13th session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime
The 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC COP13), held in Vienna from 19 to 23 October 2026, brought together governments, international organizations, and civil society representatives to strengthen global responses to organized crime. The session reaffirmed the Convention's central role as the leading international instrument for preventing and combating transnational organized crime and highlighted the continued importance of its three protocols on trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, and firearms. Member states gave special attention to the growing impact of technological developments on criminal activity and the need for strengthened international cooperation to address increasingly complex challenges.
The Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice organized several events and briefings at the COP, such as the NGO briefing on Monday, the informal dialogue between civil society and the UNODC Executive Director Ms Monica Juma. It further supported other stakeholders in the execution of their events, delivered through the joint civil society statement, and by the work of its working group on Crime Affecting the Environment. One of the highlights of the session was the Alliance's side event, Reflections on the Civil Society Declaration on More Effective Implementation of the UNTOC. Bringing together representatives of governments, international organizations, and civil society, the discussion emphasized that effective implementation of the Convention requires meaningful cooperation with non-governmental stakeholders. The speakers, among them H.E. Ambassador Peter Burian of Slovakia and H.E. Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, underscored the value of civil society in providing expertise, monitoring implementation, and supporting communities affected by organized crime and corruption.
The Alliance also coordinated an Informal Dialogue with UNODC Executive Director Monica Juma, and senior UNODC officials. The exchange provided an important opportunity for civil society organizations to engage directly with UNODC leadership, discuss ongoing challenges, and receive practical guidance regarding cooperation within existing international frameworks. Beyond these initiatives, Alliance members organized and contributed to several side events addressing topics such as youth resilience against organized crime, cybercrime, firearms trafficking, online scams targeting older persons, and crimes that affect the environment. These discussions showcased the breadth of expertise within civil society and demonstrated its commitment to developing innovative responses to emerging criminal threats.
The session also produced several important outcomes. Member States adopted resolutions relating to the Firearms Protocol, crimes against cultural property, and the implementation of working group recommendations. Most notably, discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment (CAE) gained unprecedented momentum. Recognizing illegal deforestation, illicit mining, and wildlife trafficking as serious threats to security, governance, and sustainable development, delegates agreed to move forward with the development of a dedicated fourth protocol to the Convention focusing on environmental crime. This represents a historic step in the evolution of the UNTOC framework. Overall, UNTOC COP13 demonstrated the growing recognition of civil society as an essential partner in preventing and combating organized crime. Through its advocacy, dialogue, and promotion of multi-stakeholder cooperation, the Alliance helped ensure that civil society perspectives remained an integral part of discussions shaping the future of international criminal justice policy.
29 Oct, 2026