On January 21st, in Lima, ministers from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru came together.
They set up a detailed plan to fight crime across borders. Their goal? To tackle organized crime in the Andean area.
The plan appears on Peru’s official government site. It lists steps to improve border security and start a round-the-clock Andean security network. These countries form the Andean Community and share agreements.
The strategy includes better watch at borders and team efforts to close illegal paths. This will target drug dealing, human trafficking, illegal mining, and weapon smuggling.
For migration, they propose an Andean Data Bank. It will share key information on individuals with criminal records or travel bans.
Training is crucial in their fight against crime. Every three months, they will run training to boost the skills of police, military, and security staff.
They aim to share knowledge, raise human rights awareness, and make security forces stronger.
They plan to kick off a 24/7 security network for constant information sharing on criminal groups’ activities. Also, they intend to host a global forum on organized crime by mid-2024.
An Andean Regional Observatory will collect and study data on crime in the area. The Andean Community’s General Secretariat will organize the crime laws across these nations.
Background
This plan marks a historic step for the Andean nations. Together, they face organized crime that crosses borders. Such crimes have grown, challenging each country alone.
The Andean Community, established in the late 1960s, has long aimed to improve cooperation. This latest move shows their commitment to security and stability in the region.
It reflects a deep understanding that shared problems need joint solutions. The initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar threats.
Ultimately, it strengthens ties among these nations, promoting peace and prosperity in the Andean area.