Crime rates plummet in areas with Usinas da Paz
Moreover, the facilities also help strengthen feelings of unity, belonging, and self-esteem in communities in Pará
The Usinas da Paz, implemented by the state government as part of the Territórios pela Paz (Territories for Peace) program, have been consolidating as one of the main instruments for social transformation and violence reduction in different regions of Pará. Since the inauguration of the first unit in 2021, the positive impacts generated by these public citizenship facilities can already be observed both in the Metropolitan Region of Belém and in municipalities in the interior.
According to data from the Secretary of Public Security and Social Defense (Segup), the territories where the Usinas da Paz are located continue to register significant reductions in robbery and Violent Intentional Lethal Crimes (CVLI), which include homicides, robberies followed by death, and bodily injuries resulting in death.
From January to November 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, the numbers of CVLI showed relevant reductions both in the Metropolitan Region of Belém - Bengui (-75%), Icuí-Guajará (-48%), Jurunas/Condor (-55%), Guamá (-42.1%) and Terra Firme (-30.8%) - as well as in the interior of the state - Benevides (-21.4%), Parauapebas (-29.8%), Abaetetuba (-33.3%), Castanhal (-40%) and Bragança (-50%). Regarding robbery, the rates also indicate reductions of over 40% in areas served by the Usinas da Paz.
“Pará is experiencing a different reality since the implementation of the Territórios pela Paz and, later, with the arrival of the Usinas, which continue to transform the lives of people in each community where they are present. We can confirm and assert that there have been significant reductions in both property crimes, such as thefts and robberies, and in crimes that take lives, such as homicides. Therefore, we continue to work strongly to expand actions throughout the state, ensuring not only security but also services and opportunities that continue to change the reality of the population,” explains the Secretary of Public Security and Social Defense, Ualame Machado.
Services and structure
Combining public security with social inclusion, the Usinas da Paz offer a wide network with over 70 types of free services to the population, such as professional qualification courses, school reinforcement, document issuance, digital inclusion, health services, cultural, sports, and citizenship activities, as well as actions focused on sustainability, entrepreneurship, conflict mediation, and community listening.
The complexes have modern and functional structures, with spaces equipped for health services, document issuance, vocational courses, and social assistance. There are also areas designated for sports practice, such as a multipurpose gym, swimming pool, and open court, as well as dance rooms, libraries, computer labs, music, study, and gastronomy rooms, a multicultural square, gardens, pet areas, theater, auditorium, and sewage treatment station, among other environments.
Residents recognize the changes brought about by the Usinas da Paz. Nursing technician Socorro Meireles, a resident of the Cabanagem neighborhood in Belém, highlights the sense of security and belonging that the space has brought:
“The Usina has brought us public policies that we only dreamed of having before. It was as if the Cabanagem neighborhood did not exist on the map. We were seen as a dangerous neighborhood. I have seen young people being executed near my house. Today we see the youth having access to free courses within the Usina. My son has already taken robotics courses and several others that we would not have been able to afford. The Usina is a blessing in the lives of all the residents of our community,” says the resident.
With 18 units in full operation, which have already provided over 10.9 million services to the population, and another 19 under construction, the state government continues to expand the reach of the Usinas da Paz to various regions of the capital and the interior.
“We continue to work hard to increase the number of Usinas da Paz throughout Pará. This is a project that has played an essential role in strengthening citizenship and building a culture of peace. A project that is an international reference and a source of pride for Pará, showing that investing in people is the most effective way to ensure security and quality of life for the population,” emphasizes the State Secretary of Citizenship Articulation, Elieth Braga.
