UNIS/CP/563
11 April 2008

Media Advisory

 

United Nations Crime Commission to Focus on Violence
Against Women

Press briefing: Monday, 14 April 2008, 13:00 hours
Press Briefing Room CO3

VIENNA, 11 April (UN Information Service) - The United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will hold its 17 th session from 14 - 18 April in Vienna, Austria. The Commission, which meets annually, is the principal United Nations body for formulating international policies in crime control. The main focus of this year's meeting will be on how governments can curb violence against women and girls.

Organized crime, corruption and terrorism are on the agenda. Particular attention will be given to human trafficking, illegal logging and strengthening justice in post-conflict societies.

Ministers from West Africa will meet on the margins of the Crime Commission to address the growing threat posed by dangerous links between drugs, crime, and terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel region.

A press briefing will be held at the Vienna International Centre on Monday, 14 April at 13:00 hours, led by Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He will be joined by Said Djinnit, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa.

A number of side events will be held during the Crime Commission, including an exhibition titled "Inspire: the Kamlangjai project" about meeting the needs of female prisoners and their children. Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand will inaugurate the exhibition at 18:00 hours on 14 April in the rotunda of the Vienna International Centre.  

On 16 April at 13:30 hours, UNODC's Laboratory and Scientific Section will hold an open house to explain the role of forensic laboratories in criminal justice .

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For further information, please contact:

 Walter Kemp
Acting Spokesman, UNODC
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060 5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: walter.kemp@unodc.org

 

For media accreditation, contact:
Veronika Crowe-Mayerhofer, UNIS
Tel: (+43 1) 26060 3342
Fax: (+43 1) 26060 7 3342
Email: veronika.crowe-mayerhofer@unvienna.org