levels of violence; military officers serve as prison officers, which does not eliminate the problem. For instance, in the past four years, around 400 inmates died in the country’s prisons (“Prisons in Honduras”). Notably, the incarceration rate in Honduras is about 200 individuals per 100,000 inhabitants. The number of violent deaths in the country’s prisons is close to the number of natural ones, which reveals that inmates may be treated unethically.

Main body

It is vital to mention that many inmates die in firearm homicides, shootings by prison staff to prevent escapes, and attacks between rival groups with army weapons (“Prisons in Honduras”). The existing system prevents victims from obtaining assistance and support; for example, the representatives of witnesses receive anonymous threats, while some witnesses are killed. It means that currently, there is a need for the implementation of measures aimed at protecting those affected by violence in prisons in Honduras. Another issue that inmates experience is prison overcrowding; in 2015, the rate of overcrowding reached 195% (“Prisons in Honduras”). Some measures, such as early release, have been implemented; moreover, the existing system allows some criminals, especially the leaders of criminal gangs, to live in total isolation, which may reduce possible risks. However, currently, many inmates may not have enough space, and their basic needs are neglected, which are the problems that should be addressed, too.

Operative Clause

Several recommendations can be made to eliminate the problems presented above.

1. First, all nations should strive to improve inmates’ conditions and treat them ethically. It means that it is crucial to eliminate violence in prisons and prevent prison staff from killing inmates under any circumstances.
2. Second, it is vital to raise awareness about the issues prisoners in Honduras encounter, such as inappropriate living conditions and violence. Various types of media can be used to enhance public knowledge of these problems.
3. Moreover, the Third Committee of the United Nations should call upon the local government of Honduras to increase the availability of resources that can eliminate the problem. It should provide sources vital for eliminating overcrowding and establish policies aimed at reducing violence in prisons. For instance, it may be crucial to minimize the negative effects of the militarization of the penitentiary system.
4. In addition, more economically developed nations may be asked to address the challenges associated with the prison system in Honduras. For instance, they may contribute money to prisons that offer the lowest level of support to the inmates. Such a step can provide prisoners with improved access to healthcare and legal protection, as well as enhance their living conditions in general.
5. Finally, the Third Committee of the United Nations should call upon the government of Honduras to promote the elimination of self-governance systems in local prisons. The government may establish committees aimed at collecting data about violent acts in prisons and eliminating their causes, as well as punishing the individuals responsible for such actions.

References

“Prisons in Honduras.” Prison Insider, 2017. Web.