Honduras is a multiethnic, multilingual and multicultural country. It is estimated that indigenous peoples account for between 7% and 13% of the total population (IDB, 1999), including indigenous and Afro-Antillean peoples. There are nine culturally differentiated peoples, identified as the Pech, Nahua, Lenca, Tolupane, Garifuna, Misquito, Tawahka and Chorti.
The indigenous and Afro-Antillean peoples are highly vulnerable. In Latin America, Honduras is the third worst country for inequality in education. On the other hand, salary inequality and the lack of access to political participation mostly affect women.
In an effort to change the vulnerable situation of the indigenous, Honduras ratified Convention No. 169 in 1995. Furthermore, some policies directed at recognising the rights of indigenous peoples do exist, such as intercultural bilingual education programmes. The Office of the Special Prosecutor for Ethnic Groups and Cultural Heritage was also created. Nevertheless, there is still no legal framework protecting the territorial rights of the indigenous, despite the legal recognition of the existence of these peoples.
In Honduras, the ILO has supported and participated in training activities on the achievements and challenges of applying Convention No. 169, with the participation of local organisations. It has also initiated dialogue on long-term technical assistance with representatives from government and indigenous and Afro-descendant organisations, as well as with academics and management representatives. The primary needs identified are: legal expertise and training on the implementation of the Convention, and improving the working conditions of indigenous and Afro-descendant groups. The topics of greatest concern are child labour and Miskito divers.