PROMOTING SAFETY AMONG YOUNG PERUVIANS IN POST-CONFLICT URBAN AREAS: DEFENDERS OF PEACE IN SAN JUAN DE LURIGANCHO, LIMA

Abstract

This paper conveys the experience and findings of the Defenders of Peace project, contributing to the body of knowledge around successful interventions in youth violence in urban post-conflict contexts. Defenders of Peace was implemented from 2000 to 2003 in the popular-urban district of Lima, Peru. The project was designed to show a different path to confronting youth violence, a phenomenon that has escalated for the "war generation", born and raised in violent times. These young people lived in slums, experienced forced displacement, and had no opportunities or hope for a better future. The project was launched in order to contribute to the development of self-protection skills, youth resilience, and access to opportunities for recreation and culture. As such, Defenders of Peace, along with youth leaders, have partnered with local authorities to develop local capacity and address factors affecting violence among youth, with an emphasis on human security.

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