UNAFRI Calls for Coordinated, Innovative and People Centred Crime Prevention at the 15th UN Crime Congress
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 28th September 2026.
The Acting Director General of the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI), Mr. Munanura Andrew Karokora, delivered UNAFRI’s statement at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Congress, held from 26th September to 1st October 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, brings together policymakers, practitioners, experts and partners to advance international cooperation on crime prevention and criminal justice.
In his address, Mr. Munanura emphasised the need for collective action against increasingly interconnected forms of crime.
“Our response to crime, therefore, dear delegates, must be coordinated, innovative and people centred,”
Responding to interconnected crime threats
Mr. Munanura highlighted terrorism and violent extremism, trafficking in persons and firearms, kidnapping, cybercrime, corruption, and financial and economic crimes among the challenges confronting African countries. He noted that criminal networks increasingly exploit technology, gaps in coordination and vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.
He reaffirmed UNAFRI’s mandate to support African States in developing effective crime prevention policies, strengthening criminal justice systems, promoting offender rehabilitation and deepening regional and international cooperation. UNAFRI’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028 advances this work in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 16 and the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Mr. Munanura also outlined UNAFRI’s engagement since the Kyoto Congress across areas including human trafficking, first responders and crime scene management, access to justice and legal aid, digital assets and artificial intelligence, cybercrime, prison reform, anti-corruption, rehabilitation and reintegration, and the protection of women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Strengthening capacity, evidence and youth participation
The Acting Director General underscored the importance of practical training for law enforcement and justice officials throughout the justice chain. Strengthening the ability of frontline personnel to identify crime indicators, protect victims, investigate effectively, preserve evidence, pursue criminal networks and support successful prosecutions, he said, improves the effectiveness of the entire criminal justice system.
Mr. Munanura further emphasised that prevention must extend beyond institutions and into communities. Through the African Youth Crime Prevention Platform (AYCPP) and other digital channels, UNAFRI is bringing together young Africans, experts, practitioners, policymakers and the public to discuss trafficking, cybercrime, fraud, drug use, mob justice, xenophobia, prisoners’ rights and offender rehabilitation.
Young people, he stressed, should not be viewed only as beneficiaries of peace and security. They must also be recognised as partners, innovators and leaders in preventing crime. Investing in their knowledge, platforms and opportunities is an investment in safer communities and a safer continent.
A call for stronger partnerships and support
UNAFRI called for expanded cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network Institutes, the International Criminal Court, universities, human rights bodies, civil society and youth organisations. These partnerships are essential to advancing research, training, rehabilitation, accountability and knowledge exchange.
Mr. Munanura urged African States that have not yet signed or acceded to the UNAFRI Statute to consider doing so, noting that broader membership would strengthen research, training, cooperation and the exchange of African solutions to African and global challenges.
He thanked the United Nations for its continued support, African governments for sustaining the Institute through their assessed contributions, and the Government of Uganda for hosting UNAFRI and providing facilities for its work. He concluded with an appeal for renewed political will, stronger partnerships and the resources required to translate shared commitments into lasting action.
The presentation reaffirmed UNAFRI’s role in connecting African experience, knowledge and priorities with the global crime-prevention and criminal justice agenda, while placing people, communities and young Africans at the centre of safer and more just societies.
Watch the Full Presentation
Watch Mr. Munanura Andrew Karokora’s full presentation on YouTube.
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