For information only - not an official document

UNIS/CP/968
19 May 2017

26th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice starts on Monday in Vienna

Fostering coordination against crime is vital says Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime Yury Fedotov as Vienna prepares to hold Crime Commission

VIENNA, 19 May (UN Information Service) - Transnational organized crime in all its devastating forms will be addressed at the 26th Session of the  Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) beginning next week.

Speaking ahead of the Crime Commission, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Yury Fedotov said: "Fostering coordinated responses to crime, corruption, terrorism and violence are vital, if we are to support victims, promote and strengthen the rule of law and bring down the criminal networks."

Mr. Fedotov said the Crime Commission was the starting point for these connected efforts due to the expert discussions and resolutions setting out the strategic actions to be undertaken by UNODC in tackling crime.

Starting on Monday 22 May, the CCPCJ begins with a high-level opening session followed by a thematic debate examining crime prevention strategies and public participation, social policies and education in support of the rule of law.

Over 100 side events will be held during the five days of the CCPCJ.  One of the highlights is a special event on Assisting and Protecting Human Trafficking Survivors with Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for Dignity for Survivors of Human Trafficking Nadia Murad on Monday 22 May.

Other subjects covered at side-events include health and justice, migrant smuggling, fostering peaceful and inclusive societies, cybercrime, the sustainable development goals, urban crime prevention, prisons, container control, and femicide.  

The CCPCJ is held annually and regularly attracts up to 1,000 participants representing Member States, civil society, academia and international organizations.

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The programme of the 26th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, including a list of side-events contains more information.

For further information please contact:

David Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org