The new issue of 1540 Compass (Issue 5 | January 2026) is now available. The journal supports the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540, which aims to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors.
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), with support from the Governments of Italy and France, delivered two advanced training sessions on “Supply Chain Disruption” and “Proliferation Sanctions Implementation” from 14 to 18 July 2025 in Kyiv.
Hybrid Session – 26 June 2025, 09:00–10:00 CEST
Cybercrime and online harms are rapidly evolving across Africa, bringing with them significant challenges to justice and digital trust. UNICRI, in collaboration with ALT Advisory, invites you to take part in a hybrid roundtable discussion at IGF 2025 that explores these pressing issues.
UNICRI is dedicated to advancing justice, crime prevention, human rights protection and security by offering innovative post-graduate education and specialised training programmes tailored to meet evolving global challenges. Through on-campus, decentralised, and online courses, UNICRI equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex issues.
Our offerings are designed to empower young professionals, law enforcement officers, judges, justice personnel, and social workers, integrating theoretical learning with practical application to enhance the rule of law and human dignity.
In collaboration with leading universities, research institutions, and global experts, UNICRI delivers cutting-edge curricula and training materials tailored to regional and national contexts. Programmes such as the LL.M. in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity and the LL.M. in Transnational Crime and Justice provide participants with specialised expertise to address pressing issues. These initiatives not only enhance professional capabilities but also foster the next generation of leaders dedicated to peace, security, and sustainable development.
UNICRI’s capacity-building initiatives go beyond traditional education by addressing emerging global threats, including the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials, environmental crime, cultural heritage protection, and the challenges posed by AI, misinformation and hate speech. By prioritising inclusive and integrative learning approaches, UNICRI prepares professionals and youth alike to contribute meaningfully to creating a safer, more just world. Whether through tailored in-country training or comprehensive LL.M. programmes and spesiclaized courses, UNICRI’s commitment to excellence in education and capacity-building ensures a lasting impact on communities worldwide.
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) was established in 1968 pursuant to Economic and Social Council Resolution 1086 B (XXXIX) of 1965, which urged an expansion of the United Nations activities in crime prevention and criminal justice. The Institute is an autonomous institution and is governed by its Board of Trustees.
Working within the broad scope of its mandate to design and implement improved policies and actions in the field of crime prevention and control, the mission of UNICRI is to advance justice, crime prevention, security and the rule of law in support of peace, human rights and sustainable development.
UNICRI’s work focuses on Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, that is centered on promoting peaceful, just and inclusive societies, free from crime and violence. Justice, crime prevention and the rule of law are the basis for fighting poverty and reducing inequalities while enhancing economic growth and stability and protecting the environment. UNICRI supports governments and the international community at large in tackling criminal threats to social peace, development and political stability.
UNICRI' s goals are:
The Board of Trustees of UNICRI is composed by eminent experts. The staff cover a wide range of expertise in the management of research, specialized training and technical cooperation, and are supported by highly qualified consultants selected according to project requirements.
UNICRI's programmes aim to promote national self-reliance and the development of institutional capabilities. To this end, UNICRI provides a one-stop facility offering high-level expertise in crime prevention and criminal justice problems. Technical co-operation is enhanced by the use of action-oriented research to assist in the formulation of improved policies and concrete intervention programmes. Institutional and on-the-job training of specialized personnel form an integral part of UNICRI activities.
PREVENTING AND COUNTERING TRANSNATIONAL SECURITY THREATS, TERRORISM, AND POINTS OF NEXUS
COUNTERING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES, ILLICIT FINANCIAL FLOWS, AND CORRUPT PRACTICES
PREVENTING AND COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND RADICALIZATION
PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE USE OF NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO ADDRESS CRIME AND EXPLOITATION
PROMOTING RULE OF LAW AND SAFEGUARDING ACCESS TO JUSTICE
THREAT RESPONSE AND RISK MITIGATION: SECURITY GOVERNANCE UNIT
With more than 50 years of experience, UNICRI has structured its work programmes and modus operandi in order to always be responsive to the needs of the international community.
UNICRI works in specialized niches and selected fields of crime prevention, justice, security governance, risks and benefits of advances in technologies, counter-terrorism and social cohesion. UNICRI's programmes focus on different areas with the aim of creating and testing new and holistic approaches in preventing crime and promoting justice and development. UNICRI plays a leading role with respect to specific niches and supports/complements the work of other international organizations through its specialized and advanced services.
The Institute's current priorities include:
