[1] US Agency for International Development. As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic. After having received criticism for lack of adequate legislation on sexual violence,[29] Guatemala enacted in 2009 Ley contra la violencia sexual, explotacin y trata de personas (Law against Sexual Violence, Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons). [3], Some high-profile murders revealed or suspected to be the work of the cartel include that of Catholic Bishop Juan Jos Gerardi Conedera, beaten to death in 1998, two days after the conclusion of an inquiry he had led into the violence of the civil war. Thats why weve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on safety in Guatemala. Sticking to tourist areas, steering clear of sketchy ones, and keeping our travel tips in mind are really going to help you stay safe. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas killing in armed conflict is usually committed by fairly cohesive groups of up to several hundred members and is thus usually excluded. Stick to purified water in Guatemala. "That is why they earn a quarter less than their male colleagues and why there are just 10 women among the 340 mayors in Guatemala.". Whenever you get to a new destination, ask your accommodation if there are any areas or neighbourhoods to avoid. An opinion poll in April 2019 showed more than 70 percent of the population supporting the CICIG. As soon as this statistic is updated, you will immediately be notified via e-mail. From the colonial buildings of Antigua to ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, youll be in a wonderland full of archaeological sites and steamy jungles. Guatemala Organized Crime News - InSight Crime The post-coup regime kept a majority of Guatemalan security forces in the capital, leaving regional law enforcement under-supported. Guatemala's crime rate is among the highest in all of Latin America, and violence is negatively affecting the country's economy, according to the World Bank. . "Number of Criminals Offences Registered in Guatemala from 2013 to 2021. Homicide rate in Guatemala 2022 | Statista [3] Khalil Musa reportedly knew president lvaro Colom, an advisor of whom told an American journalist that, if the Musas could be killed, there was a sense that anyone [in Guatemala] could be.[3], Guatemala finds itself located in the middle of the drug supply from South America and drug demand in the United States. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. At least 160 women have been killed in the first four months of 2021 in Guatemala more than one per day. Safest and Most Dangerous Caribbean Islands - TripSavvy Guatemala + 4 more. Intentional homicides, female (per 100,000 female), Intentional homicides, male (per 100,000 male), Internally displaced persons, total displaced by conflict and violence (number of people), Internally displaced persons, new displacement associated with disasters (number of cases), Internally displaced persons, new displacement associated with conflict and violence (number of cases), International Comparison Program & Purchasing Power Parity, International Household Survey Network (IHSN), Trust Fund for Statistical Capacity Building. Men's groups are trying to bring about change as femicide is on the rise. (2022). Be it Central America or Central Asia, Claire is on a lifelong mission to plant her footsteps there literally! Avoid these things while travelling in Guatemala: Dont resist when being robbed Dont walk around at night outside tourist areas(only use public transport if you have to and only use a reputable company) Avoid using ATMs that arent inside banks or supermarkets Dont walk down empty streets or alleys. Guatemala Crime Rate & Statistics 1992-2023, Guatemala crime rate & statistics for 2020 was, Guatemala crime rate & statistics for 2019 was, Guatemala crime rate & statistics for 2018 was, Guatemala crime rate & statistics for 2017 was. 85.2. This year, there have been 161 femicides and more than 20,000 complaints of violence against women, including almost 3,000 rapes. As is often the story in Latin America, corruption and political trouble never seem to be too far off. President Giammatei and his government have shown a hostile attitude toward the press and have been accused of hiding information about Covid-19 cases. To learn more about cookies, click here. (February 3, 2023). [1] In the 1990s Guatemala had four cities feature in Latin America's top ten cities by murder rate: Escuintla (165 per 100,000), Izabal (127), Santa Rosa Cuilapa (111) and Guatemala City (101). License : CC BY-4.0 Line Bar Map Label 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 20 25 30 35 40 45 Guatemala Intentional homicides, female (per 100,000 female) Intentional homicides, male (per 100,000 male) But travel warnings and stats don't paint a true picture of what it's actually like. The violence that gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 have proven themselves capable of generates fear and hopelessness among the communities in Guatemala, El Salvador and . To make sure you keep your family safe while travelling in Guatemala, there