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Introduction. Lynch's work on public image (1960) and basic public rights (1984) inaugurated urban research from the perceptions of the people; and show that the way we read the city provides important clues to citizens transits and relations between groups using a space. Objectives. In this paper, we proposed to establish security perceptions of young people in poverty in Monteria, Colombia, a city historically affected by violence. Materials and methods. The study distinguishes between members of traditional families and young people displaced by the armed conflict. The ethnographic approach includes field observations and focus groups. Results. Huge differences between the groups in their relationship with the city and the other is found. Those who have traditionally lived in Monteria, identify landmarks and have emotional ties to the city. The second group does not refer to spaces that evoke a sense of belonging, only those where they are with their peers. Basic public rights involve a tension between reclaim public space for themselves and recognize the existence of others. Group 1 to Group 2 does not recognize their right to be in space and use it. They see themselves as owners are not willing to share control, build barriers and stigmatize symbolic unknown. Conclusions. The study concludes that poverty is not the determining factor in building public image; exercise basic public rights it brings a sense of belonging and sense of security. Excessive control of Group 1 on the space makes, rather than a democratic space, find one ruled by fear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]