OEA - CP - Resolución CP CSH 2385

PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OEA/Ser.G

ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES CP/CSH-2385/26 4 March 2026

COMMITTEE ON HEMISPHERIC SECURITY Original: English

CONCEPT NOTE

VIOLENCE AND CRIME PREVENTION IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

(Presented by the Department of Public Security of the Secretariat of Multidimensional Security in preparation for the Committee meeting scheduled for March 12, 2026) This Concept Note is submitted in compliance with the provisions established in the Structure for the consideration of substantive issues during regular meetings (2025-2026) , document CP/CSH/INF. 602/25.

CONTENTS

A. REGIONAL CONTEXT ....2

1. Children and youth at risk ....2

2. Trafficking in persons ....3

3. Technology and crime ....4

4. Violence against women and girls ....5

B. GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR MEMBER STATES’ DELEGATIONS: ....6

C. GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR PERMANENT OBSERVERS’ DELEGATIONS: ....62A. REGIONAL CONTEXT Violence and crime remain critical challenges across the Americas, affecting the safety, development, and wellbeing of children, youth, women, and other vulnerable populations. These forms of violence are multidimensional, rooted in social inequalities, economic disparities, marginalization, digital transformation, and migration dynamics. Effective prevention requires a holistic, sustained, evidenceinformed approach that addresses underlying risk factors, reinforces protection systems, promotes social inclusion, and leverages multisectoral cooperation at local, national, regional, and international levels.

The Organization of American States (OAS) member states share a common commitment to uphold human rights, public security, and integral development. Despite progress in some areas, patterns of interpersonal violence, gender-based violence, youth gang involvement, technology-facilitated crime,

gun-related violence, trafficking in persons, forced criminality, and violence along migration routes persist, with significant consequences for communities and economies. This concept note outlines priority areas for strengthening prevention of violence and crime in the region.

1. Children and youth at risk 1.1 Violence against children1 / Violence against children is a pervasive global public health and human rights crisis. An estimated up to 1 billion children aged 2 to 17 years experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in 2021. This epidemic of violence occurs in homes, schools, communities, and increasingly in digital spaces. The effects of violence in childhood impacts lifelong health and well-being 2 / including educational underachievement, increased risk of unemployment and poverty.

According to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) in the Americas, regional analysis indicates high levels of physical and emotional abuse, bullying (including cyber-bullying), and youth violence. According to global reviews, approximately 58% of children in Latin America and 61% in North America experienced physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, often including in school and community settings3 / . Children and adolescents are at heightened risk of violence-related injury and death. Homicide is a

1 . Includes all forms of violence against people under 18 years old, committed by parents or other care givers, peers or strangers. 2 . World Health Organization (WHO), 2022 available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/violence-against-children?utm_source=chatgpt.com 3 . PAHO, available at: https://www.paho.org/pt/node/743983leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24, particularly among males 4 / , with interpersonal

violence contributing substantially to hospital admissions and long-term disability.5 / 1.2 Youth gang-related violence The intersection of youth violence and gang-related violence is a critical public security and social development challenge in the Americas. Young people are disproportionately affected as both victims and perpetrators, particularly in contexts characterized by poverty, social exclusion, weak institutions, and limited access to education and employment. Gangs often exploit these vulnerabilities by offering youth a sense of belonging, protection, and income, while simultaneously exposing them to heightened risks of physical harm, forced criminality, and involvement in serious crimes. Gang-related violence also fuels broader patterns of youth violence within communities. Children and adolescents living in gang-affected areas face increased risks of coercion, retaliation, and victimization, even when they are not directly involved. Recruitment frequently targets youth at younger ages, including through peer networks and digital platforms. Addressing this intersection requires early, community-based prevention strategies that strengthen protective factors, promote social inclusion, and provide alternatives to gang involvement through education, psychosocial support, and pathways to education and decent work. In Haiti, for example, UNICEF estimates that around 50 % of gang members are minors, reflecting the deep overlap of youth violence and gang recruitment. Recent estimates indicate that over 500,000 children in Haiti live in areas under the control of armed groups, exposing them to increased risks of violence and recruitment.6 / In the Caribbean, gang disputes account for 20% to 40% of homicides, with about 70% in Jamaica in 2022 and 33% in Trinidad and Tobago identified as gang related. These high percentages show how strongly gangs influence homicide across the region.7 /

