Crime Prevention Network

The Network

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. It has been developed to assist the international community in strengthening international cooperation in the crucial area of crime prevention and criminal justice in 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. A number of criteria have been developed and approved by the ECOSOC to create and affiliate new institutes to the network.

Major activities among the institutes include the organization of joint events and meetings. The role of PNI in preparing the UN Quinquennial Crime Congresses has grown in significance over the years. Members of the PNI have individually or together contributed to the organization of several workshops, as well as to the regional preparatory meetings. In the past twenty years, thirteen different workshops were convened during the last four Congresses. The subjects of the workshops have, in line with substantive agenda of the congresses, focused on specific problems thus deepening the discussions allowing various experts not only to participate in the proceedings but also to making contacts with colleagues from all over the world. This has been regarded as one major advantage of the workshops. Also, those who were unable to participate in the workshops have be able to benefit from them, as the institutes have often published their proceedings.

Preparations for the XII Congress in 2010 will follow the same pattern: the planning of the substantive workshops will be done in full cooperation with, and coordination by the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the UN Secretariat and Member states.

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 human beings and the promotion of the rule of law.

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