In 1,533 of a total of 2,474 municipalities in the country,at least one homicide occurred during 2023,the organization reported. Mexico United Against Crime (MUCD)and highlighted that five municipalities accumulated 18% of all lethal violence in the country (Tijuana, Juárez, León, Acapulco and Celaya).
when presenting the new Homicide Atlas, the research organization stated that from 2018 too 2023, the Guanajuato, Baja California and Chihuahua They are the ones that concentrated the largest number of homicide victims, which is why it was considered a priority to reduce this phenomenon.
Lisa Sánchez, general director of MUCD He said that while in the border areas they are murdering young people without formal employment, in the Bajío they are murdering people with a formal occupation.
“We have a national profile and it is young men with added vulnerabilities: low schooling, low employment, occupation of certain types, low income, very specific vulnerabilities that generally adds up and that means that we have a profile of the people who are murdered the most and who we see the most as replaceable in this country and that is part of the tragedy,” he said.
he said that, in the municipalities were there is a greater concentration of violence, there are important nuances that help the public policy planning At the local level, it is important to note that in Baja California the victims are five years younger then the national average.
While in Guanajuato “we are seeing that it is a conventional profile of people who are murdered and who do not have formal employment, who do not have an occupation and who do not have economic activity.” as could happen in 40% of the victims nationwide “It is not fulfilled,there we are murdering more and more people who do have an occupation,who do have an economic activity.”
Given this, he pointed out that the magnitude of the Lethal violence in Mexico remains serious and it is configured as a first-order challenge for the new six-year term.
“The strategy presented by the president could be effective if implemented with a civil focus, broad citizen participation and respect for human rights.Otherwise will not be able to give the expected resultsespecially if it relies heavily on the military forces and takes up categories such as ‘intentional homicides linked to organized crime’, an approach that is very reminiscent of those that were understood at the time as deaths due to criminal rivalry.”
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How can policymakers effectively address the alarming homicide rates in Mexico?
Interview with Lisa Sánchez, General Director of Mexico United Against Crime (MUCD)
time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today,Lisa. Your recent report highlights some alarming trends regarding homicide rates in Mexico. Can you share some key insights from the Homicide Atlas presented by MUCD?
Lisa Sánchez: Thank you for the chance. Our analysis revealed that in 2023, at least one homicide occurred in 1,533 out of 2,474 municipalities across Mexico. Disturbingly, just five municipalities—Tijuana, Juárez, León, Acapulco, and Celaya—accounted for 18% of all homicides in the country. This concentration of violence underscores the need for targeted public policy interventions.
Time.news Editor: That is indeed concerning. You mentioned that certain states, especially Guanajuato, Baja California, and Chihuahua, exhibit the highest numbers of homicide victims from 2018 to 2023. What are the implications of this data?
Lisa Sánchez: the data indicates a severe and persistent challenge.These states are vital focus areas for efforts aimed at reducing lethality in violence. We see critically important differences in victim profiles between border areas and the Bajío region, with young men being disproportionately affected. In Baja California, as an example, victims tend to be five years younger than the national average, highlighting the urgent need for tailored interventions.
Time.news Editor: Can you elaborate on the demographic profile of homicide victims you’ve identified?
Lisa Sánchez: Certainly. The majority of homicide victims share several vulnerabilities: they are often young men who experience low schooling and limited employment opportunities. What’s alarming is the growing number of victims with formal employment, especially in Guanajuato, where nearly 40% of victims do have identifiable economic activities. This shift indicates that the societal perception of who is deemed ”replaceable” is a crucial part of this tragedy.
Time.news Editor: Given these insights, what practical advice do you have for policymakers aiming to address this crisis effectively?
Lisa Sánchez: First, it’s imperative that any strategy employed focuses on civil engagement, emphasizing broad citizen participation while respecting human rights.Our analysis suggests that a military-heavy approach, which frequently enough reduces the issue to ‘intentional homicides linked to organized crime,’ is not sufficient.Policymakers should look to address underlying socioeconomic factors, enhancing community programs that provide educational and employment opportunities, particularly for at-risk youth.
Time.news Editor: As we conclude, what do you foresee as the biggest challenge in the upcoming six-year term for addressing lethal violence in Mexico?
Lisa Sánchez: The challenge remains formidable. The magnitude of lethal violence is a first-order challenge that requires a nuanced understanding of its complexities. If our new leadership can integrate a holistic approach that prioritizes intelligence-led policing and community involvement over a purely militaristic response, we can hope for meaningful progress. Otherwise, we risk perpetuating cycles of violence without addressing root causes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Lisa, for your insights. It’s clear that understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for social and policy reforms in Mexico.
Lisa Sánchez: Thank you for having me.Awareness is the first step toward enacting change, and discussions like this are vital in galvanizing public and political will to confront and resolve these deadly trends.