2. Trafficking in persons Trafficking in persons in the Americas remains a critical human rights and security challenge.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the region accounts for a significant portion of global trafficking, with an estimated 16% of detected victims worldwide found in the Americas. Women and girls represent the majority of victims, often subjected to sexual exploitation, while forced labor and other forms of exploitation persist across countries. Children increasingly comprise a large share of victims, contributing to a global trend of rising child trafficking,

in the Americas. Women and girls represent the majority of victims, often subjected to sexual exploitation, while forced labor and other forms of exploitation persist across countries. Children increasingly comprise a large share of victims, contributing to a global trend of rising child trafficking,

4 . UNODC, 2023, available at: chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-andanalysis/gsh/2023/Global_study_on_homicide_2023_web.pdf 5 . PAHO, available at: https://www.paho.org/pt/node/74398 6 . UNICEF (2024), available at: https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/violence-drives-haitis-childrenarmed-groups-half-all-members-are-now-children 7 . IDB, 2024, available at: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/citizen-security-latin-america-and-caribbean4now about 38% of detected cases. 8 / Vulnerability is exacerbated by poverty, gender inequality, migration pressures, and weak justice responses. Children migrating alone or separated from families face significant risks along transit routes. They are vulnerable to exploitation, recruitment by criminal actors, and gender-based violence, exacerbated by restrictive migration policies and lack of protective services. In parts of Latin America, recent data reflect rising armed violence and displacement, leaving millions of children in need of humanitarian and protection support. According to UNICEF 9 / , in 2026, 11.3 million people, including 3.9 million children and adolescents, will need humanitarian assistance due to armed violence and unsafe migration contexts. Children on the move, particularly those who are unaccompanied or separated, face heightened risks of violence, including trafficking. 10/ Child trafficking is a complex and evolving phenomenon, increasingly shaped by technology-facilitated methods. Children are exploited for multiple purposes, such as sexual exploitation, forced marriage, forced labor, illegal adoption, begging, or recruitment by

of violence, including trafficking. 10/ Child trafficking is a complex and evolving phenomenon, increasingly shaped by technology-facilitated methods. Children are exploited for multiple purposes, such as sexual exploitation, forced marriage, forced labor, illegal adoption, begging, or recruitment by criminal and violent extremist groups. Restrictive migration policies further fuel migrant smuggling, making it more profitable and increasing children’s exposure to exploitation.

3. Technology and crime The rapid digital transformation brings both opportunities and severe risks for children, youth, and communities. Criminal networks, including those involved in trafficking, increasingly use technological platforms to recruit, exploit, control victims, and maximize profit through cyber-enabled criminal activity. Technology facilitates cross-border crime while posing challenges for detection and prosecution.

Children and adolescents spend increasing time online, often without adequate supervision or digital literacy, making them especially vulnerable to cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, and recruitment into criminal activity. Around 15% of children globally report experiencing cyberbullying11/ , and digital platforms have become vectors for grooming, exploitation, and trafficking. 11.5% have received unwanted sexual solicitations online, and around 8% have been exposed to

8 . Bloomberg, available at: https://www.bloomberglinea.com/actualidad/trata-de-personas-se-disparamas-del-50-de-las-victimas-se-concentra-en-dos-regiones/ 9 . UNICEF, available at: chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.unicef.org/media/176931/file/2026-HACChildren-on-the-Move.pdf

10. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, available at:

https://violenceagainstchildren.un.org/en/children-move-0

11. World Health Organization, available at: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/27-03-2024-one-in10. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, available at:

https://violenceagainstchildren.un.org/en/children-move-0

11. World Health Organization, available at: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/27-03-2024-one-insix-school-aged-children-experiences-cyberbullying--finds-new-who-europe-study5non-consensual intimate images12/ .

Cyber interpersonal violence (CIV 13/ ) among adolescents and young populations is being object of study in research centers. “The extensive use of technology among young people has allowed for cyber communication, which has numerous benefits but can also trigger violence in relationships (…) digital practices increase young people’s exposure to interpersonal invasiveness, making them more susceptible to experiencing cyber dating abuse (CDA), cyberstalking, cyberbullying and sexting (…) these forms of violence have received several labels, such as electronic abuse, online abuse, sexual abuse, online sexual abuse, cyber harassment. Defining these forms of violence represents an ongoing challenge for investigators in understanding the phenomenon in future research.”14/ Addressing technology-facilitated crime demands strengthened legal frameworks, collaboration with technology companies, enhanced digital safety education, and specialized law enforcement capacity to prevent and respond to online exploitation.

