Changing approaches to security / Other publications
Reform without ownership? Dilemmas in supporting security and justice sector reform in Honduras
23/12/2010 By Julia Schünemann
Honduras faces the recovery from a severe political crisis due to the June 2009 coup and, at the same time, a sustained security and legitimacy crisis. The country’s society is ever more polarised and the political balance is very fragile. Levels of violence are at an all-time high and organised crime, especially drug trafficking, threatens the bases of state institutions and people’s physical security. The country’s socio-economic situation is dire and the global economic crisis has fuelled increasing levels of poverty and unemployment. Honduras’ security and justice sector remains largely inefficient and is unable to safeguard security and the rule of law for its citizens.
This report analyses the European Union’s contribution to strengthening security and the rule of law in Honduras through a major security sector reform (SSR) programme earmarked with a budget of 44 million euros. The report underlines the crucial need for increased local ownership as sine qua non for the EU’s endeavours to trigger sustainable institutional change and thus further human security in Honduras.
*This working paper was written in the framework of the Initiative for Peacebuilding.
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Keywords
EU European Union Honduras Justice Latin America & Caribbean Rule of Law Security Security Sector ReformBio author: Julia Schünemann
Julia Schünemann is an independent consultant and researcher in the field of peace and conflict.
