In this edition of the Global Kidnap bulletin, we discuss the risk of attacks at educational institutions globally, analyse the organised crime landscape in Australia, assess the security landscape for journalists in Sub-Saharan Africa, look at the difficulties of effectively addressing growing crime in Peru, and highlight the complex security challenges in Haiti.
north america
Active assailants: An overview of school attacks
While it is possible to discern certain characteristics that are often common to school attackers, there is no defining profile and incidents remain highly unpredictable. Most attacks take place in the US, but in 2023 alone at least 14 attacks have taken place at educational institutions in other countries. For school officials, students, parents and government authorities, understanding these incidents – and preventing new ones – remains of critical importance. Read the article
Australia
Seriously organised: Australia’s criminal underbelly
A growing illicit drug trade, the proliferation of weapons and human trafficking, and some recent high-profile kidnapping incidents have brought to the fore the threats organised crime poses in Australia. With costs to lives and the economy mounting, organised crime threatens to further undermine commercial operations and public safety. Read the article
sub-saharan africa
Press under pressure: African journalism amid coups, crackdowns and conflict
Press freedom has declined in many parts of the continent, and even in many places that have stood out as relatively comfortable operating spaces for journalists attacks and threats have emerged to stifle journalists’ work. With growing political instability in several African countries, journalists are likely to feel increasingly threatened. Read the article
peru
Rising crime in Peru: Key drivers and challenges
Homicide and other crime rates are on a long-term upwards trajectory in Peru, and successive governments have struggled to find working solutions to the problem. Ongoing political wrangling means that only limited measures have been put in place to resolve the issue, suggesting crime will remain an unwelcome reality for Peruvians for the foreseeable future. Read the article
haiti
Downhill from here? Safety concerns and evacuation challenges grow in Haiti
Violence and open gang warfare in Haiti has rendered the country an increasingly risky place for foreigners and locals alike. The threats from kidnapping and violence are only exacerbated by growing political and socio-economic challenges, and evacuating personnel has become increasingly difficult. Read the article
