GI-TOC/Austrian event on human rights and organized crime, 29 November 2023, 6pm

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and
Programme of Action and the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) will
host a discussion on the multifaceted interactions between organized crime and human rights.
Organized crime poses significant direct and indirect threats to human rights. Some illicit
economies, such as human trafficking, are implicitly recognized as human rights violations,
while others, such as environmental crime and cybercrime, are increasingly seen as obstacles
to the just enjoyment of human rights. In many contexts, the presence of criminal groups that
control illicit markets has led to the exploitation of people and communities, with particular
threats to the right to life, liberty and security. At the same time, responses to organized crime
sometimes fail to take due account of human rights considerations. In all cases, vulnerable
groups – including youth, indigenous peoples, women and the LGBTQIA+ community – are
disproportionately affected and face displacement, discrimination and exploitation, as well as
other violations of their fundamental rights.

Throughout 2023, the GI-TOC has worked to raise awareness of the convergences between
organized crime and human rights agendas, and of community responses to mitigate the
negative impact of organized crime on human rights. This event will reflect on these issues
and disseminate the relevant tools developed by the GI-TOC and its Resilience Fund to the
Vienna-based diplomatic and policy community. The event will be followed by a reception
with the Vienna diplomatic community.

To participate please RSVP by Wednesday, 22 November to darren.brookbanks@globalinitiative.net.