Following the political crisis resulting from the 2009 coup d’état, Honduras experienced a deterioration in governance and citizen participation. The events of the last decade show tensions between the population and state institutions, with repeated whistle-blowers reporting restrictions on the right to protest, intimidation of activists and attacks on journalists and human rights defenders. During subsequent administrations, especially Juan Orlando Hernández’ presidency (2014-2022), allegations of corruption and restrictions on civil liberties increased markedly.

Although there were initial expectations regarding improvements in human rights and transparency under the current administration of Xiomara Castro (2022-present), the reality continues to be complex as President Castro has shown resistance to being questioned by civil society.  Important challenges remain, such as structural impunity in cases of violence against human rights defenders and journalists, which directly affects citizen participation and limits the actions of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).