23-December-2023-Editorial

UNODC GLOBAL STUDY ON HOMICIDE 2023

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently released the Global Study on Homicide 2023 report, revealing alarming trends in homicide rates globally. The study delves into various aspects of homicides, distinguishing between lawful and unlawful killings, and examines motives and contributing factors.Key Findings of the Global Study on Homicide 2023:

Homicide Trends:

• Annual global homicides averaged around 440,000 deaths between 2019 and 2021.
• 2021 witnessed an exceptionally lethal year with 458,000 homicides, attributed to economic repercussions from the Covid-19 pandemic and increased organized crime.

Factors Contributing to Homicide:

• Organized Crime: Accounted for 22% of global homicides, reaching 50% in the Americas.
• Various factors such as climate change, demographic shifts, inequality, urbanization, and technological changes influence homicide rates differently across regions.

Regional Variances:

• America has the highest regional homicide rate per capita.
• Africa recorded the highest absolute number of homicides but did not show a declining trend.
• Asia, Europe, and Oceania had homicide rates below the global average.

Victims:

• Men constituted 81% of homicide victims and 90% of suspects.
• Women were more likely to be killed by family members or intimate partners.
• 15% of homicide victims in 2021 were children.

Targeted Killings and Impact on Aid Workers:

• Deliberate killings of human rights defenders, journalists, and aid workers accounted for 9% of global homicides.
• Humanitarian aid workers faced an increased threat level during 2017-2022.

Projections and Vulnerability:

• The global homicide rate is projected to decrease to 4.7 in 2030.
• Africa is projected as the most vulnerable region due to its younger population, persistent inequality, and climate-related challenges.

Key Highlights Related to India:

Motives Behind Murders:

• Nearly 16.8% of murder cases in India (2019-2021) were linked to disputes over property, land, or water access.
• About 0.5% of recorded murders were specifically attributed to water-related conflicts.

Factors Amplifying Water-Related Conflicts:

• Population growth, economic expansion, and climate change identified as exacerbating tensions over water access.

Conclusion:

The Global Study on Homicide 2023 underscores the critical issue of homicides globally, surpassing the combined impact of armed conflict and terrorism.

With insights into regional variations, motives, and vulnerability projections, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors influencing homicide rates.

The specific focus on India highlights the emerging challenge of water-related conflicts, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address this alarming trend.

As the world strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, effective strategies are essential to curb homicides and create safer societies.