Key messages

• Justice is a core value of humanity that is found in all cultures, civilisations and legal systems, and a cornerstone of development and human rights.
• Strengthening the rule of law relies on the prevention of crime and the promotion of fair, humane and accountable criminal justice systems.
• Crime prevention saves lives and saves money and investing in crime prevention is better than investing in punishment.
• Crime prevention must look at social vulnerabilities that influence crime, such as inequality, poverty, lack of opportunities, and disregard for human rights.
• Children have a right to have their voices heard including when they are in contact with the justice system.
• No violence against children is acceptable, all violence is preventable
• Violence against women is one of the most widespread and destructive violations of human rights and everyone must act to prevent it.
• Access to justice and legal aid is the foundation for the enjoyment of human rights such as the right to a fair trial, and to protection against abuses such as torture, arbitrary and prolonged detention, and wrongful conviction.
• All victims of crime are entitled to access victim-centred justice services, in which they are heard, assisted, supported and protected.