Representatives from Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), led by Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, the Executive Director of TIJ, attended the 33rd session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) from May 13th to 17th, 2567, in Vienna, Austria. The theme of the CCPCJ this year focused on "Promoting International Cooperation and Technical Assistance to Prevent and Address Organized Crime, Corruption, Terrorism in All Its Forms and Manifestations, and Other Forms of Crime, Including in the Areas of Extradition, Mutual Legal Assistance, and Asset Recovery."
CCPCJ serves as a crucial platform to discuss policies concerning crime prevention and criminal justice at the global level. It is a significant opportunity for TIJ as a UN-PNI to showcase good practices to the international society.
During the meeting, TIJ engaged in various activities:
1. Side Event, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), on "Strengthening Global Efforts to Advance the Implementation of the Bangkok Rules." This aimed at exchanging progress and challenges in implementing the Bangkok Rules at the regional level and proposing recommendations to foster cooperation in developing effective criminal justice processes responsive to gender issues globally.
2. Participation in other side events:
2.1 Side event organized by the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI), United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), and Penal Reform International (PRI) on "Enhancing Rehabilitation Outcomes for Prisoners through the Adoption of Innovative Technologies."
2.2 Side event organized by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on "Making People-Centered Justice Happen to Strengthen Democracy and Prosperity: Ensuring Impact and Implementation."
2.3 Side event organized by Nitivajra Institute, Office of the Attorney General, Thailand, on "Cooperation Towards Enhanced Justice: Advancing Investigative Interviewing Practices."
2.4 Side event organized by the Government of Norway on "Effective Interviewing and Investigation: Tools and Resources for Enhanced Criminal Justice."
2.5 Participation in the UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network of Institutes (PNI) Workshop organized by the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy (ICCLR), International Scientific and Professional Advisory Council (ISPAC), and UNAFEI to promote international cooperation and technical assistance in various aspects of crime prevention and criminal justice, including extradition, mutual legal assistance, and asset recovery.
(3) Participating in the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network of Institutes (PNI) meeting to enable the PNI network to present progress on ongoing activities and seek cooperation within the PNI. During the meeting, there were also discussions on the development of the PNI Newsletter for the upcoming issue and the operations of the Justice Knowledge Center.
(4) Negotiating cooperation with representatives of relevant agencies to drive forward the institute's ongoing initiatives.
During the Plenary meeting of the 33rd CCPCJ, Dr. Phiset has made a statement emphasizing the importance to uphold the rule of law and promote access to justice for all, as well as implement the international standards and norms, with a special emphasis on the Bangkok Rules, through cooperation both regionally and internationally.
