1. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Preventing Youth Violence in the Caribbean.

2. Violence Prevention a Silent Emergency WHO estimate that 520 000 people die every year of interpersonal violence in the world (low estimate) Homicide rates are rising in many regions (LCR, AFR, EAST ASIA, ECA) Interpersonal and domestic violence kills much more people than war and conflicts. Rapid growth of urban area represent a major challenge for interpersonal violence Youth suffer the most from violence and it therefore represents a real risk for the future. Violence against women is increasing, especially in the home. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

3. Situation with Homicide in the World

4. Homicide in the Caribbean SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CountryHomicide (2006-2007) Trinidad and Tobago39.7 Anguilla27.6 Jamaica59.5 St Kitts and Nevis35.20 St. Lucia25.8 Trinidad and Tobago39.7 Chile8.1 Argentina7 Guatemala46 Venzuela47

5. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Costs are very High A study has estimated in Latin America the cost if violent crime is about 14% of GDP (Londono and Guerrero). A Study on St Lucia estimate the cost to approx. 11% Costs are multiple but particularly strong on the economy because of the tourism dependency Human costs are very high as well

6. Impact on the economy: A Google Page Crime in the Caribbean : Should You Worry? go caribbean.about.com/.../ crime -in-the- caribbean -should-you- worry.htm - Cached - Similar CachedSimilar What Tourists Should Know About Crime in the Caribbean... What Tourists Should Know About Crime in the Caribbean... Feb 27, 2009... The Caribbean, renowned for beaches, sun, rum and relaxation, is facing a rising tide of crime that may further dampen a tourism industry The Caribbean Has The Highest Crime Rate in the World (credit card... The Caribbean Has The Highest Crime Rate in the World (credit card... ) Similar Puerto Rico - 709 murders and counting in 2009 (condo, crime rate... ‎ - Oct 21, 2009SimilarPuerto Rico - 709 murders and counting in 2009 (condo, crime rate... SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

7. Caribbean-specific factors create challenges and opportunities Location as major trans-shipment point for drugs => violence is part of the drug business Institutionalized violence: 10% adolescents sexually abused; 17% physically abused; corporal punishment in schools (though on its way out) Many young male unoccupied with early drop out of school Widespread social acceptance of alcohol and marijuana use Unique family structure – large number of female headed household Weak labor markets, dependence on remittances => “easy money”

8. Youth Behaviors is influenced by their Environment Exposure to violence Identify formation Short planning horizons Rage, hopelessness Unconnected parents, poverty Unconnected schools, peers, religious institutions Exclusion from productive activities (inc. employment) inequality, gender norms, laws Exposure to violence Identify formation Short planning horizons Rage, hopelessness Unconnected parents, poverty Unconnected schools, peers, religious institutions Exclusion from productive activities (inc. employment) inequality, gender norms, laws Individual Family Community Local Institutions (schools) National Institutions Individual Family Community Local Institutions (schools) National Institutions Increased Risk of perpetrating and experiencing violence

9. What To Do ? Strictly low enforcement approaches do not work Multiple risk factors means that multiple entry points are necessary (multisectoral approaches) Involvement of the community Require solid information basis and monitoring (observatories) Strong political commitment at all level of government with strong coordination Approach youth as citizens and contributors to their societies SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

10. Priority Issues and Interventions SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

11. Looking Forward for a Better Future for Youth SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT