Preventing violence and transnational organized crime
Justice, Rule of Law and Security of the Individual

In an effort to transform a culture of violence into a culture of peace, the Summits of the Americas process has given priority to preventing violence and transnational organized crime in the following ways: 

At the Miami and Santiago Summits of the Americas, the prevention of violence was deemed necessary in order to more fully promote a democratic culture and the human rights of all citizens.   For example, countries determined that equal treatment between men and women could not be attained without first addressing the problem of domestic violence. 

At the Quebec City Summit, the prevention of violence, as well as the need to combat transnational organized crime, was made a priority beneath the section entitled Justice, Rule of Law and Security of the Individual.  Here, governments focused on new, multi-dimensional threats to security, such as the illegal drug trade and other related crimes, the illicit trafficking and criminal use of firearms and the general problem of violence in society.  Countries also mandated the increase of training programs in conflict resolution and sought to expand public education to address threats that affect the most vulnerable members of society. 

With an aim to use international cooperation and information sharing to fight crime in all its manifestations, governments highlighted the importance of eliminating transnational organized crime.  In the Quebec City Plan of Action, countries are encouraged to ratify existing treaties, such as the United Nations (UN) Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, and to promote cooperation among judicial bodies to modernize legislation and information sharing techniques.   

Upcoming Events in the area of the Prevention of Violence and Transnational Crime can be found in the calendar of events.