Media Center

Press and Communications Department

Contact us at:

Speeches

ALBERT R. RAMDIN, ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
REMARKS BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL ABOUT GANGS TO THE PERMANENT COUNCIL

August 25, 2005 - Washington, DC



  1. Over the past few years the concept of security has been radically altered in our hemisphere. It still encompasses traditional threats but following the Bridgetown Declaration, has been appropriately expanded to incorporate non-traditional threats – such as poverty, illicit drugs, communicable diseases, transnational organized crime, and acts of terrorism, human trafficking and destruction of the environment. These problems have proven to be too complex for one-dimensional responses, and too big and cross-cutting for any country to seek to address them alone or in isolation.

  2. One such real threat to our citizens and our democracies is that of the growth and activities of transnational criminal youth gangs.

  3. Gangs in Central and North America have grown from neighborhood thugs into criminal enterprises involved in many illicit activities such as human trafficking, smuggling of illicit drugs, cars, and small arms; and in kidnapping. These Gangs have improved their ability to operate across borders, exploiting gaps in existing legislation and in law enforcement, and have nurtured a culture of violence, illegality, and despair that not only breed fear, but also provide fertile grounds for further crime and terrorism. In addition to its terrible human cost, this violence threatens political stability, inhibits social development, and discourages foreign investment in the affected regions, which are often in critical need of development.

  4. Several factors may have impacted on and continue to contribute to this disturbing phenomenon. Some scholars have identified the following factors: income inequality, extreme poverty, highly urbanized populations, growing youth populations caught in a cycle of stagnant job markets, immigration policies, deportations, and the limited extent of comprehensive policies.

  5. The problems related to gangs and its impact is addressed at national, sub-regional and multilateral levels.

  6. Nationally member states have responded through policies that reflect the local manifestation and nature of the problem, the concerns of their citizens, and the resources available. Some emphasize prevention more than others, they all acknowledge three important realties:

    a. the complexity of this phenomenon,
    b. the absence of “quick-fix” solutions,
    c. the need for a multidisciplinary approach and international cooperation.

  7. Progress has also been made in working together at the sub-regional level. On several occasions and under different mechanisms political leaders have moved their countries towards increased cooperation and co-ordination.

  8. The XXVI Central American Presidential Summit agreed to unify police and military efforts in the sub-region to create a rapid deployment force against narco-trafficking, organized crime, and criminal youth gangs. The Presidents also agreed that prevention is key to addressing the problem and that studies should be conducted to facilitate the adoption of uniform anti-gangs legislation. Recognizing that security and intelligence-sharing alone would not be sufficient to tackle the gang problem, some of the leaders said they would approach the World Bank to identify funding to support job training opportunities for former gang members. Some Governments have also been working at the bilateral level to create certain prevention and law enforcement programs.

  9. The role of the OAS so far has been limited; in large measure due to a lack of financial resources. Beginning in the year 2000, the Organization financed two minor prevention programs in El Salvador. Two years ago, also in El Salvador, CICAD financed the first national census of local gang prevention initiatives, which also identified the growing links between these gangs and organized crime. The Tapachula meeting was the OAS first major effort to assist member states in strengthening international cooperation.

  10. The meeting resulted in certain conclusions and recommendations for the countries and the Organization. It must be said up front that there are no funds, external or from the regular fund, assigned to implement such recommendations, and that even if some funds were forthcoming, the countries will have to prioritize international cooperation programs.

  11. I also would like to stress the Palermo Convention and its Protocols as one important instrument in our multidimensional approach to cooperation on security and a framework for structuring cooperation among member states.

  12. Prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation measures should be carefully designed and implemented to stem, reduce and manage the problem of youth gang violence.

  13. A long term solution will only come through a collective and strategic approach that addresses youths-at-risk, the problem of lack of economic and educational opportunities and other social changes.

  14. The General Secretariat stands ready and will continue to assist member states as they move towards achieving these important goals.