are a few things to bear in mind. [Online]. Arana, Ana, "The New Battle for Central America", criminals who are dressed in police uniforms, commercial sexual exploitation of children, Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Crime, democracy, and development in Latin America, "A Brief History of Guatemala's 36-Year-Long Civil War That Ended in 1996", "Youth, gangs and violence: Analysing the social and spatial mobility of young people in Guatemala City", Corridor of Violence: The Guatemala-Honduras Border, "Guatemala 'closes its eyes' to rampant child sex trafficking: U.N.", "Sex trafficking in Guatemala involves primarily children, UNICEF report finds", "Human trafficking of girls in particular "on the rise," United Nations warns", "Central America Fertile Ground for Human Trafficking", "Gang Involvement in Human Trafficking in Central America", "Human Trafficking and the Children of Central America", "2019 Trafficking in Persons Report: Guatemala", "Amnesty says Guatemala must act on killing of women", "Working Together to Protect U.S. Business Solutions including all features. [40] In a UN study on the roots of children migration from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, forty-eight percent of children interviewed recounted personal experiences of increased organized violence. This article has been translated from German. Neighbors of the couple had regularly heard her screaming loudly when he beat her, but no one thought it necessary to call the police. Since then, her partner has been in pre-trial detention. It noted that there is no legislation in Guatemala guaranteeing the Mayans right to collective property and there is an absence of adequate and effective recourse for the protection of their rights. InSight Crime's 2021 Homicide Round-Up According to Doctors without Borders, "Survivors [of sexual violence] are stigmatized and they cannot easily find treatment in Guatemala yet. Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to very high levels of violent crime: Within Guatemala City: Zone 3. If you find a good driver, take their card and use them again. Employers, landlords, health care facilities,. Tourists and toutist areas are rarely affected. Make friends, keep in touch, and take minimal risks! This Caribbean nation is under a Level 2 Travel Advisory, citing armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults as the biggest issues. But Guatemala is not ALWAYS the safest of places. However, long delays impede accountability, as courts often fail to respect legally mandated timeframes and may take months to reschedule suspended hearings. Quintela criticizes the fact that to this day, Guatemala does not considerviolence against women to be a social problem. If you use the chicken bus, stay very vigilant. You only have access to basic statistics. to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time. ", InSight Crime, Homicide rate in Guatemala from 2014 to 2022 (in number of homicides per 100,000 inhabitants) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/984814/homicide-rate-guatemala/ (last visited May 02, 2023), Homicide rate in Guatemala from 2014 to 2022 (in number of homicides per 100,000 inhabitants) [Graph], InSight Crime, February 3, 2023. Please check your download folder. So whilst its not what wed call the safest place in the world, Guatemala is awesome. On August 10, Benoit Mara, representative of Agronomists and Veterinarians without Borders (AVSF), a French non-governmental organization (NGO), was assassinated by unknown individuals. [8], Young males ages 15 to 24 characterize the typical perpetrators of street crime, which is often committed against individuals of the same age group. Profit from the additional features of your individual account. She moved there 20 years ago and has since worked both as a sociologist and the editor of La Cuerda, an internet portal with a "feminist view on reality," according to its website. To help you plan a successful trip, weve listed some no-go areas below: And of course, always stay away from the dodgy side streets, shortcuts, and areas where you cant find another tourist. I DONT recommend hailing taxis off the street. "Guatemala: Country-Specific Information". Is Guatemala Safe? (2023 Safety Guide) - The Broke Backpacker Granted, its safe to drive in Guatemala, but for the hassle its not really worth it. Natural disasters, jungles, history, public transport, and violent crime all play a part in the safety of Guatemala today. From its start in 2007 until the government failed to extend its mandate in 2018, the UN-backed CICIG played a key role in assisting Guatemalas justice system in prosecuting corruption and violent crime. