INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In recent years, Ecuador has witnessed a troubling 640% surge in child and adolescent homicides from 2019 to 2023, reports UNICEF.In 2023
alone, over 455 young lives were lost between January and September
countries, with a homicide rate that might reach 40 per 100,000 people by the end of 2023.The rise in youth murders links directly to the
growing power of criminal gangs.These groups are deeply involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and
extortion.Gang wars over drug routes have significantly impacted society
They have made children and adolescents especially vulnerable to violence.Most victims are between 15 and 19 years old
Since 2019, intentional homicides in this age group have increased by 500%.Dramatically Rising Child Homicides in Ecuador
(Photo Internet reproduction)The recruitment of minors by criminal gangs is a key factor in this rise
In the first half of 2023 alone, homicides in this demographic rose by almost 80% compared to 2022.The problem is most severe in coastal
The government is urged to address this crisis urgently.Their goal is to combat organized crime and drug trafficking, which are at the root
of this violence.BackgroundIn 2023, Ecuador surpassed Venezuela as the Latin American country with the highest murder rate.Renato Rivera, a
crime observatory coordinator, reported this shift
Honduras followed with a rate of 35.1.
