Latin America

AFSC in Latin America / Caribbean Region

Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America / Caribbean

After careful analysis, AFSC will be implementing a new regional program that will focus on responding to challenges in the area of urban citizen security.

Nearly all Latin American and Caribbean countries have advanced in the last 20 years in many measures of health, education and income, but in many urban areas there are challenges:

Inequality, poor housing, transport and education, and limited job opportunities, especially for youth

High rates of crime, drug trafficking and gun violence
Citizen insecurity that causes fear and economic stagnation--and sometimes desperate, harsh and counter-productive policies
Ineffective municipal government, civil society and private sector efforts to promote citizen security

AFSC will work with local partners to help transform the conflicts and build peaceful, productive relationships and policy change that enhance citizen security

AFSC has worked in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1927 in a wide array of programs with diverse constituencies and partners to address poverty, inequality, social exclusion and violent conflict, enabling persons and communities to live in greater dignity and security.

The new strategic focus will be established in four sub-regions – Mexico and Central America; Caribbean; Andes; and Southern Cone/Brazil. Initial programs will focus on the following:

Andean Sub-region – The program will focus on Colombia. Staff has begun initial exploration in neighborhoods of Bogota.

Caribbean Sub-region