Participants representing cities, national governments, intergovernmental agencies, NGOs and civil society, academic and expert organizations, from 5 continents gathered at the  International Conference on the State of safety in world cities to discuss issues of urban safety with regards to governance, slum upgrading, youth, women, policing, small arms and migration. The recommendations emerging from such discussions are presented below.

The Conference participants recognized that urban safety is a multi-dimensional and complex issue and it is important to look at it through a human and urban development lens. Urban crime and violence do not exist in a vacuum, they are realities that emerge from social, economic and political configurations. A comprehensive approach to urban safety that addresses issues such as inequality, marginalisation and poverty needs to be applied. This integrated approach should involve all relevant stakeholders if we are to develop the trust and partnership required for fostering safer cities.

Notwithstanding the clear and shared understanding reflected in the conference discussions, the following key challenges remain:

• Translating international declarations into concrete actions that have impact on the ground;
• Harnessing the political will at all levels;
• Mobilizing adequate financial, technical and human resource capacity, particularly at the local authorities level, to tackle safety issues.

Read more...