For full details of this programme click here to go to the Spanish language website

Background

Over the past five years, the growing number of youth groups involved in violence has become an issue of major public concern in many countries in Central America, with Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras being the worst affected. The youth gang phenomenon also known as Maras (Spanish for “gang” or “group”) has become a real source of concern for governments and civil society alike. Although violent youth gangs already existed in these countries before the end of the military conflicts, the constant migration between these Central American countries and the United States brought with it new cultural models for gang activities developed on the streets of Los Angeles, California.  

This worrying social trend is proving a constant threat to the security, stability and welfare of local populations, but has also shown evidence of repercussions in areas beyond those regions most immediately affected. As such, it is increasingly drawing the attention of and has relevance for other countries, including those in North America and Europe.

So far the phenomenon has only be treated from a partial approach in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The tendency to try and combat this phenomenon through repressive measures is of great concern. Official policies have asserted themselves in a largely reactive manner, with little attention to root causes and prevention. Taken too far, or left uncontrolled, such measures contribute to the undermining of state institutions, as well as democracy and the rule of law in the region. This includes violations, notably the ‘limpieza social’, as part of a social cleansing through extra-judicial killings of socially disruptive groups and individuals. 

Most policy-makers agree that finding regional solutions to the youth gang problem is “absolutely essential.” At the same time, many argue that in order to effectively reduce youth gang-related crime, a holistic approach to the problem must be developed that addresses its root social, political, and economic causes. States have an obligation and are liable for the design and implementation of public policies that aim to the prevention and reintegration of youth into society. Within such a context there is an urgent need in the region to generate public policies that will sustainably tackle the issue through a holistic approach adding preventive measures to the existing reactive ones, while at the same time in line with democracy and human rights. A range of governmental institutions and non-governmental actors are doing research, policy and practical work on the issue of youth involved in violence. Important elements are beginning to emerge that could improve the way Central American societies address the issue. One strategic problem however is the absence so far of any space or platform where the various actors (governmental and non-governmental) can meet, bring together their respective experiences and insights, and develop strategies and proposals. This is precisely the strategic objective and distinctive contribution of the Youth Gangs programme.