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SE4U - Stakeholder Engagement for the Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), its Review Mechanism and Related Activities

Transnational organized crime is a complex phenomenon that requires a comprehensive and whole of society approach to combat. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) allows countries to collaborate in combatting organized crime. In addition, due to the complex nature of organized crime, UNTOC advocates that countries adopt a multi-stakeholder approach to implementation, including involving non-governmental stakeholders such as specialized NGOs, academia and the private sector. Various articles of UNTOC provide for the involvement of non-governmental stakeholders in addressing transnational organized crime (e.g., Art. 32 (3c): improving the capacity of States Parties to combat TOC […] by cooperating with relevant international and regional organizations and non-governmental organizations).

In 2018 during the 9th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP), a Mechanism for the Review of the implementation of UNTOC was adopted through resolution 9/1. The Review Mechanism was launched in 2022 through resolution 10/1 of the 10th session of COP. The Procedures and Rules for the Review Mechanism encourages governments to prepare their responses to the self-assessment questionnaire through broad consultations at the national level with all relevant stakeholders, including, where appropriate, the private sector, individuals and groups outside the public sector, non-governmental organizations and academia, taking into consideration the specificities of the Convention and the Protocols thereto. In order to promote fruitful engagement with non-governmental stakeholders in the review process, the Procedures and Rules also provides for Constructive Dialogues following the conclusion of the working group meetings.

To facilitate this process, UNODC is implementing the Stakeholder Engagement for UNTOC (SE4U) project since 2019 with the financial support of the United States. The aim of the SE4U project is to build trust and foster collaboration between governments and non-governmental stakeholders for an effective and impactful implementation of UNTOC and its Protocols, as well as its Review Mechanism through trainings, information sharing, international and national collaboration opportunities to address the unique challenges present in the countries and identify opportunities and priorities for cooperation in the national fight against organized crime.

SE4U Project Activities

Capacity Building

The SE4U Project offers several Capacity Building opportunities for non-governmental stakeholders on civil society engagement in the UNTOC and its Review Mechanism. Training opportunities include online self-paced courses on UNTOC in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, in-depth SE4U online Workshops on the Instruments and Processes of the UNTOC Review Mechanism, and in-person workshops on the UNTOC Review Mechanism.

WhatsOn

WhatsOn, UNODC’s Multistakeholder Database and Knowledge Hub, is an interactive online platform designed to bring together relevant stakeholders in the fight against transnational organized crime and corruption, including non-governmental organizations, academia, and the private sector. The platform allows organizations to network, highlight their work, and reach out to other relevant organizations.

Constructive Dialogue

The annual Constructive Dialogues are conducted between relevant non-governmental stakeholders and Member States after the conclusion of the UNTOC Working Groups on Firearms, Technical Assistance, International Cooperation, Trafficking in Persons, and Smuggling of Migrants. The Constructive Dialogues are main entry points for Civil Society Organizations in the General Review of UNTOC.

Voluntary Pilot Initiatives (VPIs)

The Voluntary Pilot Initiatives are voluntary, country-based initiatives aimed at strengthening collaborative efforts between governments and relevant non-governmental stakeholders (NGOs, academia, and the private sector) to prevent and fight organized crime through the implementation of UNTOC at the national level. Voluntary Pilot Initiatives also contribute to the Review Mechanism of UNTOC.

National Civil Society Alliances

The National Civil Society Alliances are opportunities for non-governmental stakeholders’ engagement on organized crime issues, that allow to coordinate their efforts and initiatives in support of the UNTOC or other national responses to organized crime. With the support of the CSU, the Alliances serve as engagement mechanisms with governments at national level.

Civil Society Regional Networks (NET4U)

The SE4U Project supports the establishment of independent regional networks for civil society organizations. The main aim of these independent hubs for engagement, exchange, and action is the coordination and contribution of its members to the UNTOC processes and the fight against transnational organized crime in their regions and countries.