UN Crime Prevention Congress Examines Criminal Justice Development, Digital Transformation
Fahad Shabbir (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 29th Sep, 2026)
The fourth day of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice – Abu Dhabi 2026 focused on:
- Advancing people-centred criminal justice systems.
- Addressing emerging forms of crime.
- Harnessing digital transformation to strengthen prevention, justice, and law enforcement while protecting rights and upholding the rule of law.
Key Discussions:
- Agenda Item 3: Innovative and evidence-based crime prevention strategies.
- Agenda Item 4 & 5: Inclusive, responsive, and people-centred criminal justice systems; combating organized crime and terrorism in all forms.
Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and President of the Congress, held bilateral meetings with representatives from Montenegro, the Dominican Republic, Uganda, and the Czech Republic to strengthen legal and judicial cooperation. These discussions highlighted the Congress's role in fostering international partnerships against organized crime and improving criminal justice systems' effectiveness.
Al Nuaimi also launched the "Guiding Principles for the Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems by Law Firms" initiative, emphasizing responsible AI use within clear professional and ethical frameworks aligned with the Abu Dhabi Declaration.
People-Centred Justice:
Conversations around people-centred justice covered:
- Investigative interviewing techniques.
- The role of judges in crime prevention and upholding the rule of law.
- Integrity and independence of criminal justice institutions.
- Equal access to justice.
Other sessions explored:
- Alternatives to the death penalty.
- Mental health and professional well-being of law enforcement personnel.
- UN standards for professional policing.
- Implementation of the Bangkok Rules on women prisoners and non-custodial measures for female offenders.
Workshop Four:
"Turning the Digital Age into an Opportunity: Promoting the Responsible Use of Technologies in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice" delved into digital solutions' potential to enhance institutional efficiency, access to justice, investigations, and law enforcement while ensuring transparency, accountability, privacy, fundamental rights, and human oversight.
A fireside chat titled "AI, Data, and Digital Technologies: Shaping the Future of Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement" examined AI's role in shaping future crime prevention and law enforcement practices.