Crime, violence in LATAM, Caribbean erode democracy: UNDP report

A report unveiled in Port of Spain Wednesday states that the increase in violence and crime in Latin America and the Caribbean erodes the very foundation of the democratic processes in the region and imposes high social, economic and cultural costs.

The report was prepared by a team of outstanding scholars and reflects findings from the analysis of extensive new survey data and sustained consultations involving over 450 experts, practitioners and stakeholders in seven Dutch- and English-speaking Caribbean countries, including Trinidad & Tobago.

The group of regional experts worked with the United Nations development Programme (UNDP) to prepare the report, which notes that while the region is home to just 8.5 per cent of the world’s population, it accounts for 27 per cent of the world’s homicides. 

"Violence and crime are therefore perceived by a majority of Latin American and Caribbean citizens as a top pressing challenge," it says.

"The resulting alarm has often led to short-sighted, iron fist policies, which have proven ineffective and, at times, detrimental to the rule of law."

The report raises the question about why citizen security levels and justice and security institutions in the region, are in crisis. 

It asks, "Why is it that, despite the structural and institutional reforms promoted by countries in the region in order to construct governance mechanisms which are more transparent, horizontal and democratic, the justice and security institutions are overwhelmed and confidence in them is shattered?" 

One of the reports findings is that there is a on overwhelming feeling among citizens that the state lacks the capacity to protect citizens and ensure justice. 

It concludes that if citizens lack confidence in the police, the judiciary and other public authorities, no amount of repression will restore security. The success of any law enforcement system depends on the willingness of the people to participate and contribute, it says.

"For the state to enjoy the trust and commitment of the people, it must strive to eradicate exclusion, improve transparency and create opportunities that encourage a sense of belonging for all," the document states.

A key recommendation for Caribbean countries is that they need to focus on a model of security based on the human development approach, whereby citizen security is paramount, rather than on the traditional state security model, whereby the protection of the state is the chief aim. 

It says the contrast between prevention on the one hand and repression and coercion on the other is ill conceived. "Social inclusion to help prevent crime and violence and efficient and effective law enforcement are by no means incompatible or mutually exclusive.

"In a truly democratic society, broad based social inclusion and swift criminal justice–or “prevention” and “coercion”—serve to reinforce and complement each other. This is one of the most important lessons to be taken from this report – and not only for the Caribbean but for all of Latin America as well."

The report also notes that organized transnational crime is a major problem in the region and says it is necessary for the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation with its Latin American neighbours and "project a larger voice in the global dialogue on existing policies and possible alternatives".