Guatemala proposes long-term homicide reduction goal

At the 2026 National Meeting of Entrepreneurs for Development (ENADE), organized by FUNDESA, a strategic goal was proposed to reduce Guatemala's homicide rate from approximately 16.8 to eight per 100,000 inhabitants by 2036.

The initiative emphasizes that achieving this target requires ten years of sustained institutional continuity rather than short-term political promises. Key challenges identified include organized crime, extortion targeting merchants and transporters, and a weakened penitentiary system.

Proponents argue that improving security and legal certainty is essential to attracting investment, creating jobs, and restoring citizen trust. Currently, resources diverted toward protection from crime represent lost opportunities for economic expansion and employment.