African Group Calls for Increased Support for UNAFRI at the UN General Assembly

Statement delivered by Namibia 🇳🇦 as head of the African Group (October 12, 2026)

The African Group has called for increased financial and technical support for the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI), affirming the Institute’s role in addressing Africa’s growing crime prevention and criminal justice needs.

In a statement delivered by the Republic of Namibia at the United Nations General Assembly on 12 October 2026, the Group urged adequate and predictable funding to enable UNAFRI to fulfil its mandate, retain core professional staff and deliver effective support to African States.

Collective support for UNAFRI’s mandate

The African Group recognised UNAFRI’s work in helping African States formulate crime prevention policies and programmes, strengthen criminal justice and the rule of law, promote rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.

It highlighted the Institute’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028 as a framework for building on achievements, deepening partnerships, strengthening its knowledge base and responding to the evolving needs of African States.

The Group also welcomed the established relationship between UNAFRI and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), expressing confidence that this cooperation would strengthen the Institute’s capacity to fulfil its core mandate.

Addressing financial constraints

The statement expressed concern that UNAFRI’s approved UN grant was reduced by more than 48% in 2025, undermining progress and limiting the Institute’s operational capacity.

Recalling General Assembly resolution 77/234, the African Group called on the Secretary-General to continue mobilising the financial resources necessary to maintain UNAFRI’s core professional staff. It requested increased grant funding to fully cover these staffing costs, reduce financial uncertainty and help address professional staff turnover.

The Group further appealed for relevant entities across the United Nations system to provide the financial and technical assistance needed for the Institute to respond effectively to the continent’s growing needs.

Cooperation against evolving crime challenges

The appeal came alongside the African Group’s welcome for the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Political Declaration at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

Recognising crime as an impediment to development, the Group reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime both online and offline. It emphasised cooperation at national, subregional, regional and international levels, together with technical assistance, as essential to addressing transnational organised crime and the exploitation of digital technologies.

UNAFRI’s appreciation

UNAFRI extends its sincere appreciation to the African Group for its continued solidarity and advocacy, and to Namibia for delivering the statement on the Group’s behalf.

This collective support reinforces the importance of ensuring that UNAFRI has the resources and institutional capacity to serve African Member States effectively. The Institute values the African Group’s commitment to advancing crime prevention, strengthening criminal justice and promoting the rehabilitation of offenders across the continent.