Effective crime prevention should not be the exclusive responsibility of law enforcement and criminal justice systems. Instead, it requires holistic and inclusive approaches that address root causes of violence and crime and involves all relevant sectors of Government, the private sector and civil society actors, including the sport sector and youth. This was the topic of discussion of the side event held on 18 May, during the 30th session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
Building on the UNODC Youth Crime Prevention through Sport Initiative under the Global Programme for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration and its "Line Up Live Up" programme on life skills training through sport, the event raised awareness on the role of sport as an enabler of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, and discussed the role of the sport sector in the context of holistic crime prevention approaches, showcasing good practice examples and promoting multisectoral and innovative partnerships.
In this piece, Raghda Taweir presents a story about coach Ahmed Kahle, who is volunteering for the junior football team in Attil town in Tulkarm, and his sense of social responsibility and appreciation of sport.
In the Haven's Alley, Asmahan Hamdan's video shows how the lack of suitable playgrounds and safe spaces affects children in camps, pushing them to play in the alleys and streets. The story filming took place in Aida camp in Bethlehem.
In this video shot by Hiba Salah Al-Din, meet Captain Rabe from Hizma village, who volunteers in training a group of youth to keep them away from violence and crime, and develop their life skills.
Filmed in Qabatiya, Jenin for the Participatory Video Series, Hamza Marabaa looks at the use of sports as a means of education and its role in simplifying information for students.
Haneen Alqam's video introduces us to Ahmed Sadaqa, a student who is studying sports, yet faces strong opposition from his family and community. Ahmed's story contradicts the common belief that sports has no value as a major field of study.
Produced by Adham Al-Shayoukhi and Muhammad Nawas, The Feet of a Dancer highlights the role of ballet in enhancing the life and behavioural skills of girls, through filming with ballet trainer Melina Ansari, during one of her training sessions with a group of girls in Ramallah.
The White Weapon tells the story of Samah Mujran - a Taekwondo athlete and female trainer from Tulkarm, who explains the role of sports in the formation of young people's life skills and girls' empowerment.