Raise awareness through analysis and information

One of the main objectives of the International Day is to raise awareness of the threats posed by all forms of transnational organized crime. This requires evidence, information and analysis.

GI-TOC products, such as the Global Organized Crime Index, ECO-SOLVE, and the Global Illicit Economy, help to create a clearer picture of illicit economies and the Future of Organized Crime.

Prioritize prevention

UN member states recognize the importance of the prevention of and fight against transnational organized crime, particularly for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This requires focusing more on what we call ‘organized corruption’. It also means explaining the harms of organized crime, particularly to those who are vulnerable to it, and providing viable alternatives to illicit livelihoods. Prevention also requires social and behavioural change to modify attitudes and market forces.

Sharpen the existing tools

UN member states reaffirmed the importance of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (also known as the Palermo Convention) and its Protocols as the main global tools available to the international community to prevent and fight all forms and manifestations of transnational organized crime.

We agree. But, as highlighted in our recent report, we think that more needs to be done to enable that foundational legal instrument to live up to its potential.

Take a more strategic approach

Organized crime is a global problem, but there is no global strategy to combat it. By definition, this transnational threat can only be tackled effectively through multilateral cooperation.

Have a look at our recent Intersections report for inspiration on possible building blocks of a global strategy against organized crime.

Strengthen local resilience

The primary goal of any counter-organized-crime initiative should be to improve the lives and livelihoods of people. This means taking a bottom-up approach, working with communities to strengthen their resilience to organized crime.

Through the Resilience Fund, GI-TOC's grant-making mechanism, we provide technical and financial support to civil society actors on the front lines of organized crime. Launched in 2019, the Resilience Fund has supported over 250 grantees across 330 projects, hosted more than 50 Resilience Dialogues, and launched 7 Fellowships. Its reach now extends to 64 countries on five continents, with financial backing from five governments.

Born out of a need to stand with those combating criminal governance and violence, the Resilience Fund amplifies the voices of local communities and brings their perspectives to international forums. By building capacities through grants, training, and networking, the Fund fosters sustainable, peaceful responses to organized crime, strengthening communities to shape safer and stronger futures.

For more on how this is being put into practice, check out the work of our Resilience Fund.

Commemorate the victims

On this International Day, it is vital to commemorate all victims of organized crime, including those who have lost their lives fighting it.

Through our Assassination Witness project, we track the deaths of those who have given their lives bravely standing up to the threats and violence of criminal groups.  

More needs to be done to reduce the risks to those on the front lines, so that they do not pay the ultimate sacrifice, and to bring to justice the perpetrators of such heinous crimes. And more needs to be done to compensate survivors and victims of all forms of transnational organized crime.