4. Violence against women and girls According to recent estimates of the PAHO (2025), “violence against women and girls is “widespread” in the Americas”. 15/ Estimates indicate that one in three women aged 15 and older in the region has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.16/ Intimate partner violence remains the most common form, with one in four women aged 15-49 reporting physical or sexual violence by a partner, and one in eight experiencing sexual violence by

someone other than a partner.17/ Violence against women crosses socioeconomic and cultural boundaries but disproportionately affects women in marginalized populations, including indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Addressing this requires culturally informed prevention strategies, legal protections, and comprehensive services for survivors.

12. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children (2023), available at:

https://violenceagainstchildren.un.org/en/article/violence-against-children-and-digitalenvironment#:~:text=A%20recent%20review%20of%20evidence,sexual%20solicitation%3B%20and %208%25%20of

13. CIV was first defined as acts intended to damage a victim’s interpersonal connections or self-concept, such as sharing intimate photos of the victim online without permission at Machado, Barbara et all (2024) at Cyber Interpersonal Violence: Adolescent Perspectives and Digital Practices available at

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/7/832

14. Machado, Barbara et all (2024) at Cyber Interpersonal Violence: Adolescent Perspectives and Digital Practices available at chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2982/0d1ec3ad2e6c25 efb0c4e52a9d185a6cb8b9.pdf

15. PAHO (2025) available at: https://www.paho.org/pt/noticias/19-11-2025-violencia-contra-mulheres-egeneralizada-nas-americas-segundo-novas-estimativas

16. Ibid.

17. Ibid.- 6Femicide and homicide data underscore the urgency of action: globally, tens of thousands of women and girls are killed by intimate partners or family members annually, often with minimal progress in reducing these rates despite sustained commitments.18/

B. GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR MEMBER STATES’ DELEGATIONS:

a. Strengthening prevention strategies:  What specific measures has your government implemented or plans to implement

and girls are killed by intimate partners or family members annually, often with minimal progress in reducing these rates despite sustained commitments.18/

B. GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR MEMBER STATES’ DELEGATIONS:

a. Strengthening prevention strategies:  What specific measures has your government implemented or plans to implement to prevent violence against children, youth, and women, including gender-based violence and gang recruitment, and how could these be aligned with regional initiatives such as the OASIS Program? b. Technology-facilitated crime:  How are member states addressing the risks posed by digital platforms, including online sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and recruitment into criminal activity, and what role could AI-based tools play in supporting detection, early warning, and victim protection while ensuring ethical safeguards? c. Homicide and femicide prevention and reduction:  Which policies, legal frameworks, and interagency mechanisms have proven effective in your country for preventing homicide and femicide, and what additional regional coordination or support would facilitate replication of these best practices across the Americas? d. Youth and community engagement:  How can member states enhance multisectoral collaboration (including education, social services, justice, and community actors) to strengthen protective factors for children and adolescents at risk of violence, and to support reintegration pathways for youth previously involved in violence and crime? e. Innovation and AI integration:  Considering ethical, legal, and operational considerations, how could your country contribute to regional efforts exploring the use of artificial intelligence in crime and violence prevention, including predictive analytics, risk assessment, and monitoring of technology-facilitated threats?

C. GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR PERMANENT OBSERVERS’ DELEGATIONS:

f. Technical and financial support:  How can your government or institution support OAS member states and the DPS in strengthening violence and crime prevention programs, including funding, capacity-building, and the provision of technical expertise? g. Digital safety and technology:

18. UNODC (2025) available at: https://www.unodc.org/cofrb/pt/noticias/2025/11/femicide-brief-2025-docapacity-building, and the provision of technical expertise?

g. Digital safety and technology:

18. UNODC (2025) available at: https://www.unodc.org/cofrb/pt/noticias/2025/11/femicide-brief-2025-doUNODC-e-da-ONU-mulheres.html7 -  In what ways could your organization contribute to advancing the safe and responsible use of digital platforms for children and adolescents, and support initiatives that use AI or other technological tools to prevent cyber-enabled crime?

h. Policy development and knowledge sharing:  How can Permanent Observers facilitate the exchange of best practices, research, and policy guidance on preventing violence, gang recruitment, and gender-based violence and homicide/femicide prevention across the Americas?

1. Multi-stakeholder collaboration:  What role can your government or institution play in fostering partnerships among governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to enhance prevention, protection, and reintegration initiatives at community and national levels?

j. Ethics and human rights:  How can your government or institution assist member states in ensuring that innovative approaches, including AI-driven prevention tools, are implemented in ways that respect human rights, privacy, transparency, and inclusivity?