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Jamaica ranked first, with around 45 homicides. October 13, 2022. Los homicidios se incrementaron un 18 por ciento durante 2022 en Guatemala You can only download this statistic as a Premium user. [12], Greater regional efforts to crack down on narcotics trade has merely diverted the transport routes and methods used. Share this via LinkedIn According to the Prosecutor's Office, there were an average of 30 attempted lynchings per month in 2014. [6] Gerardi also found links between the military and the illegal drug trade in Guatemala, providing an additional motivation. This site uses cookies to optimize functionality and give you the best possible experience. Fake taxi companies exist and using them puts you at high risk. Were all about smart travel and we want you to be able to explore this INCREDIBLE country and stay safe at the same time! "Homicide Rate in Guatemala from 2014 to 2022 (in Number of Homicides per 100,000 Inhabitants). Guatemala crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 28.23, a 12.14% decline from 2017. Several countries located in Central America and the Caribbean registered some of the highest homicide rates in the Latin American region in 2020. Guatemala has no comprehensive civil legislation protecting people from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. In July 2019, Guatemalas Constitutional Court issued a similar ruling. The Human Rights Ombudsperson faces a congressional effort to remove him and a possible criminal investigation for promoting LGBT and sexual and reproductive rights. This page is not available in other languages. Guatemala's multitude of criminal groups range from violent street gangs to trafficking groups that serve as intermediaries for Colombian and Mexican cartels. Criminal proceedings against powerful actors often suffer unreasonably long delays due to the extensive use of motions by criminal defendants. The decision contravenes international human rights standards on sexual and reproductive rights. Under Guatemalan law, Congress selects and appoints judges and justices from lists presented by Nominating Commissions. Whether youve concerns on if its safe to drive in Guatemala, how safe it is for American tourists, and if its is for solo female travellers in Guatemala; its all in here! That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). The same month, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ordered Guatemala, in a binding ruling, to shelve the proposed legislation. [5] Children commonly migrate to the United States, often to reunite with family, and to flee conditions related to crime like societal violence, abuse in the home, and social exclusion. Gang-related violence is an important factor prompting people, including unaccompanied children and young adults, to leave the country. This statistic is not included in your account. There are high crime rates in Guatemala that dont generally involve tourists. Murder rate in Latin America/Caribbean by country | Statista markets. "As a consequence, many of them resign. Please do not hesitate to contact me. Solo travel is an amazing way to see the world. Abortions, which have always been a taboo topic in Guatemala, continue to be considered a criminal offense; many women end up in prison for years for having had one. Register in seconds and access exclusive features. In mid-March, transfers under the ACA were temporarily suspended in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The same month, the commission also urged Guatemala to investigate, prosecute, and punish both the material and intellectual perpetrators of murders and attacks against human rights defenders. United States. Guatemala City - Survivors of genocide and other crimes against humanity during Guatemala's civil war are calling for justice as pending trials against ex-military officials . Share this via Facebook Ill give some special points for solo female travellers a little further down. countries, Guatemala experiences high levels of violent crime. CrisisWatch Guatemala August 2021. The ubiquitous chicken bus is the primary mode of public transport in Guatemala. Homicide rate in Guatemala from 2014 to 2022 (in number of homicides per 100,000 inhabitants) [Graph]. The distrust of indigenous still permeates Guatemalan culture today. (male 420,782/female 521,178) 2022 population pyramid Dependency ratios Guatemala is cleaning up its act and has become much more stable since the end of the civil war. Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe! Yes, Guatemala is actually safe to live in. "Most common crimes in Guatemala in 2021, by cases per 100,000 inhabitants." [12], The lack of effective law enforcement following the 2009 coup also contributed to the growth of narcotics smuggling. The US-Guatemala Asylum Cooperative Agreement (ACA) entered into force in November 2019, allowing rapid transfer ofnon-Guatemalan asylum seekers to Guatemala without their being able to lodge asylum claims in the United States. Most femicides go unsolved, showing the continuation of civil war societal features like impunity and the normalization of violence against women. If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again. [6] In 1997 a large group of active military figures, including the deputy Minister of Defense, were found to be involved with the Colombian Cali cartel's smuggling efforts. El Salvador's Homicide Rate Hit a Historic Low in 2020 - Foreign Policy UN studies have reported that in Guatemala and the other northern nations of Central