Elements for an EU strategy on public security in Central America and the Caribbean

The European Union is linked to Latin America and the Caribbean by a wide-ranging strategic partnership which was renewed and strengthened during the Summit of the EU and the Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC) held in Santiago de Chile in January 2013. The two regions maintain political, economic and social ties of an unprecedented scale and substance. They cooperate closely and engage in comprehensive political dialogue at all levels — regional, sub-regional and bilateral. The EU is also an important partner for the development of Latin America and the Caribbean, with a strong accent on social cohesion, economic development, environmental issues and security.

Public security is a major concern in Latin America. Governments, civil society organisations and public opinion believe that it is a key weakness with a view to the development prospects of the region. The challenge posed by widespread crime, high rates of lethal violence and the overall deterioration of public security is particularly acute and urgent in Central America and the Caribbean.

Many countries in these two neighbouring sub-regions, given their size and geographical location, are especially vulnerable. Their security and justice sectors have limited capacity and are exposed to powerful transnational criminal groups. The result is alarming levels of impunity and an increasing threat to public security. Crime extends its influence beyond these countries and reaches or has the potential to reach Europe. Both the Caribbean and the Central American States have adopted regional strategies on security which form a basis for regional cooperation and call for international support.

The EU cannot be indifferent to the situation. For many years, it has been a key partner in cooperation programmes on crime prevention and justice in the countries of the region. EU Member States have carried out their own, often complementary activities and projects. However, given the scope of the danger and its significance for the EU’s development partnership with Central America and Caribbean, fresh, joint reflection on public security in the region is needed.

The objective of this communication is to provide input for a coherent and coordinated EU strategy for public security in Central America and the Caribbean with a particular focus on the protection of human rights and the promotion of reforms. The EU strategy aims at:
1. Developing a shared public security agenda with the region as part of an overall political and development partnership;
2. Strengthening governments’ capacity to tackle insecurity while upholding human rights and boosting prevention policies;
3. Fostering regional and international cooperation to deal with the transnational dimension of public security threats.