Citizen security, a pillar of development and democracy

Decision-makers today face the challenge of building security and justice policies that prevent and address the multiple forms of violence that exist. Their deep and complex causes cannot be addressed through fragmented interventions; they require a comprehensive approach to citizen security that establishes democratic civil order, strengthens it, protects it, eliminates threats of violence, and fosters safe and peaceful coexistence.

IDEA International, together with the United Nations Development Programme, the Carolina Foundation, and the Ibero-American General Secretariat, presented the document Citizen Security as a Pillar of the Renewed Development and Democracy Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean during the XXIX Ibero-American Summit in Ecuador.

Some points to highlight are:

1. High-quality information and disaggregated data are essential for making sound public policy decisions and effectively addressing violence. This data must be transparent and accessible to citizens through innovative technological tools.

2. Popular and effective solutions can mitigate symptoms of violence. However, they do not solve complex social problems and may jeopardize institutions, democratic quality, freedoms, and human development.

3. Comprehensive prevention policies, employing a territorial and rights-based approach and strengthening institutions, have achieved sustained reductions in crime; however, this has not been sufficient.

4. Increasing criminal sanctions is not an effective solution to reduce violence. However, ensuring that crimes receive fair and proportional punishment, while respecting human rights and the law, is crucial.

This vision of citizen security as a fundamental element of development allows us to leverage international cooperation, including South-South and triangular cooperation, to promote the exchange of experiences and open new opportunities for States to design more effective security policies adapted to local realities.

The Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State represents a unique moment to discuss comprehensive strategies that reinforce security, sustainability, and equity, while strengthening citizen confidence in institutions. In this framework, UNDP, Fundación Carolina, IDEA International, and SEGIB join forces to share good practices that contribute to the construction of a renewed agenda that puts people at the center of citizen security in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Download the full document here: Citizen Security as a Pillar of the Renewed Development and Democracy Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean  (only in Spanish).