Youth crime prevention policies: Dominican Republic’s perspectives at UN debate

New York, US.- The Dominican Republic was represented by Minister of Youth Rafael J. Féliz García at the United Nations (UN) debate titled “Improving the Mainstreaming of Youth in Crime Prevention Policies,” held in New York City.

During the meeting, Minister Féliz García addressed key topics including youth participation, citizen participation instruments, youth institutions, and experiences documented in national youth reports.

“The ideal approach involves tackling root causes and risk factors, engaging all sectors,” remarked the minister.

He emphasized the need for crime prevention policies to directly impact young people through tailored and valorizing measures based on their needs, expectations, and identities. Féliz García stressed the importance of enhancing inter-institutional coordination and cooperation between countries, moving away from adult-centric approaches to addressing youth issues, and fostering a positive outlook on youth and their role as agents of change.

Furthermore, Féliz García highlighted President Luis Abinader’s government program, which includes a citizen security policy aimed at building peaceful communities through deterrence and prevention measures to combat crime and delinquency.

He also mentioned ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Youth, in collaboration with the National Drug Council of the Dominican Republic and other entities, in implementing the “My Neighborhood Has Talent” program. This initiative aims to reduce the consumption, abuse, distribution, and trafficking of addictive substances that may contribute to crime promotion.