Honduras: Disruptions possible following protest in San Pedro Sula July 3

Event

Protesters in San Pedro Sula reportedly blocked the CA13 highway leading to Choloma and Puerto Cortés on Wednesday, July 3. According to local sources, the demonstrators lit tires on fire and blocked traffic at approximately 06:00 (local time) amid a protest to denounce efforts by the government to reform the education and health sectors. Police officers dispersed protesters and cleared the road of debris by 07:15.

Further demonstrations are possible over the coming days and weeks; clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.  

Context

Honduras has experienced a wave of violent demonstrations against President Juan Orlando Hernández in recent months, after the government presented reforms in the education and health sectors. Many doctors and teachers, with the support of students, have been demonstrating and blockading streets for over a month against two government decrees that, in their opinion, privatize health and education. On June 24, police stormed a university and shot at students in Tegucigalpa, injuring eight. 

Advice

Individuals in Honduras, particularly in San Pedro Sula, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, and obey instructions issued by the local authorities.