Once upon a time there was a paradise called Honduras!

Once upon a time there was an impoverished and sunken Honduras faced with an undeniable atmosphere of violence and social insecurity, and the problems were worsened by a low standard of living. This reality is rejected by many and ignored by others; perhaps those who do recognize the problem lack incisive judgment, social objectivity and impartiality. There are also many who lack a social conscience; insipid citizens who are absorbed in a distorted image of social communication in a society increasingly corroded and degenerated.

As a recent World Bank report notes, Honduras is among the 3 most economically unequal countries in the world next to South Africa and Haiti. It is evident the lack of investment, unemployment / underemployment and the reduced economic activity. These variants does not match with the data provided by government authorities, which cynically shows exorbitant figures and a robust, growing and sustainable country.

At the national level, the unemployment rate is around 6.7% and an alarming underemployment rate of 44% of the working population, who, despite generating income, do not reach the minimum established by law. After a millionaire government investment ($181 million US dollars in social protection programs in the last 3 years), the national poverty rate increased by 1.5%. In only the first half of 2018, Honduras counted nearly 2,000 violent deaths. According to the FOSDEH, about 69% of the population lives in poverty and around 40% in extreme poverty [households with a single parent, child labor and sexual exploitation in the streets, organized crime and criminal gangs that operate with vast territories, enormous difficulties in obtaining drinking water, electric power, food, decent housing, health and basic education]. 

A report from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service of the United States of America, the National Institute of Migration of the United Mexican States, the Consular and Migratory Observatory of Honduras [Conmigho] and the Consular Network of Honduras accredited abroad, indicated a decrease of 30.8% of the Honduran migratory index in 2017 and they attributed these results to the wholistic approach of the Honduran government together with international diplomatic strategies. 

Contrary to these figures, two days ago a caravan of almost 2,000 Hondurans left for the United States of America from the north-western part of the country. This huge group of Hondurans seeking asylum includes children, the elderly and many people with physical disabilities. These Hondurans justify this exodus by referring to the lack of security and the poor quality of life for the majority of Hondurans. The caravan continues despite the recent declarations of the governments of Guatemala, Mexico and the United States of America who demand compliance with their immigration laws.

To be continued...