Organised violence and its impacts in Central America’s northern triangle (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 933)
This report details a range of impact at the personal and societal level, and then at the institutional and state level
Abstract
Query
What are the impacts of violence conducted by gangs and criminal organisations in Central America, particularly in the northern triangle countries (Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala), on individuals, society and public institutions?
Overview
A range of criminal organisations operate in Central America’s northern triangle. Violence conducted by criminal organisations is one manifestation of a broader culture of violence that is endemic to many Central American societies (UNODC, 2007). This report details a range of impacts firstly at the personal and societal level, and then at the institutional and state level. It also points out that in addition to organised violence, such as that committed by street gangs or drugs traffickers, violence can also be inter-personal or committed by state security authorities. It is a result of wider historical, cultural, governance and developmental issues. Therefore, although the existence of street gangs and drug traffickers remains a critical concern, the stated impacts of violence in the literature cannot be solely attributed to criminal organisations.
Citation
Bakrania, S. Organised violence and its impacts in Central America’s northern triangle (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 933). Governance and Social Development Resource Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2013) 11 pp.
Links