2022-18728. Certification Pursuant to Section 7045(A)(2)(A) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021

Pursuant to section 7045(a)(2)(A) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021 (Div. K, Pub. L. 116-260) (FY 2021 SFOAA) and Department of State Delegation of Authority 513, I hereby certify that the central government of Honduras is:

(i) combating corruption and impunity, including prosecuting corrupt government officials;

(ii) implementing reforms, policies, and programs to increase transparency and strengthen public institutions;

(iii) protecting the rights of civil society, opposition political parties, and the independence of the media;

(iv) providing effective and accountable law enforcement and security for its citizens, and upholding due process of law;

(v) implementing policies to reduce poverty and promote equitable economic growth and opportunity;

(vi) upholding the independence of the judiciary and of electoral institutions;

(vii) improving border security;

(viii) combating human smuggling and trafficking and countering the activities of criminal gangs, drug traffickers, and transnational criminal organizations;

(ix) informing its citizens of the dangers of the journey to the southwest border of the United States; and

(x) resolving disputes involving the confiscation of real property of United States entities.

This certification shall be published in the Federal Register and, along with the accompanying Memorandum of Justification, shall be reported to Congress.

Dated: August 8, 2022.

Brian P. McKeon,

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.