Moving from participatory crime diagnosis to policy change

Across the globe, there is increased recognition that peaceful, safe, non-violent and inclusive societies based on respect for human rights are a cornerstone of, and indeed a primary outcome of, sustainable development, confirmed in the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Cities across the globe are being undermined by chronic insecurity, violence and corruption, often connected to crime challenges beyond municipal borders. Urban areas, although often considered the engines of economic growth and prosperity, tend to have higher rates of crime and violence than rural areas, and are home to a multitude of risk factors. Experience shows that local government-led crime prevention and safety strategies, policies and programmes should be based on a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of crime and violence and their multiple causes, should consider successful practices, and should be evidence-based – using data that not only measures levels of crime and victimization, but also linkages with socioeconomic factors and existing resources for prevention activities, and the wider political and institutional context in which crime occurs. This Themenbox presentation will focus on the need for and ways to promote the institutionalization of local government-led crime prevention and urban safety policies and programmes, taking into account victimization challenges in urban areas.