91997E2803

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2803/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1997)

Subject: Human Rights in Honduras

Is the Commission aware of the current atrocities taking place in Honduras which have resulted in the murder of at least two street children?

What action is the Commission taking to ensure that full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is observed in Honduras in accordance with national laws and international standards?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (30 September 1997)

The Commission is aware of Honduras's problems with street children and children in custody.

With regard to the imprisonment of children in adult gaols, the Commission believes that the Honduran government is doing what it can to resolve the problem.

The Commission has acceded to a request for help. It did so all the more readily because the government has made clear its intention to take effective action to ensure proper treatment for children in custody and resolve the problems associated with street children.

The project in question, which will soon be under way, involves schemes aimed at gaining a better understanding of the issues involved and finding solutions for street children. Activities include the strengthening of institutions dealing with children, e.g. the National Council for Social Welfare and the Supreme Court, prevention schemes and measures to boost the capacity to help of NGOs working with street children. The project specifically includes measures to disseminate and enforce the recently adopted children's code.

The project is, moreover, wholly consistent with the Honduran government's policy of strengthening the rule of law. The Commission is therefore convinced that it will be providing the Honduran government with valuable help in overcoming these problems.