Expert in Urban Violence, Human Security and Participatory Methodologies
About Me
I am an academic and action-oriented researcher who specialises on violence, peace and human security in cities. I am particularly interested in understanding the challenges associated to the provision of security in communities affected by chronic levels of violence. I am convinced that rigorous research and ethical knowledge production should serve to find solutions to the problems our societies face and thus I am passionate about developing new ways of working with those who are most affected by urban insecurity.
My Experience
I have undertaken ethnographic work in communities affected by high levels of violence and co-developed action-oriented research methodologies and tools in collaboration with academics and civil-society organisations from Latin America and the United Kingdom. These methodological innovations have been used to work with communities in Colombia, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala and South Africa. I have also worked with municipal officials and UN agencies to develop strategies to improve human security in neighbourhoods stricken by violent crime.
My Goal
Help to improve security for residents of communities trapped in the intersection of historical and contemporary problems, by working with them, as well as with civil organizations, governments, practitioners and other academics to better understand the challenges they face and develop solutions that make cities more peaceful, inclusive and equitable.
My Work
I have published academic articles, books, policy briefings and reports in English and Spanish analysing dynamics of urban violence and the impact of criminal actors in urban communities, as well as exploring ideas that can help transform security thinking and practice.
I have also founded Security4Peace a non-for profit organisation dedicated to advancing human security and building peace through initiatives that help protect people’s lives, livelihoods and dignity and foster more inclusive and equal societies.