Morocco signals bid to host a future UN Crime Congress

10:15

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco signals bid to host a future UN Crime Congress

Morocco has announced its intention to seek the hosting of a future edition of the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, using its participation in the 15th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi to highlight the importance of bringing Africa’s priorities closer to the centre of international discussions on crime and justice.

The Moroccan Justice Ministry said the country wants to contribute to strengthening the international forum by offering to host one of its upcoming editions. The proposal, according to the ministry, would provide an opportunity to reflect more closely the realities and priorities of the African continent, particularly as countries face increasingly interconnected security, development and cross-border challenges.

The 15th UN Crime Congress is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from September 26 to October 1, 2026. The event brings together governments, international organisations, experts and other stakeholders to discuss crime prevention, criminal justice, the rule of law and emerging forms of crime.

During the high-level segment, Morocco said it supports the principles set out in the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which is intended to guide international cooperation on criminal justice and crime prevention. The Moroccan delegation stressed that justice should not be viewed solely through the ability to punish offenders, but also through prevention, victim protection, reparation, rehabilitation and efforts to rebuild public trust.

Morocco also called for stronger coordination among United Nations bodies working on transnational organised crime and terrorism. Its position was that increasingly interconnected threats require responses that are better coordinated across institutions rather than handled through separate approaches.

The discussions in Abu Dhabi are taking place under the theme of accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law while protecting people and the planet and supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda in the digital age. UN discussions have also highlighted the opportunities and risks created by digital technologies, including cybercrime, online fraud and the misuse of emerging technologies.

The Abu Dhabi Declaration is designed as a framework for international cooperation over the coming years, addressing both established and emerging criminal threats. UN discussions have pointed to the growing complexity of crimes involving digital infrastructure and technology, as well as the need for stronger international cooperation, legal frameworks and responsible use of technology in criminal justice.

Morocco is participating in the congress with a high-level delegation bringing together representatives from the Justice Ministry, the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, the Public Prosecution, security institutions and bodies responsible for financial intelligence, integrity and crime monitoring. The participation reflects the country's broader institutional approach to crime prevention and criminal justice.

The UN Crime Congresses have been held every five years since 1955 and serve as a major international platform for developing standards and policies in crime prevention and criminal justice. Morocco's proposed bid to host a future edition would place the country in the discussion over how the congress can address regional priorities, including those affecting African states and cross-border security challenges.

Morocco's offer also follows earlier UN preparations in which the country expressed an intention to host the 16th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2031, according to UN documentation.