Costa Rica: Networks for coexistence, communities without fear

The proposal seeks to improve the Cantonal Security Index in nine of the least safe cantons by simultaneously reducing levels of fear and violence, and in so doing turning these cantons into communities without fear.

It is designed to forge networks for peaceful coexistence capable of driving actions to prevent violence and promote peace, and will be based on interaction between three state institutions—the ministries of Justice, Public Safety and Education—in order to establish an inter-institutional network for work in the cantons. Local governments, social organisations and the private sector will be added to this network. Local capacities for preventing violence and promoting peace will be strengthened as called for in the “National Plan For Preventing Violence and Promoting Social Peace: A Country Without Fear”, and there will be increased promotion of education, the creation of abilities for dialogue and enhanced recreational options for women and men aged between12 to 24 years of age.