No development without security

01.07.2012 - 30.04.2016

Crime and insecurity are a big challenge for development cooperation work in Central America. The situation is particularly alarming in Honduras, where the homicide rate has doubled over the past five years to 86 murders per 100,000 inhabitants – the highest homicide rate in the world. This high level of violence not only costs lives, it also undermines development. Unlike in the rest of Latin America, in Honduras efforts to reduce poverty are stalling and economic growth is low.

Promotion of financial services for low-income segments of the population

01.08.2009 - 31.07.2013

The PROMIFIN programme contributes to the development of the financial sector by addressing the specific needs of the various groups of population targeted by the SDC in terms of the quality and variety of services proposed by microfinance institutions, while pursuing the objective of institutional sustainability so as to optimise the scope of services and their range. To achieve this objective PROMIFIN cooperates closely with the public authorities, private institutions, and donor agencies.

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: Contribution to Country Office Honduras

01.01.2022 - 31.12.2023

The Honduran State is willing to tackle the root causes of high levels of violence and impunity. In March 2014 it has submitted a request to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to open a country office. The office will monitor and report on HR, comment on public policies and build capacity of state institutions and civil society. Higher awareness and better capacity of duty bearers and rights holders will strengthen the rule of law and reduce HR violations and impunity.

Inclusive territorial economic development in the Muskitia region

01.06.2021 - 31.12.2028

The Muskitia indigenous region requires strategic changes that favour inclusive economic development and reduce violent conflict over land use and maritime resources. For this reason the program strengthens territorial governance, improves the business climate and increases access to services. This includes supporting 8 of the 12 territorial councils in stimulating productive sector value chains such as cocoa, fish, and basic grains that generate employment and income for 10,000 families and consolidate indigenous businesses.

Territorial water governance in the Gulf of Fonseca region

01.04.2021 - 31.12.2027

The water governance system in the Gulf of Fonseca region needs significant change in order to overcome its dysfunctionality and ensure a sustainable supply of water. To this end, the program promotes coordinated management of five watersheds by the various public and private water users, addressing conflicts peacefully in a fragile context. In addition, support is provided for technical, legal and institutional solutions that also have an effect at the national level.

Strengthening Systems that Combat Corruption and Impunity in Central America

01.07.2020 - 30.04.2027

The national systems that combat corruption and impunity in Central America are weak. Led by the Organization of American States and the United Nations, mechanisms were set up in Honduras and in Guatemala to promote rule law by strengthening the cohesion and coordination within governments, the judiciary system, civil society, and anti-corruption and anti-money-laundering entities. SDC contributes to both mechanism to support the fight against organized crime and impunity, and enhancing knowledge management between the two mechanisms.

Central America: Regional Program for Environmental Governance and Resilience in the Gulf of Fonseca

01.06.2020 - 31.12.2024

The regional program fosters shared governance of natural resources to build resilience in the coastal communities of the Gulf of Fonseca. It contributes to the protection and sustainable use of the shared mangrove ecosystem of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. Switzerland sees this gulf region as a priority for its high levels of poverty and extreme vulnerability to climate change. 

Strengthening of civil-political-economic rights and social auditing.

01.05.2020 - 30.06.2027

Strengthening civil-political-economic rights, freedom of expression and social auditing is a priority to ensure the functioning of the rule of law and respect for human rights in Honduras. The role of civil society is essential in the construction of citizenship and to ensure a system of check and balance. Therefore, the program will support 6 to 8 national civil society organization with strong anchoring in the territories to promote jointly in a concerted, impartial and evidence based way these topics.

Territorial Governance in the Honduran Muskitia

01.04.2019 - 31.03.2031

Switzerland contributes to the strengthening of territorial governance in the Muskitia region fostering a coordinated approach with other donors. The program supports the recognition of the rights of indigenous and afro-descendent peoples and promotes governance mechanisms that help to reduce conflicts derived from historic marginalization and lack of access to basic services implementing a “leave no one behind” approach. The program supports the interaction between local governments and territorial organizations to implement the legal framework and the Convention on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (ILO Convention 169.)

Community Watershed Management Program for Climate Change Adaptation – “Nuestra Cuenca Goascarán” (NCG)

01.04.2019 - 31.03.2023

The program empowers watershed organizations composed of public-private actors to govern a manage water resources in a sustainable and integrated way, together with the adoption of new technologies, this will improve living conditions and reduce impact of climate change  for 20,000 families in 16 municipalities, located in the Goascoran watershed river.

Central America: Zamorano - Educating future leaders

01.12.2018 - 31.12.2022

Citizen security

01.09.2018 - 31.08.2022

The program supports the reforms of the National Police focusing on institutional integrity: reform of the police education system, community policing and effective control systems for personnel. In the Gulf of Fonseca and the Mosquitia, justice and security sector actors, local governments, civil society, private sector and indigenous populations strengthen their cooperation and jointly implement local and regional violence prevention strategies.