America, "stark wealth disparities provide criminals with both a justification and an opportunity for their activities. This guide is packed full of useful information regarding your Guatemala safety concerns. If you use our chart images on your site or blog, we ask that you provide attribution via a link back to this page. [citation needed] The countries with the highest crime and violence rates in Central America are El Salvador and Honduras. As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic. Plan International; Posted Again, thank you! Many people will aid you on your journey through this amazing country. Its a wild world out there. Guatemala is also still a developing country. Guatemala is another jewel on the Central American trail. "for even the worst crimes, leaving no one accountable". The complaint came after Plaza Pblica published a report on alleged business links between Martnez and President Giammattei, through what the report claimed may be a shell company. UN Office on Drugs and Crime's International Homicide Statistics database. For many Guatemalan women, mere survival has become a challenge. Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people in close to 100 countries worldwide, spotlighting abuses and bringing perpetrators to justice, Human Rights Watch is a 501(C)(3)nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 13-2875808, Public Security, Corruption, and Criminal Justice, Separation of Powers and Judicial Independence, Accountability for Past Human Rights Violations, Bidens Challenge: Redeeming a US Role for Human Rights, Addressing the Climate Crisis in Times of Pandemic, From Flight Logs to Homeschooling, Human Rights Watch Grapples with Covids Challenges, As Online Gender-Based Violence Booms, Governments Drag Their Feet, The Other Pandemic: Fighting Inequality as We Beat Back Covid, Poverty, Pandemic, Police Violence: Ongoing Crises Demand the US Address Pervasive Racism. It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. PDF Crime and Insecurity in Guatemala - Wola In 2020, officials attacked media and individual journalists through discrediting remarks, false accusations, and anti-press rhetoric. But travel warnings and stats dont paint a true picture of what its actually like. [12] From 2006, Mexico's crackdown on drug trafficking pushed cartel operations to import cocaine through Central America instead,[13] and a majority of cocaine departing South America now travels through the northern regions of Central America to reach U.S. Taxis in Guatemala are generally safe but a little sketchy. In January 2020, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report on Guatemala, referring to a challenging human rights context, with persisting high levels of inequality, discrimination, insecurity and impunity. The report cited significant setbacks in the advancement of human rights, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption and impunity. Following the end of Guatemalan Civil War in 1996, a general amnesty was granted Quintela, a Spanish journalist, ended up in Guatemala eight years ago. Instead, they later anonymously sent Maria's mother a recording on which her daughter could be heard pleading for help. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Guatemala. Use Ask Statista Research Service. But religious authorities continue to oppose change. The province currently has 17 investigators and 1,027 police officers serving a population of more than 731,300 inhabitants. The following month, the Constitutional Court temporarily suspended the changes, which would have allowed the government to shut down organizations for disturbing public order and to establish restrictions on their receiving international funds. Like everywhere, some places are safer than others. [7] The cultural difference between gangs and the rest of society and the overall intimidation of the gang image gives individual gang members considerable power and increased social capital. only affects locals in certain areas. After spiking in 2009, crime rates fell due partly to investigations by a UN-sponsored commission, but the government terminated that body's mandate early in response to a series of corruption probes, imperilling efforts to curb impunity. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set [2] According to New Yorker magazine, in 2009, "fewer civilians were reported killed in the war zone of Iraq than were shot, stabbed, or beaten to death in Guatemala," and 97% of homicides "remain unsolved. Statista. [7] In 2011, UNODC reported that Guatemala had 32,000 gang members-more than in any other Central America country. An average of 101 murders per week were reported in 2018. Guatemala has a nascent and cumbersome asylum system that is not capable of providing effective protection to asylum seekers forcibly transferred from the United States. In recent years, investigations by the CICIG and the Attorney Generals Office have exposed more than 60 corruption schemes, implicating officials in all three branches of government, and prompting the resignation and arrest, in 2015, of the countrys then-president and vice-president.