Potential help in the battle against corruption in Honduras

The Organization of American States has announced the creation of an anti-impunity body to assist Honduras in the fight against corruption. The Commission is designed to work in five areas:

1. The establishment of a group of recognized international judges and prosecutors whose task is to supervise, advise and provide support to Honduran bodies charged with the investigation and criminal prosecution of crimes involving acts of corruption.

2. The preparation of an assessment of the state of the justice system in Honduras by the Center for Justice Studies of the Americas (CEJA).

3. Support in the implementation of the recommendations of the Follow-Up Mechanism for the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC) in Honduras.

4. Assistance in the implementation of the recommendations of the National System of Citizen Security (SNSC) made by the OAS.

5. The creation of a Justice Observatory made up of Honduran academic organizations and civil society groups to follow-up and evaluate progress in the reform of the Honduran justice system.

A United Nations-backed body would have had more credibility but perhaps this is an acceptable compromise.

"Support" is helpful but will they have the independence to operate within Honduras and the authority to pursue investigations wherever they lead even if Honduran officials disagree.

Insight Crime reports that the mandate is for two years which we know is not enough time to make meaningful changes. That's the initial authorization is there is nothing against a re-authorization. I'm still not concerned about the financial costs that seem to worry Insight - maybe they know something I don't.

International assistance should be helpful but there's an element of "if they are going to do it, then do it right" of which I am not yet convinced.