As murder rates steadily grow in Guatemala, authorities admit the country is in the midst of a dangerous crime wave. While the crime wave is not new, the upcoming elections in September 2007 have made the security crisis one of the most politically salient issues. Although authorities have blamed the rise in crime rates on youth gangs (Maras) operating throughout the country, the actual picture of violence is much more complex. The dangerous environment is composed of both state and non-state actors, all acting in an environment of corruption and impunity that has flourished since the end of Guatemala’s bloody war. The consequences of the thriving crime wave extend past social and political effects, as Guatemala is paying a heavy financial price for its security woes.
From Gang Violence to “Femicide”
Guatemala has one of the highest murder rates in Latin America. According to the United Nations Observatory of Violence and Crime, there are 30 killings for every 100,000 residents; fewer than 5.000 of murder cases are solved each year. Various factors contribute to Guatemalan violence. Rival youth gangs are an important aspect of the rising crime wave for Guatemala and its Central American neighbors (Previous Report). While estimates vary widely, some claim that there are 200,000 gang members in Guatemala alone.
In addition to the brutal violence often associated with gang killings, there is a sophisticated element to some of the violence. Experts believe this signifies violence by Guatemala’s vigilante groups, designed to provide security services where the government has fallen short. These have grown in response to gang violence and can be comprised of private security guards or off-duty police officers. Others believe the growing role of the government security forces and vigilante groups is symptomatic of a larger “social cleansing” program.
Guatemala’s “culture of impunity” and permissive atmosphere is one of the key force multipliers of the country’s growing crime rates. Since police officials often fail to investigate murders there is a general sense that killers may get away with their crimes. In addition, police forces have been implicated in many scandals and crimes, including drug trafficking.
The number of women slain in Guatemala has also tripled since 2000, a trend activists have termed “femicide.” In response to this growing problem, the government established a national commission on “femicide,” providing it with $500,000 to study the problem for one year.
The Economic Costs of Violence
In addition to the social and psychological consequences of the violence in Guatemala, there are very tangible economic ramifications, as well. On a micro level, the levels of violence have resulted in burgeoning private security and neighborhood watch associations. On average, families and companies spend US $6,000 annually on security services.
A recent report released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) claims that civilian violence is costing Guatemala half of its national budget. While Guatemala has one of the largest economies in Central America, it is ranked 118th on the UN’s development index. Furthermore, the report believes the violence has scared off foreign investment, resulting in investment growth 16 percent below expected levels.
Looking Ahead
Guatemala is set to conduct elections in September 2007 to vote for a new president, as well as national legislators. As such, security concerns have occupied a prominent place on the electoral agenda. Several promises have already been made, such as the overhaul of the controversial National Civilian Police Force (PNC). Furthermore, President Berger has also requested assistance from Colombian and German governments in addressing the problem.
Guatemala needs to address the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to the current scourge, such as limited access to education, high levels of corruption and impunity, as well as limited economic opportunities. It is important to acknowledge that the violence is more than just a product of youth gangs; the state has an important role, as well. Only then can Guatemala implement real solutions addressing the financial costs of crime and violence.
