This past week saw the start of phase two of UNODC's work in Brazil around using sports as a means to prevent crime, violence and drug use among youth.
Following the start of the Office's 'Line Up Live Up' curriculum in Brasilia, which will deliver life skills training in vulnerable communities, UNODC held a series of discussions with Government authorities, civil society and key sports organizations in Rio de Janeiro.
UNODC's life skills training initiative as part of its global activities to prevent youth crime under the Doha Declaration Global Programme has started in Brazil . The initiative focuses on sports in order to build resilience of youth by enhancing their life skills and increase their knowledge of the consequences of crime and drug use. With a view to positively influence attitudes and prevent anti-social and risky behaviour, the initiative is first being piloted in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro, before being rolled out to other regions, including Latin America, Southern Africa and Central Asia.
Barely a decade ago, suggesting to judicial officers that introducing rules and obligations to declare their assets and other relevant interests and activities as part of upholding judicial integrity and preventing opportunities for corruption was met with great scepticism.
However, in many jurisdictions nowadays, the issue has gained traction and judges themselves are no longer shying away from the debate. Given this shift, there is a real opportunity to advance this discussion, exchange experiences and learn from those jurisdictions that have introduced financial and similar disclosure systems for their judges. The Global Judicial Integrity Network, an initiative about to be launched by UNODC under the Doha Declaration Global Programme, will provide a unique platform for this exchange.
The integration of crime prevention and criminal justice into all levels of education is essential in building long-term approaches to countering crime and violence. It is also critical in ensuring that the rule of law is respected from an early age in order to build safe and prosperous societies for all. Recognizing this, the Doha Declaration, highlights the fundamental importance of universal education for children and youth to prevent crime, terrorism and corruption and promote sustainable development.
Within this area, E4J is holding a series of Expert Group Meetings in Vienna, bringing together experts with a variety of backgrounds from across Governments, civil society, academia, the private sector and international organizations.
Prison-based rehabilitation is a complex issue: While prisoners typically face a range of social, economic and personal challenges that may complicate their social reintegration into society, prisons often lack sufficient infrastructure, programmes, and resources, and may even exacerbate these problems.
In order to reduce re-offending, therefore, it is crucial to actively prepare prisoners for their successful re-settlement in society. With this in mind, UNODC hosted an Expert Group Meeting and a workshop in Vienna and Dushanbe respectively, bringing together a number of experts in a bid to encourage a comprehensive, rehabilitative approach to prison management.
