Crime Programme

The UNODC Crime Programme is the United Nations office responsible for crime prevention, criminal justice and criminal law reform. It pays special attention to combating transnational organized crime, corruption and illicit trafficking in human beings. Nine resolutions relating to UNODC were adopted by the General Assembly at its 55th session.

The UNODC Crime Programme cooperates with a network of international and regional institutions, allowing for a more comprehensive approach and an exchange of expertise. The United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Institutes Network (PNI) has been developed to assist the international community in strengthening co-operation in the crucial area of crime prevention and criminal justice. Its components provide a variety of services, including exchange of information, research, training and public education.

UNODC works with Member States to strengthen the rule of law, promote stable and viable criminal justice systems and combat the growing threat of transnational organized crime through better cooperation

The UNODC Crime Programme assists countries in the elaboration ratification and implementation of international criminal law Conventions and protocols, such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the recently adopted United Nations Convention against Corruption.

The Crime Programme also defines and promotes internationally recognized principles in such areas as independence of the judiciary, protection of victims, alternatives to imprisonment, treatment of prisoners, police use of force, mutual legal assistance and extradition. More than 100 countries have relied on its criminal justice standards and norms for the elaboration of national legislation and policies in matters of crime prevention and criminal justice, leading to a common foundation in the fight against international crime that respects human rights.

The UNODC Crime Programme promotes the fundamental principles of maintenance of the rule of law through national, regional and interregional activities and technical cooperation activities focus particular attention on developing countries and countries in transition.

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon. The Global Programme against Corruption targets countries with vulnerable developing or transitional economies by promoting anti-corruption measures and helping to make public-sector actions more transparent.

The smuggling of migrants and the trafficking of human beings for prostitution and slave labour are two of the fastest growing global problems in recent years. Recent studies show the increased involvement of organized crime groups. The Global Programme against Trafficking in Human Beings will enable countries of origin, transit and destination to develop joint strategies and practical action against human trading.

Criminal groups have established international networks to better carry out their activities both in licit and illicit markets by employing sophisticated technology and diverse modus operandi. The Global Programme against Transnational Organized Crime maps the latest trends of organized criminal groups and highlights their potential worldwide danger so that preventive action can take place.

The UNODC Crime Programme promotes research and studies new and emerging forms of crime in cooperation with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and maintains the Internet-based United Nations Crime and Justice Information Network (UNCJIN), a substantial database of www links to criminal justice related sites.

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