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NET4U Europe

Civil Society Regional Networks for UNTOC Implementation (NET4U)

Established Civil Society Regional Networks for UNTOC Implementation
  • Americas
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
Around the world, organized crime poses a threat to security and well-being of people and institutions. Despite global efforts, transnational organized crime persists and continues to grow, increasingly disrupting communities and disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups.
From trafficking in persons, the smuggling of migrants and illicit trafficking in firearms to cybercrime, crimes affecting the environment, and corruption; organized criminal networks increasingly exploit borders, vulnerable communities, and weak institutions. These crimes not only harm individuals but also erode trust in governance, undermine the rule of law, and weaken collective progress toward development.
 
The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Protocols provide a comprehensive international framework to address these challenges. However, effective implementation demands more than just government action. Civil society, academia, youth, and the private sector all have vital roles to play in shaping responses, holding institutions accountable, supporting victims, and fostering innovative, rights-based solutions. These actions, however, are often carried out in isolation or competition, and sometimes insufficiently aligned or integrated with international frameworks and instruments.
 

Recognizing these realities, UNODC Civil Society Unit (CSU) is facilitating the engagement of non-governmental stakeholders in the implementation of the UNTOC and its review process.

As part of this work, the CSU establishes Civil Society Regional Networks for UNTOC Implementation (NET4U) with the main aim to facilitate the coordination of contributions and actions of these stakeholders in the fight against transnational organized crime and related crimes such as corruption and cybercrime.

The Networks build on a shared belief: “It takes a network to defeat a network.” Through collaboration, learning, and strategic advocacy, NET4Us adopt whole-of-society approaches to combat organized crime and strengthens regional solidarity to ensure inclusive and effective implementation of the UNTOC and its Protocols.

Once established, the NET4U operate independently as hubs for engagement, exchange, and action in support of UNODC's and national and regional policies against organized crime. To maintain their identity, the NET4U share the same branding across all regions and generally follow the same approach. They decide their own work plan and roadmap to make the best possible contribution to the fight against transnational organized crime and the UNTOC implementation. The CSU supports the NET4U with their participation in various opportunities, including Constructive Dialogues, the Conference of the Parties to UNTOC (UNTOC COP), national initiatives, access to online an in-person training opportunities, coordination of their contributions to the Review Mechanism, and where possible, facilitation of their communication with government counterparts.

By February 2025, three Regional Networks have been established for the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The NET4U Americas counts with 70 member organizations and was created following the Regional Follow-up Consultation on UNTOC, held in Panama in March 2022. The NET4U Africa counts with 150 member organizations and was created after the SE4U Regional Training held in Kenya in June 2023. The NET4U Asia counts for 40 member organizations and was established following the Regional Workshop held in Malaysia in January 2025.

 

Objective:

The NET4Us aim to:

  • Coordinate and support civil society and non-governmental contributions to the implementation of the UNTOC and related instruments.
  • Facilitate meaningful engagement of members in regional and global UNTOC processes, including the Review Mechanism, Constructive Dialogues, and Conferences of the Parties (COPs).
  • Strengthen the voice and visibility of non-governmental stakeholders in shaping anti-crime responses.
  • Promote peer learning and shared solutions across borders and sectors.
  • Collaborate with governments and international organizations in transparent, rights-based, and constructive ways.

The goal is to support counter-organized crime efforts by:

  • Enhancing coordination and connectivity among civil society working on UNTOC-related issues.
  • Building capacity through shared knowledge and peer-to-peer learning.
  • Promoting joint advocacy on urgent issues like trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, and environmental crimes.
  • Bridging national and regional priorities through dialogue with National Civil Society Alliances.
  • Supporting inclusive and evidence-based responses to organized crime.
NET4U Americas during a Regional Workshop on UNTOC in Panama, April 2022.
NET4U Americas during a Regional Workshop on UNTOC in Panama, April 2022.

Thematic areas:

The NET4U operate around thematic areas based on the needs and realities of their regions. Broad topics include but are not limited to the following:
  • The UNTOC and its implementation.
  • Coordination with governments in the fight against transnational organized crime.
  • Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.
  • Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air.
  • Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms
  • Drug trafficking, corruption, and related crimes in the context of UNTOC.
  • Emerging crimes such as cybercrime and crimes that affect the environment in the context of UNTOC.

Structure and Activities:

Each Regional Network decide their own structure according to the priorities of the region and the expertise of its members, although similar structures across Regional Networks are suggested to maintain easier communication and interaction between them. Based on previous experience, the following structure is proposed:
  • A Steering Committee led by a Coordination Team of three people (diverse by gender and demography) chosen by its members. The Steering Committee is formed based on expression of interest of members during or before the Regional Network. It represents the broadest possible membership of the NET4U and ensures gender balance and thematic focus.
  • The NET4U convene regular meetings on a quarterly basis facilitated by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is encouraged to meet on a more regular basis.
  • One of the Coordinators represents an organization which has expressed interest to serve as the Secretariat for the Network. As the Secretariat for the NE4U, the organization provides admin services to the Network for a period of one renewable year.
NET4U Asia during a Regional Workshop on UNTOC in Malaysia, January 2025
NET4U Asia during a Regional Workshop on UNTOC in Malaysia, January 2025
  • Coordinators, together with the Steering Committee coordinates the drafting of the Network’s Charter and annual activity plan, including ordinary meetings, a calendar for the Steering Committee meetings, the tasks of the Working Groups, capacity building sessions, engagement activities with other stakeholders, and preparations of policy briefs or publications, among others.
  • Working Groups are also established to coordinate technical expertise, strategic communication, engagement, and action.
  • Ordinary Members have no specifically assigned roles in the Network. They support the Network as much as possible and as needed. Based on their interest and areas of expertise, members choose between being part of the Steering Committee, the Working Groups, or act as Ordinary Members.
  • Each Network decides the responsibilities and tasks of the Steering Committee and the topics covered by Working Groups.
  • National Focal Points act as the primary point of contact for members within their countries.
  • Administrative Focal Point manages daily communications, scheduling, logistics, and documentation across the Network. They also maintain records of decisions, member directories, event calendars, and internal resource hubs.
  • A Strategic Advisory Group provides high-level strategic guidance on vision, partnerships, and long-term planning of the Network. They advise the Steering Committee and the Coordination Team on emerging risks, trends, and opportunities.

Connection between Civil Society Regional Networks and National Civil Society Alliances:

Civil Society Regional Networks (NET4U) and National Civil Society Alliances (NACSA4U) are complimentary coordination and engagement mechanisms. While the activities and actions of the National Civil Society Alliances are focused on a specific country, Civil Society Regional Networks operate at regional level, serving as an engagement bridge between issues at national and regional levels. Members of Civil Society Regional Networks can help initiate the establishment of National Civil Society Alliances in their respective countries, while members of the National Civil Society Alliances help to bring national issues and actions to the regional level, ensuring that transnational organized crime is addressed effectively.

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