Forced Displacement Due to Violence in Honduras: CONADEH’s Response (2016–2024) and Prospects for Action

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the approach undertaken by the National Commissioner for Human Rights (CONADEH), through its Internal Forced Displacement Unit (UDFI), in the prevention of displacement as well as the assistance provided to individuals at risk and victims of displacement due to violence in Honduras during the period 2016–2024.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key institutional personnel, along with a focus group composed of nine members of the Unit’s technical team. Additionally, institutional complaint records (cases) from 2016 to 2024 were analyzed. Notable findings include: the annual increase in cases of forced displacement due to violence; the pressing need for greater human and financial resources for the UDFI and its incorporation and promotion within the Defensorship structure of CONADEH; the urgent necessity of establishing a more robust internal and state-level data management and analysis system, in accordance with the law; the imperative to include individuals at risk and victims of displacement among the country’s groups in situations of vulnerability; and the lack of state accountability in addressing this issue.