Organised crime and peacemaking

In recent years, organised crime and illicit economies have expanded rapidly, shaping armed violence across the world. Criminal actors are often drawn to fragile or war-torn contexts with weak law enforcement, influencing both conflict dynamics and prospects for peace in many areas where HD works.

To respond to this reality, HD launched an organised crime and peacemaking initiative within its Mediation Support and Policy Directorate. It helps peacemakers understand how crime and illicit economies affect conflict and supports the design of responses that strengthen peace and stability in crime-affected contexts.

Since 2023, HD has advised the Colombian government in its urban peacemaking efforts. Lessons from this and other engagements informed the flagship publication Engaging Criminal Armed Groups: Insights for Peacemakers.