Reforms to the Criminal Code Strengthens Penalties for Femicide
The National Congress of Honduras announces the entry into force of reforms to the Criminal Code aimed at strengthening the country’s response to femicide. The reforms, approved by the National Congress and officially published in La Gaceta, establish tougher penalties for femicide and create specialized courts staffed exclusively by women judges.
With the publication of the corresponding decree in La Gaceta No. 37,181 on June 30, the reforms officially became effective, marking a significant step forward in the protection of women and the fight against gender-based violence in Honduras.
The legislation establishes specialized courts with jurisdiction over femicide, related offenses, and other forms of violence against women. These courts are designed to provide a more specialized and effective judicial response to crimes of gender-based violence.
Approved unanimously by the full National Congress on June 8, the reforms represent a historic milestone and respond to the growing demand from Honduran women for stronger legal protections amid rising cases of gender-based violence.
The initiative was introduced by the President of the National Congress, Tomás Zambrano, based on the recommendations of a multiparty commission that called for stronger sanctions against perpetrators of violent crimes against women.
Under the reforms, the penalty for femicide increases from 25 to 30 years of imprisonment. In cases of aggravated femicide, sentences increase from 30 to 40 years and may reach up to 60 years, depending on the circumstances of the crime.
The decree also establishes a specialized judicial circuit dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of femicide cases, reinforcing the institutional framework to ensure more effective justice for victims and greater accountability for offenders.
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