Human security

There are very big words present in Haiti’s recent history, revolution, poverty, natural disasters, gangs, dictators, soldiers in foreign fatigues. But things are not so simple. According to Small Arms Survey Director of Research Robert Muggah, there are a many misconceptions about Haiti, as he explains in an exclusive interview given to Comunidad Segura.

Massimo Alpian writes on the other crisis overshadowed by the global financial shakeup, one that has, nevertheless, created a toxic combination threatening human security around the world.

The first step was taken the Mendoza, Argentina. Then came Europe, next, Africa. Members of the Humanist Movement embark on a march around the world to raise awarenss of the risks of war, and the importance of non violence for peace. Comunidad Segura interviewed World Without Wars organizer Rafael de la Rubia.

The cities of Bogota and Medellin have invested in strengthening their public library system, creating libraries that go beyond merely checking out books, veritable civic centers that combat social exclusion and lower levels of violence.

The only Brazilian speaker at the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) Congress in South Africa, Dom Marcelo Resende believes we ought to create circles of culture that teach people the necessary skills for peace. 'We are not doomed to violence,' he says. 

228 children and youths are abused per hour in Latin America and the Caribbean. The majority of these children are poor, ill treated and have been abandoned becoming easy prey for criminal rings. In Brazil five new complaints are recorded a day.

Former combatants learn how to work the land and raise livestock, literacy, numeracy, information on sexual health and social skills. In the Salala District, Disarmament and Demobilization, with an emphasis on Reintegration. By Landmine Action's Rob Deere and Richard Moyes.

The travelling exhibition Filhos do Brasil depicts children and adolescents living a life of social exclusion and violence, prods the minds of visitors hoping to move decision makers and prompt debate on child rights in Brazil. 

A victimization survey by Rio de Janeiro's Public Security Institute shows that the greatest fears of Rio residents are stray bullets and shoot outs, and that almost one in two people do not trust the police. It is hoped that survey data contributes to improving security policy in the state.

In Chile, a training program conducts workshops for neighborhood leaders and helps them meet the challenges that urban life imposes on their organizations and communities. "We go from protesting to applying, looking to exercise active citizenship," said the coordinator of the course.