The establishment of the International Commission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (CICIH), one of President Xiomara Castro’s main campaign promises, has been postponed once again after the memorandum of understanding with the United Nations was renewed for the fifth time. The announcement, made this week, coincides with the lack of progress in the National Congress to approve constitutional reforms essential for the functioning of the anti-corruption mechanism.
The deadlock has sparked criticism from different parts of civil society and the global community, who see the delay as an indication of a weakened governmental dedication to combatting impunity. The absence of legislative agreement, especially regarding the removal of parliamentary immunity, is hindering the successful implementation of the CICIH, even after a second official proposal was sent to the UN in September 2024.
Responses from institutions and society
The executive arm has frequently expressed its readiness to create the commission, highlighting advancements in discussions with the United Nations. Nevertheless, the prerequisites for its establishment hinge on legal and constitutional amendments that require approval from Congress, where adequate backing has not been obtained.
In response to the new extension, critical sectors have expressed their dissatisfaction with the handling of the process.
A member of the National Party in congress referred to the renewal as “a setback for those who had faith in the promise of justice,” highlighting the dissatisfaction within the political opposition. At the same time, groups like the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ), Transparency International, and the Bar Association have urged for the removal of the institutional barrier that is stopping the project’s progress.
Political obstacles and public weariness
The journey to set up the CICIH encounters various challenges on the political stage. These include fundamental reforms that would necessitate lifting legislative shields perceived by social stakeholders as barriers to effectively combat corruption. Several actors have identified the absence of political determination in Congress as a key reason for the deadlock.
Over two years into Castro’s leadership, various civil organizations and community groups criticize the discrepancy between early promises and actual measures taken. These groups highlight that the continuous delay of crucial resolutions has diminished trust in the administration and the institutional framework as a whole.
Demands for measures and global influence
The updated agreement does not specify an exact date for the creation of the CICIH. International observers warn this might threaten the nation’s trustworthiness regarding global collaboration. The appearance of stagnation has led to doubt among foreign entities, possibly resulting in adverse impacts on the financial and technical aid Honduras receives to bolster its democratic institutions.
In light of this situation, several stakeholders have expressed an urgent call to accelerate the process by approving the essential reforms promptly. This, they claim, would enable the final agreement with the UN to be signed. Such measures, they contend, would both initiate a system to fight corruption and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and responsibility.
Institutional perspective remains unclear
The extended journey to set up the CICIH underscores the inherent challenges that Honduras encounters in developing a system that is both autonomous and efficient. The ongoing legal barriers, along with the absence of unified political agreement, have stalled a leading effort aimed at confronting impunity within the nation.
The case highlights the tensions between the international commitments made by the executive branch and the internal dynamics of the legislature, as well as the challenge of translating political promises into concrete structural reforms. Meanwhile, the country remains without an international support mechanism to investigate high-impact cases, raising questions about the sustainability of institutional efforts to combat corruption in the short and medium term.
