The Honduran government recently announced the creation of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity (MACCIH), an international body backed by the Organization of American States. Its mandate is to investigate and prosecute criminal activities in the country’s political, judicial and security systems, as well as to provide advice and oversight to national institutions.

"The creation of the body follows pressure from the public with thousands of people taking to the streets to demonstrate against corruption," Transparency International (TI) said in a statement. It has been strongly supported by civil society organizations, including Asociación para una Sociedad más Justa, Transparency International’s national chapter in the country.

"Honduras has one of the highest levels of corruption, violence and poverty in the region," TI said. "Organized crime has infiltrated state institutions and too often the corrupt go unpunished."

"The establishment of an international body in Honduras is a significant move in the right direction," TI continued. "It is modeled on neighbouring Guatemala’s International Commission against Impunity (CICIG), which is backed by the United Nations and eventually led to the arrest of former President Otto Pérez Molina last year."

The MACCIH requires access to information and full cooperation from local public authorities and civil society. Asociación para una Sociedad más Justa will monitor MACCIH’s activities.

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