IDB Backs Uruguay’s National Public Security Plan with $200 Million Loan

WASHINGTON — The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $200 million loan to support Uruguay’s implementation of its National Public Security Plan 2025-2035, helping the country’s fight against organized crime and strengthen public security and justice. 

The program will support the Ministry of the Interior, the National Police, and the Attorney General's Office. The plan will improve strategic planning and coordination across the public security sector, enhance police effectiveness in areas where criminal activity is highly concentrated, help the identification of homicide perpetrators, and increase the efficacy of investigations. It will also support police training, intelligence-led policing, stronger forensic capabilities, specialized prosecutorial training, and greater coordination in complex organized crime investigations. 

“Public safety is a fundamental condition for people’s well-being and the country’s sustainable development. Through this program, we are supporting Uruguay in strengthening its institutional capacity to respond effectively to public safety challenges. This operation is one of the priorities of IDB’s 2026–2030 Country Strategy, developed jointly with the government, and will include concrete actions and measurable results for citizens,” said Miguel Porrúa, IDB Group Country Representative in Uruguay.

The plan was developed with the participation of the five political parties represented in Parliament and more than 80 government, academic, civil society organizations and international development institutions. 

It establishes a medium-term framework for the country’s public security policy, prioritizing interventions in areas with high levels of crime and violence and among the populations most affected. The program is expected to benefit approximately 175,000 people in the targeted areas.

The $200 million policy-based loan will be financed from the IDB’s Ordinary Capital. It has a 20-year amortization period, a 5.5-year grace period and a one-year disbursement period. It complements the CCLIP "More Security" approved in 2025.