| Project Detail |
The Active Communities Project supports alternatives to El Salvador’s tough-on-crime narrative by designing effective solutions and providing citizen security to under-resourced populations.
El Salvador, the most densely populated country in Central America, has faced significant development challenges within a complex political environment, not the least of which is citizen security. The recent state of emergency extension and harsh new penal code illustrate the government’s intent to continue a zero-tolerance policy against gang violence and identity. This has resulted in a massive surge of pretrial detentions and the voluntary retreat of many civil society organizations working with under-resourced communities.
The USAID-funded Active Communities Project supports alternatives to the current tough-on-crime narrative by working alongside Salvadoran municipalities, civil society, local organizations, and the private sector to design effective solutions and provide citizen security services to vulnerable populations. The project also leverages strategic crime and violence prevention operations and primary and secondary prevention efforts. This includes applying El Salvador’s new Crecer Juntos (growing together) legislation, which focuses on the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents.
By enabling a collective response to crime and violence, the Active Communities Project reduces root causes that drive irregular migration and gang engagement, leading to a safe and secure future for all Salvadorans. |
