The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently released the Global Study on Homicide 2023, revealing that homicide is a greater cause of death than armed conflict and terrorism combined. This report studies homicides related to criminal activities, interpersonal conflicts, and socio-politically instigated killings, such as the targeted killing of journalists, humanitarian workers, and human rights activists.
Key Findings of the Global Study on Homicide 2023
According to the report, between 2019 and 2021, an average of approximately 440,000 deaths occurred annually due to homicide, with a notable spike in 2021 when 458,000 homicide-related deaths were reported. This rise was attributed to the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in organized crime and socio-political violence. Despite a 95% increase in conflict-related deaths from 2021 to 2022, the data showed that the global homicide toll in 2022 was double that of conflict-related deaths.
Contributing Factors to Homicide
Organized crime was responsible for 22% of all global homicides, rising to a staggering 50% in the Americas. Inter-gang competition can significantly escalate intentional homicide rates. Factors such as climate change, demographic shifts, urbanization, inequality, and technological changes also affect regional homicide rates.
Homicide Rates: Regional Differences
America had the highest regional homicide rate per head, with 15 per 100,000 population in 2021. Africa, despite having the highest absolute number of homicides (176,000 at a rate of 12.7 per 100,000 population), displayed no decreasing trend compared to other regions. In contrast, Asia, Europe, and Oceania recorded homicide rates well below the global average of 5.8 per 100,000.
Profile of Victims
The report showed that males made up 81% of homicide victims and 90% of suspects, whereas females were more likely killed by family members or intimate partners. Children comprised 15% of all homicide victims in 2021.
Targeted Killings and Implications for Aid Workers
Deliberate killings of humanitarian workers, journalists, and human rights advocates accounted for 9% of global homicides. The number of fatalities among humanitarian workers was higher during 2017-2022 compared to 2010-2016, suggesting an escalation in threat levels.
Future Projections and Vulnerability
The study projected the global homicide rate to decrease to 4.7 by 2030, still falling short of the target set in the Sustainable Development Goals. Africa is expected to remain the most vulnerable region due to its young population, persistent inequality, and climate-related challenges.
India in Focus: Motives and Factors
In India, 16.8% of murder cases from 2019 to 2021 were tied to property, land, or water disputes. Only 0.5% (300 cases) of recorded murders between 2019 and 2021 were specifically attributed to water-related conflicts. The report identified population growth, economic expansion, and climate change as factors exacerbating tensions over water, resulting in increased violence stemming from water resource disputes.
