News by topic: Law, Crime Prevention

UN Member States appraise Global Action Plan to combat human trafficking

13 May – Top United Nations officials are today urging the UN General Assembly to fully implement key anti-human trafficking treaties and to cooperate more closely to counter the multi-billion dollar industry which has trapped some 21 million men, women and children in forced labour.

Security Council: Libyan trials could be ‘Nuremberg moment,’ ICC prosecutor says

8 May – The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) today said that if Libya can conduct fair trials of alleged perpetrators during the pro-democracy uprising in 2011, the proceedings could equal the lasting impact of the Nuremberg trials.

UN rights expert urges Russia to ensure independence of judiciary

26 April – An independent United Nations human rights expert has urged the Russian Government to take specific measures to guarantee the independence and impartiality of the justice system, while noting positive developments in the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

On World Intellectual Property Day, UN honours creativity and innovation

26 April – The world of tomorrow is being imagined by creative innovators of today, the head of the United Nations intellectual property agency said marking World Intellectual Property Day.

Guatemala: UN adviser calls on judges to ensure accountability for atrocities

23 April – A senior United Nations official today urged judicial authorities in Guatemala to ensure that legal proceedings continue without interference against the country’s former head of State and former head of intelligence who stand accused of atrocities committed in the Central American nation over 30 years ago.

Fighting international crime is key to sustainable development, UN official says

22 April – International crime undermines sustainable development, hinders access to education and discourages investment opportunities, the head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said today, adding that disrupting the flow of illegal profits had become a crucial for successful crime fighting.

UN expert urges Somalia to strengthen justice system following attacks

17 April – The Somali Government and international community must continue their efforts to strengthen the East African country’s justice sector in spite of a series attacks on Sunday which killed dozens of civilians including judges and lawyers and injured many more, an independent United Nations human rights expert said today.

Uganda: UN launches first of its kind mobile court initiative in refugee settlement

16 April – The United Nations refugee agency and the Government of Uganda have launched a pilot mobile court scheme to improve access to justice and legal assistance for victims of crime in Nakivale, the country’s oldest and largest refugee settlement.

UN court reopens case on ancient temple at core of Thai-Cambodian border dispute

15 April – The United Nations highest court today began new hearings on a spectacularly situated 900-year-old Hindu temple that has long been a bone of contention between Cambodia and Thailand and has in recent years led to deadly clashes between the two South-East Asian neighbours.

Prosecuting past crimes provides hope to survivors in Guatemala – UN envoy

12 April – A senior United Nations official today welcomed the efforts of Guatemalan authorities to investigate crimes of sexual violence that occurred during the country's 36-year internal conflict, and urged authorities to ensure a fair trail and protections for the witnesses and others involved.