The objectives of ensuring access to justice and realizing a safe and secure society are central to the commitments expressed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals 5, 10, 16, 17, particularly in Target 16.3, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, as well as the Secretary-General’s new Vision for the Rule of Law. In the Kyoto Declaration on Advancing Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice, and the Rule of Law, as well as in numerous resolutions, including the most recent General Assembly resolution 78/227 adopted on December 19, 2023, on Equal Access to Justice for All, Member States have recommitted to various key priorities and emerging issues in this regard.
UNODC's work is based on the understanding that, to truly address the challenges and barriers hindering access to justice, it is essential to enhance the criminal justice system so that all those affected by crime can seek and obtain justice in accordance with the rule of law and human rights standards. This principle is crucial for preventing crime, human rights abuses, and conflict by addressing and reducing inequalities. It also requires a policy development approach that centers on and includes those who have been marginalized or faced discrimination.
Groups and individuals who have been structurally and institutionally marginalized and discriminated against in society often face obstacles when in contact with the criminal justice system, whether as accused persons, victims, or witnesses. This reinforces mistrust in institutions, poverty, and exclusion. In this context, to achieve the commitmment of leaving no one behind, it is crucial to ensure a people-centered approach to reform or professionalization efforts, guaranteeing non-discriminatory, humane, fair, and just service provision, while also ensuring accountability and transparency in all interventions.
Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 78/227, UNODC continues to develop technical tools and training materials based on United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice, and to provide technical and material assistance to Member States, upon request, to ensure universal access to justice.
Programming aimed at advancing equal access to justice and improving justice delivery must be evidence-based. UNODC's approach is customized to fit regional, national, and local contexts and are guided by both international legal standards and relevant local laws and customs. A broad range of evidence is utilized, including scientifically rigorous studies, smaller empirical research, program evaluations, and insights from civil society organizations and community voices. This comprehensive evidence base informs the development, testing, implementation, and refinement of programs.
Services include:
The UNODC Access to Justice Team (Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Section/Division of Treaty Affairs), through the Global Programme on People-Centred Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Reform, serves as a knowledge hub on access to justice and provides technical assistance to Member States in meeting their commitment to ensure equal access to justice for all persons in contact with the criminal justice system.