12 November 2013: Despite experiencing economic growth and decreasing poverty over the past decade, Latin America is the most unequal and insecure region in the world, according to the 2013-2014 Regional Human Development Report (HDR) from the UN Development Programme (UNDP). ‘Citizen Security with a Human Face: Evidence and Proposals for Latin America’ argues that the region’s level of insecurity impedes human development.

Underscoring the need for justice, rule of law, peace and stability and social inclusion in order to achieve security and human development, the report finds that crime and insecurity are the “weak link” in Latin America, although levels and types of violence vary across the region and within countries. It focuses on six threats: corruption; gender-based crime; organized crime; street crime; violence committed by and against youth; violence committed by state actors.

Among experiences and lessons learned, the report highlights the value of specialized justice and security units to support vulnerable groups, such as youth and women, and adoption of technologies to locate criminal hot spots. It recommends increasing real opportunities for human development for youth by, inter alia, improving education coverage and quality, and enabling job creation and training.

The report recommends a multi-sector approach and mix of policies, including institutional reforms, changes in the relationship between communities and States, preventive measures, public investment and broad and sustained political will, to achieve progress in citizen security and, ultimately, in human development. [UNDP Press Release] [Publication: Citizen Security with a Human Face: Evidence and Proposals for Latin America (Summary)] [Report Webpage] [HDR Website]