Training and Advanced Education Unit (TAE) Training and Education in Developing Countries
Capacity Building in the Lao People's Democratic Republic - Strengthening the Criminal Justice System to Counter the Growing Threat of Organized Crime
Given its longstanding expertise in the fields of crime prevention and justice reform in many areas of the world, UNICRI is pleased to announce its new collaboration with the Government of the Lao PDR. Together, we are embarking on a landmark project aimed at strengthening the Criminal Justice System to better counter the growing threat of organized crime.
During the last decade, a growing economic and social dynamic in the Mekong region of Lao PDR has generated rapid changes including improvements in living standards and conditions for many people. The country's transition into a market economy is of particular importance and requires a durable, adaptable, socio-economic framework that requires strong long-term support.
While globalisation has created a wave of new economic opportunities, extending and growing this new market economy, it has also created a parallel growth of opportunities for shadow markets and transnational crime. Over the past few years these threats have expanded and diversified, resulting in a rapid increase in organized crime in the Lao PDR. In particular, trafficking in narcotics and illicit goods has become a multi-sector economic crime.
Combating contemporary crime trends requires sound understanding of current global crime dynamics and targets. This understanding is essential for establishing a judiciary that responds to international standards and critical needs. To assist and strengthen the Government of the Lao PDR, this collaborative programme's focal point is training and education in the area of justice that must handle this emerging problem in a centralized and uniform manner. An Office and a Training Centre in Vientiane will offer courses to judicial personnel including judges, prosecutors, police officers and government officials. The objective of these courses is to empower the capacity of the participants in preventing and countering the growing threat of organized crime. This will bolster the establishment of a strong body of judicial personnel that can be the foundation of efficient crime deterring and prevention, both now and in the future.
