Vienna (Austria), 24 May 2024 – The 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) concluded on 17 May 2024. This session brought together Member States and other stakeholders to discuss crime prevention and criminal justice, focusing on promoting international cooperation and technical assistance to prevent and address organized crime, corruption, and terrorism.
The UNODC Civil Society Unit (CSU) supported the engagement of civil society organizations (CSOs) and youth through a number of activities. These included side events, informal dialogues with the UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly, with CCPCJ Chair H.E. Mr. Ivo Šramek of Czechia, and an NGO Briefing co-organized with the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (Alliance). The briefing provided NGO participants with updates about the Commission. During the event, Mirella Dummar Frahi, Chief of the CSU, and Ian Tennant, Chair of the Alliance, emphasized the essential role of civil society in shaping crime prevention and criminal justice policies that respect human rights and address gender and other critical issues. This year, over 200 representatives from more than 70 NGOs participated, and nearly half of the 90 side events were organized by or with NGOs, demonstrating the strong interest in collaborating with Member States on these key issues.
Inclusive partnerships and broad engagement
The side event ‘Fostering joint stakeholder actions against cybercrime through inclusive partnerships' explored how joint stakeholder actions against cybercrime can be fostered through inclusive partnerships. Engaging discussions emphasized the importance of non-governmental stakeholders and collaborative efforts in tackling cyber threats.
The Civil Society Unit supported a CSO-Roundtable organized by the United States in the margins of the CCPCJ33, reaffirming the joint commitment to strong civil society engagement. Ambassador Laura S.H. Holgate emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling crime prevention and criminal justice challenges. "Together, we will enable meaningful participation in shaping policies and programmes," she stressed.
The UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly actively engages with civil society partners throughout the year, including through field visits. During the informal dialogue with NGOs in the margins of the 33rd CCPCJ, Ms. Waly delved into critical aspects of civil society's role in shaping crime prevention and criminal justice policies, alongside community engagement, emphasizing their invaluable support to UNODC mandates. She underscored the centrality of human rights and gender in UNODC's mission, highlighting their cross-cutting presence in all initiatives. Additionally, she unveiled the Gender Equity Strategy, designed to foster gender equity within UNODC and support Member States in integrating gender considerations into their policies and programmes.
Protecting children and young people
Civil society also plays a key role in combating organized crime among children and youth, providing critical interventions and reaching marginalized communities. Often, children find themselves particularly vulnerable to the influence of organized crime, driven by economic and social pressures into becoming unwitting participants or victims. The UNODC CSU led side event ‘Act to prevent: the role of civil society in preventing organized crime among children and youth’ discussed these challenges in a multi-stakeholder panel.
Patt Prugh, representing the US State Department, underscored the significance of actively listening to children's perspectives, highlighting initiatives such as Young Change makers as crucial avenues for fostering understanding and collaboration. She also tackled the issue of negative perceptions towards law enforcement that hamper effective policing, by advocating for school programmes that integrate police in a non-threatening manner.
Marco Genovese, representing Libera, a network of NGOs in Italy, provided insights into their multifaceted approach towards combating organized crime, including through crime prevention among children. Mr. Genovese elaborated on initiatives such as training sessions tailored for children and teachers, street-level outreach activities, and the strategic confiscation of seized assets, which are subsequently repurposed for social benefits by the government, and for example used to finance summer camps.
Speakers concluded that by amplifying the role of civil society in preventive initiatives and fostering trust within communities, defences against organized crime's encroachment can be fortified, ultimately securing a brighter future for children and youth.
The 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) underscored the imperative of international cooperation and technical assistance in addressing a spectrum of criminal activities, from organized crime and corruption to terrorism and beyond. Central to these efforts is the recognition of the pivotal role civil society organizations play in fortifying the criminal justice system and advancing societal safety. This inclusive approach not only addresses societal challenges but also advances the pursuit of the sustainable development goals.