San José, Costa Rica, 3 February 2025 – The fight against crime and the pursuit of justice require collective action, uniting governments, international organizations, and civil society. In a significant step towards enhancing civil society’s role, a key coordination meeting was held in Costa Rica to prepare for the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
The UNODC’s Civil Society Unit, in collaboration with the NGO Alliance on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, convened a session on 3 February 2025, bringing together 25 civil society organizations (CSOs) from 16 Latin American and Caribbean nations. This initiative aimed to equip these organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective participation in the upcoming regional preparatory meeting.
The day-long event featured informative sessions and workshops, covering agenda details, working protocols, and timelines of the regional meeting. Additionally, discussions centered on key findings from the Global Civil Society Survey, with a focus on the challenges and priorities of the Latin American and Caribbean region. This effort underscores the growing role of civil society in shaping crime prevention and justice policies at the global level.
