Costa Rica, 3 February 2025. The fight against crime and the pursuit of justice are not battles fought in isolation. They require the collective strength of governments, international organizations, and crucially, civil society. In San José, Costa Rica, a vital step was taken to amplify the voices of civil society organizations (CSOs) in this crucial endeavour, paving the way for more effective and inclusive participation in the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
The UNODC's Civil Society Unit in partnership with the NGO Alliance on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on 3 February 2025, convened a coordination meeting with 25 CSOs representing 16 nations across Latin America and the Caribbean. This preparatory session was designed to equip these organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to actively contribute to the upcoming official regional preparatory meeting. The day-long event, packed with informative sessions and workshops, focused on the intricacies of the regional meeting, including its agenda, working protocols, and timelines. It also provided a platform to discuss the key findings of the Global Civil Society Survey, specifically focusing on the Latin American and Caribbean context.
The significance of this coordination meeting was underscored by the presence of key figures like Ms. Hanna Wajda, Counsellor and Chargé d'affaires of the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica, Mr. Douglas Durán, Director of ILANUD, Mr. Gerson Nozea from the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and Ms. Mirella Dummar, Chief of the UNODC Civil Society Unit.
Their opening remarks resonated with a shared commitment to empowering CSOs. They emphasized the invaluable contributions of these organizations, whose on-the-ground experience and specialized knowledge are essential for enriching discussions on critical issues like access to justice, crime prevention, anti-corruption, organized crime, cybersecurity, and trafficking in persons.
Mr. Nozea shared the survey’s key findings, he highlighted the collective voice of NGOs working in crime prevention and criminal justice. The survey, available in five languages, offered a comprehensive methodology for gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders, including academic institutions, the private sector, experts, and NGOs, ensuring a truly representative perspective. This data-driven approach positioned CSOs to engage more effectively in the Regional Preparatory Meeting and contribute meaningfully to shaping future policies.
The San José coordination meeting was more than just a preparatory session; it was an investment in the future of justice and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. By empowering CSOs with information, tools, and a platform to share their insights, the UNODC is fostering a more inclusive and collaborative approach to crime prevention and criminal justice. The impact of this meeting was felt in the strengthened participation of CSOs at the Regional Preparatory Meeting and ultimately, in the development of more effective and responsive strategies to address the complex challenges of crime and injustice in the region. The San Jose’s session report, outlining recommendations, very much reflected NGO contributions and is poised to play a crucial role in building a safer and more just future for all. Together with recommendations from the other Regional Preparatory Meetings, this will form the basis for the Abu Dhabi Declaration at the 15th UN Crime Congress.
