Santiago de Cali, the capital of Colombia's Pacific region, is a cultural epicenter renowned as the world capital of 'salsa' music. It’s a multiracial city, home to several indigenous and afro descendant communities. In 2024, the city will host COP16, the Global Biodiversity Summit, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship.
2.234 M
1,018 m
619 km2
Cali is actively engaged in multiple initiatives to prevent and reduce urban violence. Our approach begins with a coordinated effort alongside security agencies, complemented by the goal of having a robust social support system to assist the most vulnerable populations.
In partnership with the Police, Military Forces and other security agencies, we have increased street presence to deter and control crime. We are also investing in enhancing the operational capacities of our authorities to improve security responses for our citizens.
Moreover, we are advancing social reintegration programs to prevent youth involvement in violent activities, addressing gender-based violence, and improving community access to justice to promote peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms. We are also strengthening our data analysis capabilities through new technologies and partnerships with national and international allies to make evidence-based strategic decisions.
There are also private sector initiatives aimed at reducing insecurity in the city. One such initiative is “Forjar Oportunidades,” a program by the SIDOC Foundation designed to transform the life projects of young people from the most vulnerable sectors. The goal is to foster socio-emotional skills and provide training for employment and entrepreneurship, promoting the development of a life project within the framework of legality and carrying out community actions to rebuild the social fabric.
Finally, we are committed to creating safe environments where citizens can enjoy public spaces that are orderly and of high quality, ensuring a peaceful and secure city for all.
According to the Global Research Network study, Cali is among the fifty cities with the highest homicide rates in the world. In 2023, the city recorded 1,046 homicides (45.9 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants). Our greatest challenge is to reduce these high rates of homicides. We are also focused on decreasing crimes against property. Dynamics of illegality, recruitment, and conflict contribute to this scenario.
Cali has recently recorded its lowest homicide rate in the last 32 years, with a 17% reduction compared to the previous year. This significant decrease means that 86 fewer lives were lost this year compared to the last.
As the capital of Valle del Cauca, Cali continues to lead the nation in reducing homicides, contributing to over 60% of the national decline in 2024.
In addition to this achievement, theft in Cali has also decreased across most categories. Between January and June 2024, personal theft dropped by 15%, commercial theft by 39%, vehicle theft by 19%, and theft in the public transportation system fell by an impressive 51%.
We have also launched the largest youth violence prevention program in the city’s history, aiming to benefit 10,000 young people over the next four years.
At the programmatic level, between 2021 and 2023, 4,814 young people aged 18 to 28 from various municipalities in the Valle del Cauca department, especially Cali, have participated in the "Forjar Oportunidades" program.
During this period, 36,163 sessions have been conducted, including psychosocial support, territorial activities, arts and sports, employment and entrepreneurship training, and restorative citizenship actions.
As a result, 371 young people have accessed formal education, 548 have found formal employment, and 257 have started their own businesses.
reduction in homicide rate compared to prior year
fewer lives were lost this year compared to the last
national decline of homocides in 2024
less personal theft
less commercial theft
less vehicle theft
less public transportation system theft
young people aged 18 to 28 have participated in the "Forjar Oportunidades" program
sessions have been conducted (i.e. pyschosocial support, arts and sports, and more)
young people have accessed formal education
young people have found formal employment
have started their own businesses
We aim to share our experience and implementation capabilities in prevention programs to help cities achieve tangible results in reducing violence. We hope that Cali will serve as a national and international model for violence prevention, particularly among young people.
Jairo García, Secretary of Security and Justice of Cali
