Womens Poems of Protest and Resistance. Honduras: 2009-2014: Spanish-English Bilingual Edition

The first edition of this anthology, was researched, compiled, prologued, and edited by poet Lety Elvir in September 2013 in the midst of death threats against several of its authors, unprecedented acts of violence against journalists and other defenders of the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression, and rampant attacks on community organizers and farmers claiming land rights, in a seemingly lawless environment of impunity for the perpetrators of certain crimes. Honduras is touted for touristic purposes by an informational site as a vibrant country, brimming with clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, lush jungles, breathtaking mountains, challenging rivers, and fascinating ancient ruins, whose people are known for the warmth of Honduran hospitality. But a disclaimer appears: The U.S. State Department notes that the security situation in the country is precarious, due to the country’s high crime rate and frequent political demonstrations. Despite bilateral U.S.- Honduras agreements, the State Department recognizes the prevailing level of criminality: The vast majority of serious crimes in Honduras, including those against U.S. citizens, are never solved. Members of the Honduran National Police are known to engage in criminal activity, including murder and car theft. The Government of Honduras lacks sufficient resources to properly investigate and prosecute cases, and police often lack vehicles or fuel to respond to calls for assistance. In practice, this means police may take hours to arrive at the scene of a violent crime, or may not respond at all. As a result, criminals operate with a high degree of impunity throughout Honduras. The Honduran government is in the early stages of substantial reforms to its criminal justice institutions.