Criminal gang activities have recently increased in the world. Criminal gangs are involved in various criminal activities including killing, kidnapping violence and human and drug trafficking in many countries in Asia, North America, South America and other regions including Brazil, Haiti and El Salvador. Thousands of people are killed at the hands of criminal gangs each year globally. Steps are definitely taken to address gang crimes in many countries but they are mostly judicial and law-enforcement based, though many gang members are socially integrated. Many gangs are arrested and brought to justice each year globally. But social integration steps are less emphasized in many countries in addressing gangs.
It is notable that there is, according to multiple sources, a range of skills training based, economic opportunity based and other steps for the social integration of gang criminals in many countries. In some countries, criminal gang members are provided with rehabilitation programs that focus on education, job training and access to employment and counseling to help them reintegrate into society. In El Salvador, the government —for example — launched the “Yo Cambio” (I Change) initiative, which offers rehabilitation programs and job opportunities to criminal gang members. Among others, different countries provide legal support and mentorship programs for gang criminals who left criminal gangs. But social integration steps targeting criminal gangs are not adequate and effective in many countries.
The lack of effective rehabilitation programs and support systems definitely exacerbates the challenges faced by gang members in breaking free from their criminal lifestyles and coming back to social lives in many countries. Additionally, legal complexities, deep-rooted rivalries and conflicts between different gangs and limited economic prospects for criminals who leave gangs including limited access to employment opportunities put barriers for many gang criminals in different countries. It is mentionable that many integrated gang criminals find limited economic opportunities in many countries. Among others, the stigmatization and discrimination associated with integration and the risk associated with leaving criminal gangs put barriers for many gang criminals to leave criminal groups for social integration.
Judicial and law-enforcement based efforts are definitely imperative for addressing gang crimes. But social integration also needs to be emphasized. It is notable that social, economic and other factors including the lack of economic opportunities and poverty drive many to be gang members. Society has the responsibility to bring gang criminals back to social lives. Without emphasizing social integration steps, addressing criminal gangs successfully is difficult. Implementing comprehensive social reintegration initiatives that provide support and opportunities for gang members to leave the criminal lifestyle and live social lives is crucial. But the coverage of social integration steps needs to be increased.
Social integration programs need to put emphasis on several aspects including vocational training and economic opportunities, fostering positive relationships with community members and promoting inclusion and acceptance in society. It is notable that several social integration initiatives in the world including the Homeboy Industries program in Los Angeles — which provided job training and support services to former gang members — helped reintegrate gangs into society and break the cycle of violence. Additionally, addressing legal complexities is imperative for the betterment of criminals who are interested in social integration and society.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
