The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) “Global Study on Homicide” provides startling insights into the comparison between rates of homicide and deaths in armed conflict across the globe. It is observed that homicides – defined as one human killing another – are five times higher worldwide than those killed in war. Though the absolute number of homicides has climbed from 400,000 in 1992 to over 460,000 in 2017, the global rate has actually declined from 7.2 to 6.1 when measured against population growth.
Geographical Distribution of Homicides
The Americas region accounted for a significant 37% of total global homicides, taking the largest share. Africa followed closely at 35%, with Nigeria and South Africa responsible for nearly half of all homicides on the continent. This large percentage in Nigeria can be attributed to the actions of terror group Boko Haram. However, Asia, despite its extensive population, held less than a quarter (23%) of total homicides. Europe and Oceania were by far the least represented in these statistics, accounting for 4.7% and 0.2% respectively.
Comparing Murder Rates
The safest regions, according to the homicide rates provided by the report, are Asia, Europe, and Oceania. This includes Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Their respective murder rates of 2.3, 3.0, and 2.8 sit comfortably below the global average of 6.1.
Role of Organised Crime and Gangs
Of all the homicides, 19% were associated with organised crime or gangs. Within this statistic, it’s worth noting that 95% of victims were male. Countries with the highest rates of homicides related to organised crime include the Bahamas, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, Jamaica, and Panama.
The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence
A quarter of all worldwide homicides are linked to intimate partner violence, with women making up 64% of these victims. It is also determined that young men aged between 15-29 years face the highest risk of falling victim to homicide, followed by men aged 30-44 years. The risk decreases for men between 45-59 years and over 60, reaching the lowest point for those under 15. Women, by comparison, have a lesser risk across all age groups.
| Age Group | Homicide Risk for Males | Homicide Risk for Females |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 | Lowest | Low |
| 15-29 | Highest | Moderate |
| 30-44 | High | Moderate |
| 45-59 | Moderate | Low |
| 60+ | Low | Very Low |
The Environment and Homicide Rates
The report suggests that the environment, particularly disputes over resources and changes associated with rising temperatures, has contributed significantly to the increase in murder rates.
India Specific Findings
In India, the overall rate of homicide saw a decrease of 10% during 2009-2015. However, the geographical distribution of this rate saw a noticeable shift during this time. Some states in the north witnessed an increase in homicide rates, while large southern states like Andhra Pradesh saw a drop. Intimate partner violence in India also saw a slight rise. Interestingly, firearms did not have a substantial impact on overall suicide levels, contrasting with countries like Colombia and Mexico which are characterized by high homicide rates and intense organized crime.