Global Crime Rates

1 Global Crime Rates Homicide is violence directed at an individual with injuries an intention of inflicting serious injuries or killing. The levels of homicides around the world vary widely. Even within a country, the homicide rate varies. In 2002, only 25 countries contributed to more than half of all homicides in the world. Mexico has one of the largest economy countries in the Latin America. It produces and exports a lot of oil which forms a major source of revenue for the government.

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2 However, crime rates in Mexico remain high. The increased homicide rates are as a result of organized criminal gangs. Drug trafficking has caused increased corruption and the government can not effectively deal with them. The judiciary system is infiltrated by corruption thus it is inefficient and can not effectively prosecute and punish the offenders. The police are also compromised by these gangs and therefore collude with them. Prosperity is far from many and the socio-economic gap is wide (UNODOC, 2011).

The social economic variables most commonly associated with homicide rates include the Age structure, urbanization, unemployment, population density, poverty and inequality, and education. Younger males are more likely to be involved in crime than females. Rural- urban migration result into urbanization and high population density in these areas. This puts a constraint in social amenities while unemployment levels rise due to the increased competition for resources. Income inequality becomes more pronounced and frustration sets in especially if the poor and the wealthy live side by side. Other differences such as religious, ethnic and language barriers can lead to increase in homicide levels due to political competition. Low education levels can lead to high rates of unemployment making people to engage more on crimes (Fajnzylber, Lenderman & Loayza, 2000).

The governance structure can also facilitate a rise or fall in homicide rates. The governance indicators include rule of law, political stability and control of corruption.

China is rated among countries with low homicide rates because it has gained trust from its citizen. The government has in place stringent measures to reduce corruption. The Chinese justice presumes someone to be guilty until proven innocent. China still enforces

3 death sentence to serious offenders, and this has ensured a low rate of homicide cases (UNODOC, 2011). Judiciary system which are not effective cannot prosecute and punish offenders thus cannot curb crimes.

4 References Fajnzylber, P., Lenderman, D. & Loayza, N. (2000). Crime and victimization: An economic perspective. A Paper prepared for presentation at the 1st Meeting of the Latin America Economic Policy Review, New York, May 12 and 13.

UNODOC, (2011). 2011 global study on homicide. Retrieved 23 January 2012 from http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/statistics/crime/global-studyon-homicide-2011.html