Central American Youth Programme

In recent years there has been an alarming rise in violence rates in Central America. This growing problem threatens stability, democracy and peace in the region.

Everyday more and more young people become involved in the downward spiral of youth violence as either perpetrators or as victims of crimes. Previous efforts at effective and sustainable solutions have been inadequate. Many of the strategies implemented have lacked coordination, but, above all, have been indifferent to the voices of young people, who often remain marginalized and ignored economically, socially and politically. Overall, young people are considered part of the problem but not part of the solution and their contributions are often considered irrelevant.