The 2024 Gallup Global Safety Report indicates that El Salvador has achieved a historical high in citizen safety perception, with 88% of its population feeling secure walking at night. In stark contrast, Chile and Ecuador report significant declines in safety perceptions, correlating with growing organized crime, particularly in urban areas.
The Gallup Global Safety Report 2024 reveals significant disparities in security perceptions across Latin America and the Caribbean, despite an overall improvement in safety perceptions throughout the region over the past three years. The annual survey evaluates citizen experiences with violent crime, general feelings of safety, and trust in law enforcement across 140 countries. Latin America remains the global leader in insecurity and distrust in police, with many countries facing escalating issues tied to organized crime and drug trafficking. In 2024, El Salvador emerged as a standout performer in this survey, achieving a remarkable 88% of citizens feeling safe walking alone at night. This improvement can be attributed to the rigorous security measures enacted by President Nayib Bukele who has implemented a state of emergency to tackle gang violence, resulting in unprecedented Law and Order Index score of 89, surpassing many traditionally safe nations. Conversely, Chile is witnessing a decline in safety, with only 36% of its citizens feeling secure when walking at night. The correlation between declining safety perceptions and the surge of organized crime, particularly from transnational gangs such as Tren de Aragua, is notable. The country has seen increasing homicide and kidnapping rates, raising public demand for stronger enforcement measures. Ecuador is experiencing a dire security crisis, recording the lowest feelings of safety in the region, with only 27% of its population feeling secure at night. Drug trafficking has plunged the country into chaos, particularly in Guayas province where the homicide rate has surged, drawing concern from international observers regarding the safety and governance of the nation. This analysis showcases stark contrasts in security perceptions within Latin America, highlighting both the progress made by El Salvador and the escalating crises in Chile and Ecuador.
The Gallup Global Safety Report is vital in assessing safety and crime perceptions globally and particularly in Latin America, where insecurity remains a pressing issue. The region’s historical struggles with organized crime, drug trafficking, and corruption have adversely affected citizens’ perceptions of safety and trust in law enforcement. The report, which has been conducted since 2015, provides a comprehensive overview of how various countries are faring regarding personal safety and security, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of crime and governance in Latin America.
In conclusion, the 2024 Gallup Global Safety Report reveals that while El Salvador has made remarkable strides in citizen safety perception through firm governmental policies, Chile and Ecuador are grappling with deteriorating security due to organized crime and public unrest. This stark contrast underlines the complex landscape of safety and crime in the region, suggesting that targeted actions are necessary to address and improve the perception of security in Chile and Ecuador.
Original Source: insightcrime.org
