Many cities in the world are confronting an escalation in
urban violence and crime. Others are taking steps to prevent
losses resulting from disasters. While apparently appearing
as separate issues, urban violence, crime, and disasters
are often the result of, or exacerbated by similar root
causes: poverty, inequity, social and physical segregation,
absence of a social contract, and weak governance structures.
to tackle the challenges posed by urban risks involve common
approaches, such as strengthening community bonds and governance
structures. The Centre is actively promoting the acquisition
and dissemination of knowledge on these issues through two
initiatives. The Safer Cities Programme (SC) promotes stakeholders'
consultation and the development of action plans to reduce
urban crime and violence. The Risk and Disaster Management
Unit (RDMU) is engaged in the development of vulnerability
assessment and reduction tools for human-made and natural
disaster, as well as for the rehabilitation of settlements,
communities and governance institutions. Both programmes
work closely with local authorities and stakeholders in
the implementation of field operations.
has shown that cities pioneering the introduction of urban
crime prevention and reduction measures face similar challenges
to cities engaged in vulnerability reduction and rehabilitation
in disaster scenarios.
Canadian cities and urban authorities have led the way in
the design and application of crime prevention and reduction
actions. Their knowledge and experience is a unique asset
for dissemination to other cities facing similar challenges.
Equally, local authorities confronting disaster are developing
initiatives to assist local stakeholders in developing vulnerability
The parallel event on "Risk Reduction and Safer Cities"
will bring together practitioners in urban crime and violence
reduction in Canada, and representatives of the network
of Local Authorities Confronting Disasters and Emergencies
Presentations made by practitioners will: