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Sustainable urban development relies to a large extent on the
capacity to provide a safe environment for people living and
working in and around cities. Low levels of delinquency, crime
and violence characterize a safe community. People feel secure
to walk on the streets, to use public transport and to enjoy
recreational and cultural facilities, both during the day and
at night. They feel safe in their homes, at school, at work
and in their neighbourhoods. Safe cities foster economic growth,
social inclusion, gender equality and civic vitality.
For a long time we have relied on the police and the criminal
justice system to “produce” safety and security. This approach
has shown its limits, even with the allocation of additional
resources. Crime, violence and insecurity are complex phenomena
that require a clear understanding of their causes in order
to reduce and prevent them. The engineering of crime prevention
and sustainable safety call upon the commitment and expertise
of all stakeholders. It is an integral part of good governance
and it should be a key element of strategic municipal planning.
Over the last 20 years, cities in different regions of the
world have taken important steps to mobilize municipal departments,
institutional and community partners as well as citizens in
the development and implementation of strategies to reduce crime,
prevent violence and create a safe environment. National governments
are more and more recognizing the crucial role of local authorities
in crime prevention and community safety. The United Nations
have adopted guidelines for the prevention of urban crime and
UN-HABITAT has set up a programme to support the efforts of
cities towards prevention and safety.
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