The Challenge Crime is a serious problem in cities all over the world. Urban violence generates a fear of crime. Crime and the fear of crime are serious threats to the stability and social climate of cities, to sustainable and economic development, the quality of life and human rights.
Urban violence erodes the social capital of the poor.
Insecurity affects the poor more intensely, breaks down socio-cultural bonds and prevents social mobility, thus contributing to the development of urban ghettos and stigmatised neighbourhoods. The Safer Cities Programme was launched in 1996 at the request of African mayors who wanted to address urban violence by developing a prevention strategy at city level. The programme supports the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, which acknowledges the responsibility of local authorities in crime prevention . The Safer Cities approach Violence does not happen spontaneously. It grows out of an unequal and exclusive society, and out of lack of institutional and social control.