| Abstrakt: |
Honduras' staggeringly high homicide rate--deeply linked to a confluence of factors including international narcotics trafficking, the growth of organized gangs, migration and deportation patterns, inequality, and near impunity for criminals--necessitates nontraditional measures. To reduce impunity, the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ) pioneered a witness protection and investigation program that now operates in three neighborhoods: Nueva Suyapa, Flor del Campo, and Villa Nueva. This article analyzes ASJ's neighborhood operations and recommend they infuse another urban anti-homicide strategy, the acclaimed Operation Ceasefire, to combat violence in Tegucigalpa neighborhoods. US support for ASJ, which is currently only financial, should expand to include logistical support from Honduran Government units vetted and aided by the US Government. Together, ASJ's Peace and Justice program and Honduran vetted units can implement a Ceasefire pilot in Tegucigalpa's most dangerous neighborhoods. Evalua tion of all ongoing work is paramount, so that the Honduran Government and outside parties can identify best practices and continue efficaciously working toward a safer Honduras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
