BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC): Eighteen countries from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have launched the Alliance for Security, Justice and Development, an unprecedented alliance which unites governments, multilateral organisations, and civil society to address organised crime.

The Alliance was launched at the Regional Security and Justice Summit which ended here on Thursday.

The initiative is being promoted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and will operate on three pillars, namely, protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening security and justice institutions, and reducing illicit markets and financial flows.

It will also promote evidence-based policies and concrete actions.

The countries involved in the initiative are Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, Suriname, The Bahamas and Uruguay.

“Organised crime operates across borders and demands bold, coordinated regional action. Enhanced collaboration is critical to protect communities, strengthen institutions and capabilities, and disincentivise illicit activities across the region,” said IDB president Ilan Goldfajn.