An investigation by a Medellin NGO has revealed that 2,000 youths between the ages of 11 and 25 have been murdered within the past two years.
The Institute of Popular Training (IPC) found that youths, especially minors, are paying the highest price for the violence in the city.
Comparative data of the first two months of 2009 and 2011 shows that the murder rate of 11 -17 year olds has increased 478%. However murders of youths between the ages of 18 -25 still account for the majority of deaths. The institution believes that based on data from 2011 so far, this trend will continue, Caracol Radio reported.
The IPC listed a number of causes contributing to this devastating violence such as territorial control and border wars, micro drug-trafficking in communities and educational institutes, forced recruitment, forced displacement and harassment of cultural leaders who reject violence.
The announcement comes as young artists from Comuna 13 (Community 13), a neighborhood in Medellin, prepare for a protest march against organized crime, a reaction to the murder of rapper Daniel Alejandro Sierra, 17, on Saturday.
Medellin Mayor Alonso Salazar condemned the murder of the young rapper and reiterated his firm commitment to the projects of young people in the city supporting life and respect for human rights. He urged all citizens to join them in building a young and united Medellin.
