Militarization does not solve a social crisis

Armed forces are not trained to interact with civil population.

Soldiers are trained to use force to conquer the enemy during combat. This makes them incapable of being in close contact with civilians. This is already a complex task for the police, trained to deal with citizens. It is even worse for Armed Forces.

It weakens rights, especially of the poor.

Latin American countries that have opted for militarization register a profound impact on human rights, according to a study by CELS. These violations have gone from affecting the right to life, freedom, and physical integrity of thousands of people to worrying limitation of political and social fundamental rights such as the right to protest, to migrate and freedom of speech. The presence of the military in conflictive neighborhoods raises the number of lethal victims in cross-fire, including children.

It is a short-term decision with high political costs, which diverts attention and resources from social problems.

Militarization does not solve delinquency or violence and it is at the same time an obstacle to think about real solutions. Hardening measures, a typical response of punitive demagogy, is justified by supposed popular demands for a “strong fist” but instead of translating these demands in democratic and inclusive policies, the feed violence and hate.