In 2020, the capital city Caracas ranked third in the ranking of most violent Venezuelan metropolises, with a murder rate of nearly ** per 100,000 inhabitants. The list was headed by Cumaná with a homicide rate of *****.

In 2024, there were nearly 26.20homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in the country, down from a homicide rate of 26.8 a year earlier. Since 2017, when it peaked, the homicide rate in Venezuela has been decreasing year after year.

Falling homicide rate but still higher than the Latin American average The country held the fifth position for the highest homicide rate in Latin America, recording 26.2 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, even after experiencing a steady decrease in the rate over the years. In line with this alarming rate, the Venezuelan city of Cumana was ranked as the 11th most dangerous city in the world in 2023, reporting a rate of 62.42. Among these homicide cases, the majority, approximately 5,800, are still under investigation, while the remainder falls into categories of closed cases, those resisting authority, or have been categorized as disappearances, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced in addressing violent crime.

Corruption in Venezuela In the corruption index, which ranges from 0 representing the worst case to 100 signifying no corruption, Venezuela has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the most corrupt country in Latin America, with a meager score of 10 in 2024. Moreover, the estimated corruption control score has been steadily declining, reaching -1.69 in 2024, where lower numbers indicate a higher degree of corruption, painting a worrisome picture. To compound matters, the risk of money laundering and terrorist financing has persistently remained at a high level, recording a score of 7.59 during 2024.

In 2025, Pietermaritzburg in South Africa ranked as the world's most dangerous city with a crime rate of 82 per 100,000 inhabitants. Five of the 10 cities with the highest crime rates worldwide are found in South Africa. The list does not include countries where war and conflict exist. South Africa dominates crime statistics When looking at crime rates, among the 10 most dangerous cities in the world, half of them are found in South Africa. The country is struggling with extremely high levels of inequality, and is struggling with high levels of crime and power outages, harming the country's economy and driving more people into unemployment and poverty. Crime in Latin America On the other hand, when looking at murder rates, Latin America dominates the list of the world's most dangerous countries. Violence in Latin America is caused in great part by drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and gang wars.

The Sixth UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders was planned for Sydney in August 1980. In June 1979 following a review of the Federal Government's financial commitments the Congress was cancelled in Sydney by the Attorney General Senator Durack, and was subsequently transferred to and held at Caracas, Venezuela.

These are papers of the Management Committee and other bodies related to the planning of the Congress in Sydney and include plans of proposals for alterations and for the allocation of rooms and spaces in the Opera House where the Congress was to be held. A full listing is available.

(12/4402-4409.2, SR Plan Nos.62505-13). 8 boxes (part), 9 plans.

Note:

This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.

Mr P.E. Quinn, as Assistant Director of the Department of Youth and Community Services, was invited to attend the Sixth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders at the Sydney Opera House in August/September 1980. (The Congress was, however, eventually held at Caracas, Venezuela). The papers include correspondence from the Co-ordinator of the Australian Delegation, Australian delegates' observations on agenda items and a copy of the Report of the Australian delegates.

(18/1258.1). 1 bundle.

Note:
This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.