MEDIA ADVISORY
VIENNA, 10 April 2008 (UNODC) - The United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will hold its 17 th session from 14 to 18 April in Vienna. The Commission, which meets annually, is the principal United Nations body for formulating international policies in crime control. The main focus of this year's meeting will be on how governments can curb violence against women and girls.
Organized crime, corruption and terrorism will be on the agenda. Particular attention will be given to human trafficking, illegal logging and strengthening justice in post-conflict societies.
Ministers from West Africa will meet on the margins of the Crime Commission to address the growing threat posed by dangerous links between drugs, crime, and terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel region.
A press conference will be held at the Vienna International Centre on Monday 14 April at 1.00 p.m., led by Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He will be joined by Mr. Said Djinnit, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa.
A number of side events will be held during the Crime Commission, including an exhibition called "Inspire: the Kamlangjai project" about meeting the needs of female prisoners and their children. Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand will inaugurate the exhibition at 6.00 pm on 14 April in the rotunda of the Vienna International Centre.
On 16 April at 1.30 p.m. UNODC's Laboratory and Scientific Section will hold an open house to explain the role of forensic laboratories in criminal justice .
Session-related official documents.
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For information, please contact:
Mr. Walter Kemp
Acting Spokesperson
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060 5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459 5629
E-mail:
walter.kemp@unodc.org
For media accreditation, please contact:
Veronika Crowe-Mayerhofer
Tel: (+43 1) 26060 3342
Fax: (+43 1) 26060 7 3342
e-mail:
veronika.crowe-mayerhofer@unvienna.org
