The PAZOS strategy, launched by Palmira’s municipality, seeks to address urban violence by targeting its structural causes instead of relying on traditional punitive measures. This innovative approach has earned legitimacy in communities often critical of state force and social policy shortcomings. PAZOS identified fifteen neighborhoods with high homicide rates in 2018-2019, clustering nine with similar violence characteristics and focusing on youth as the main victims and perpetrators. The strategy encompasses five key components: 1) Interrupting violence cycles, 2) Building legal life projects, 3) Developing violence prevention skills, 4) Transforming violent environments, and 5) Providing restorative justice.
This initiative exemplifies significant collaboration among over 15 allies from the private sector, international organizations, public entities, and community groups, making a substantial impact on youth life projects. Javeriana University of Cali’s 2022 evaluation highlighted the successful public-private partnership, low dropout rates, and reduced psychoactive substance use among beneficiaries. The strategy has achieved the lowest homicide rate in 17 years and garnered international recognition, including the 2022 UCLG Peace Prize.