BKK/CP/13
21 April 2005
Workshop to Explore Strategies and Best Practices for Crime Prevention Related to Urban Crime and Youth at Risk
BANGKOK 21 April (UN Information Service) -- A workshop on Strategies and Best Practices for Crime Prevention, in particular in relation to urban crime and youth at risk is being organized as part of the Eleventh United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Bangkok, Thailand, on 23 April 2005.
The International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, based in Montreal, Canada, has assisted the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the organization of the workshop, which is supported by the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Canada.
Urban areas around the world face a major challenge in responding to criminal acts and violence which impede sustainable economic development, and affect human rights and the quality of life. Children and young people are especially vulnerable. The workshop is an opportunity to demonstrate how Member States are drawing on the 2002 United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Crime to develop or strengthen national strategies in support of city and community-based prevention efforts. The workshop will bring together government officials, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and international experts, to demonstrate how well-planned and integrated strategies can promote safer communities and effectively prevent crime and violence in urban areas, and among at-risk youth.
“The outcome should lead to increased national support for local strategies, as well as greater regional and city-to-city exchanges to build the capacity to promote strategic urban crime prevention and support youth at risk”, according to Daniel Sansfaçon, Interim Director General of the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime.
The workshop will demonstrate the range of international best practices such as city-based and community-level crime-prevention strategies, local prevention partnerships, and the importance of combating social exclusion among the most vulnerable populations.
It will also discuss the importance of inclusive and participatory strategies which recognize the needs of young people, women, and minority populations. The workshop will focus on integrated strategies based on effective practices for children and young people who are at risk of victimization or offending, or already in conflict with the law, and highlight projects targeting specific groups, like youth in violent armed gangs.
International experts will showcase successful crime prevention initiatives and lessons learned. The panel will also address what needs to be done in the areas of capacity-building, training and technical assistance.
The International Centre for the Prevention of Crime is a non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, and supported by a range of national governments, local authorities, public agencies, specialized institutions and non-governmental organizations. The Centre’s mission is to provide an international forum promoting crime prevention and community safety, through the maintenance of a knowledge base, the exchange of experience, good practices and tools between countries and cities, and technical assistance.
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