TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A report released this month by the U.S. Department of State credits the Honduran government for reducing rates of homicide, kidnapping, and extortion in the Central American country.

Between 2014 and 2015, the Honduran National Police reported a 48 percent decrease in kidnappings.

"Over the past several years, the Honduran government has taken concrete steps to bolster its security and justice system, while combatting organized crime and drug trafficking," said Christa Castro, Minister Advisor for Strategy and Communications for the Government of Honduras. "The State Department report highlights the fruits of our labor -- a safer country for all Hondurans."

The Honduran government is steadfastly eliminating corruption among the Honduran National Police force, according to the U.S. report. President Juan Orlando Hernández's Police Purge Commission, created last year, removed 1,946 police officers by December. The commission continues to vet its officers -- and is aiming to reach its goal of completing 14,000 personnel reviews by April.

The report also underscores the U.S. government's role in Honduran crime prevention and community programs, highlighting 40 U.S.-supported outreach centers for at-risk youth.

"The United States plays a key role in assisting vulnerable people in Honduras," said Castro. "We look forward to continuing our work with the U.S. government to improve the capacity of our justice system and ensure that civilians are protected."

The State Department report details the efforts of the Honduran government to battle crime and drug trafficking from all sides -- by stamping out corruption, strengthening security forces, and supporting at-risk populations. "The results are visible," the report concludes. "Rates of homicide, kidnapping, and extortion were down from 2015, and citizens' impressions of the HNP are improving."

President Hernández is simultaneously spearheading human rights reforms within the Honduran Armed Forces, according to a separate State Department report. Over 4,500 service members had received human rights training as of August.

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SOURCE Republic of Honduras