Global Study on Homicide 2023

Book excerpt: To support Member States and the international community in efforts to prevent violence and strengthen responses, the fourth edition of the Global Homicide Study offers a comprehensive examination of intentional homicide trends and patterns around the world, and analysis of the complex dynamics behind the numbers. The study delves into different aspects of homicide, including the extent of intentional homicide in absolute numbers and rates. It highlights regional and subregional trends, demographics, age, and gender profiles of victims. It also explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on homicide trends. The analysis of homicide typologies is one of the main aspects of the Global Homicide Study, covering three categories: homicides related to criminal activities, interpersonal homicides, and socio-politically motivated homicides. A special section under chapter 4 examines how organized crime is driving homicide trends in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, the study considers the impacts of megatrends such as climate change, ageing populations, inequality, urbanization and technological shifts, with the aim of providing insights into how these larger global developments may intersect with and influence homicide rates. The Global Homicide Study also examines the criminal justice system's response to intentional homicide, seeking to identify areas for improvement and intervention.