The Institutes Comprising the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network (PNI)

In recognition of the importance of regional and interregional cooperation, and in response to various legislative mandates, a network of institutes was established by the Secretariat of the United Nations, in cooperation with the Member  States. The network has been developed to assist the international community in strengthening international cooperation in the crucial area of crime prevention and criminal justice at the global, regional and subregional levels.

The components of the network provide a variety of services, including exchange of information, research, training and specialized education. Since the creation of the oldest institute in 1962 in Tokyo, Japan, this United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network (PNI) has grown in number and presently consists of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and several interregional and regional institutes around the world, as well as specialized centres.

Major activities among the institutes include the organization of joint events and meetings such as the Crime Congress. The role of PNI in preparing the UN Quinquennial Crime Congresses has grown in significance over the years. In the past twenty years, thirteen different workshops were convened during the last four Congresses. 

The Programme Network has also started, on a standing basis, to cooperate in the organization of practical workshops and events in support of the work of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice during its annual sessions. These activities are in fulfilment of the mandates given to the Institutes by the Commission to provide technical assistance to Member States on relevant issues of the Programme. The topics of these workshops are related to the thematic debate of the Commission. Accordingly, the areas covered have dealt with prison issues, criminal justice reform, trafficking in persons and the promotion of the rule of law.

Other joint efforts related to the UN crime programme include gathering  information on the implementation of UN standards and norms, as well as participation in various crime and justice survey activities.

Since its establishment, UNICRI has developed activities and conducted research in close cooperation with universities all around the world. Renowned professors have been involved in the development of Institute projects and participated in their implementation. Representatives from academia have also contributed to our publications.

UNICRI is currently working with several universities in:

• Developing training activities for the judiciary;
• Developing post-graduate courses;
• Providing support during the preparation of new publications (including analytical reports and technical papers); 
• Organizing events.

UNICRI is a partner of the International Internship Platform initiative, implemented by UNDP Lithuania, aimed at promoting international internships/stages of Lithuanian students and lecturers (academic staff training visits) in international organisations and international companies.

UNICRI is also a member of the global initiative Academic Impact, a program of the United Nations Outreach Division of the Department of Public Information which is open to all institutions of higher education granting degrees or their equivalent, as well as bodies whose substantive responsibilities relate to the conduct of research. UNICRI supports and actively engages in the realisation of the Academic Impact principles and wishes to play a pro-active role in the development of Academic Compact activities.

UNICRI carries out action-oriented research and training, provides information and advisory services, and implements its activities, at the request of governments, at the interregional and national levels.

The Institute operates in specialised niches and selected fields of crime, justice, security governance and counter terrorism, providing added value to crime prevention, the advancement of justice and the enhancement of human rights.

The Institute also serves as a platform for consultation and cooperation, bringing together Member States, research institutions, international organizations and civil society, and promoting a common approach in addressing shared challenges.

The following are the areas in which UNICRI's work is currently structered:

• Countering the threat of crime Increasing the efficiency of criminal justice systems and protection of vulnerable groups
• Promoting international criminal law and practice Sharing best practices, building capacity to promote human rights and improving access to services
• Security governance and countering the appeal of terrorism Training and advanced education: building capacity in crime prevention and criminal justice

The Institute carries out action-oriented research and training, provides information and advisory services, and implements its activities, at the request of governments, at the interregional and national levels.

The Institute operates in specialised niches and selected fields of crime, justice, security and risks mitigation providing added value to crime prevention, the advancement of justice and the enhancement of human rights.  The Institute also serves as a platform for consultation and cooperation on priority issues acting as an honest broker in bringing together different partners such as Member States, research institutions, international organizations and civil society, in forging a common approach in addressing shared challenges.

UNICRI contributes to building a global knowledge base on organized crime and threat convergences.  It aims to strengthen criminal justice institutions and increase professional capacities of practitioners in fighting organized crime and promoting the rule of law.

UNICRI targets, in particular, regions and countries that for various reasons, including the comparative lack of intervention from other potential assisting entities, are more in need of support in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. Co-operation projects often take a holistic approach, which tackles legislative, enforcement and social aspects, and may include services provided by UNICRI, such as documentation, action-oriented research and training.

Modernly, the world faces very complex issues that need consensus and a feeling of shared responsibility; solutions are simpler when a consensus is reached. With this aim UNICRI share information and involves in its activities different actors.

The Institute serves as a platform for consultation and cooperation in security governance, crime prevention and criminal justice, acting as an honest broker in bringing together different partners such as Member States, the Academia, international organizations and the civil society at large, in forging a common approach in addressing shared challenges.

UNICRI is making available information for the different stakeholders involved in its activities or which potentially will be involved in joining UNICRI efforts.