The Honduran State is characterized by a high degree of institutional fragility, due to a turbulent and unreliable process of democratic transition since the putsch in 2009. In addition, an authoritarian tendency on the part of the President of the Republic weakens further the system of checks and balances. As a result, the changes needed to strengthen the rule of law and to open the way for active citizen participation an active but organized civil society.

Systemic reforms and changes towards an effective rule of law require significant impetus from outside the state apparatus. An active citizenry and civil society are fundamental for this to occur. Honduras has a widespread and dynamic civil society but it is very disperse and also divided. Consequently, it needs to develop shared and coordinated visions and strategies in order to be a key actor in the task of reverting the fragility of the State and the disrespect for human rights.

COSUDE’s acknowledged experience and relation with civil society organizations on topics such as human rights, social auditing and accountability, open the way to a large-scale initiative. In line with the Swiss Cooperation Strategy 2013–2017 which gives priority to reducing the fragility of the State, this program will complement other initiatives such as the opening of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The program contributes to the strengthening of the rule of law in Honduras in fulfilment of civil-political-economic rights and to more transparent and participatory public institutions. In this regard, the following two outcomes are expected:

1. Advocacy organizations, collective rights structures and social communications organizations act freely in a concerted way and demand protection and respect for civil-political and economic rights at the collective and individual levels.
2. Civil society structures and organizations that undertake social audits exercise effective control and oversight of the actions of public institutions at local and national levels, with an emphasis on collective rights.

The program supports civil society organizations in the creation and consolidation of spaces for dialogue and advocacy. It is aligned with existing national and international commitments and also supported by legislation, the National Plan and the Government Plan 2014-2018. The implementation of the program extends for a period of 12 years including the credit opening phase (CHF 200,000), with an estimated total budget of 12 million CHF.

(Main Credit Phase 1): 01.07.2016

Phase 99 01.05.2020 - 30.06.2027   (Active)