PARIS, WILLEMSTAD – Community violence is leaving deep and lasting scars on the mental health of young people across the Caribbean, including Curaçao. That is the central conclusion of a comprehensive 2025 report by UNESCO, based on regional consultations and participatory evaluations with youth from English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries .
The report paints a stark picture of daily life for many young people in the region: exposure to violence is widespread, often normalized, and frequently intertwined with unresolved trauma, poverty, and limited access to mental health care. Youth describe growing up without safe spaces—neither at home nor in their neighborhoods—forcing them to cope in environments where violence is expected rather than prevented.
Violence as a Daily Reality
According to UNESCO, 99 percent of youth participants confirmed that community violence affects young people in their country or community . Experiences range from domestic abuse and gang-related shootings to intimidation and bullying in schools. The report emphasizes that this violence is not only physical but also psychological, shaping how young people view themselves, their futures, and their place in society.
While the report covers the wider Caribbean, its findings resonate strongly with Curaçao, where concerns about youth violence, gun crime, and social fragmentation have become more prominent in recent years. The normalization of violence described by participants mirrors recurring local debates about safety, neighborhood tensions, and the lack of structured support for at-risk youth.
Mental Health Crisis Beneath the Surface
UNESCO’s research highlights that anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts are common among youth exposed to violence . Yet stigma remains a major barrier. Many young people reported being told by older generations that they “have nothing to complain about,” reinforcing the idea that basic survival is enough and emotional well-being is secondary.
This dynamic is particularly relevant for Curaçao, where mental health services remain limited and are often perceived as inaccessible or culturally uncomfortable. Youth in the study repeatedly pointed out that even when services exist, they are either too expensive, poorly distributed, or surrounded by social stigma that discourages seeking help.
Gender, Stigma, and “Man Up” Culture
One of the report’s strongest findings concerns gender norms. Male youth across the Caribbean described intense pressure to suppress emotions and “man up,” with vulnerability framed as weakness . This contributes to a cycle in which untreated mental health issues manifest as aggression or violence.
For Curaçao, where discussions around masculinity and violence are increasingly part of public discourse, the report underscores the need for targeted, gender-sensitive interventions that address mental health as a root cause rather than only focusing on law enforcement.
Arts, Sports, and Safe Spaces as Solutions
Despite the bleak realities, the report highlights resilience among Caribbean youth. Art, music, sports, and physical activity emerged as key coping mechanisms and pathways to healing . Participants emphasized that creative expression and movement help them process trauma, build identity, and find alternatives to violence.
UNESCO recommends significant investment in safe, youth-centered community spaces that are trauma-informed and accessible. For Curaçao, this aligns with ongoing calls from civil society for more neighborhood-based programs that combine mentorship, cultural expression, and mental health support—especially in communities most affected by violence.
Policy Implications for Curaçao
The report makes clear that addressing youth violence requires more than reactive measures. UNESCO urges governments to expand affordable, culturally relevant mental health services, integrate counselors into schools, support youth-led initiatives, and actively include young people in decision-making processes .
For Curaçao, the findings add international weight to longstanding concerns: without early intervention, safe spaces, and accessible mental health care, cycles of violence are likely to persist. The report also highlights the importance of trust between communities and government institutions—an issue that has repeatedly surfaced in local debates on youth policy and social development.
A Call to Act
UNESCO concludes that Caribbean youth are not passive victims but are ready to lead change if given the tools and support to do so. The message is clear: breaking the cycle of violence requires investing in mental health, dignity, and opportunity at the community level.
For Curaçao, the report serves as both a warning and an opportunity—underscoring that tackling youth violence effectively means addressing its psychological roots, not just its visible consequences .