From 7 to 16 October 2024, the United Nations Regional Center for Peace, Disarmament and Development (UNLIREC), with the support of the National Police University of Honduras, conducted the virtual Specialised course on firearms investigation from a gender perspective. A total of 47 officers from various units and departments successfully completed the course.
The course aimed to raise awareness among participants about the importance of incorporating a gender perspective in the investigations of crimes involving firearms. It also strengthened technical knowledge related to the scientific method of criminal investigation and promoted inter-institutional cooperation in these areas.
Delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, the course covered both theoretical and technical aspects of criminal investigation. It emphasized how gender-sensitive analysis contributes to conclusions free from stereotypes, grounded in objective technical or scientific evidence. Case studies were used to highlight the consequences of overlooking gender perspectives, including the violation of victim´s rights and the impact on their families.
Special attention was given to the use of firearms in various forms of violence against women, not only as instruments of femicides, but also as tools of intimidation, coercion and threats. The training underscored the importance of proper crime scene management and the handling of firearms and ammunition as physical evidence in gender-sensitive investigations.
Participants received recommendations and were encouraged to strengthen cooperation among all actors involved in the judicial investigation process. This collaborative approach is essential to effectively to address firearms-related crimes, particularly those involving gender-based violence, and to reduce impunity while enhancing the capacities of justice and security institutions.
The course was made possible through funding from the SALIENT initiative (The Savings-Lives Entity) under the project ´Improving citizen security by strengthening arms control policies and armed violence prevention frameworks in Honduras´.