Morocco has been elected as the vice president of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which commenced in Abu Dhabi. Ambassador Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, assumed the position on behalf of the African Group. The congress, running through October 1 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, brings together governments, experts, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law.
The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice follows the theme "Accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law, protecting people and planet and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the digital age." The event has drawn more than 5,100 participants, including over 40 justice ministers and 93 speakers representing states and regional groups. The UAE reported that the opening session was attended by around 5,000 participants from more than 97 countries.
Ambassador Farhane highlighted Morocco's legislative and institutional reforms that prioritize human dignity in its criminal policy. These reforms include stronger protections for children and women and girls who face violence, efforts to combat human trafficking, and the entry into force of Morocco's alternative sentencing law in 2025. Additionally, the new Code of Criminal Procedure has strengthened fair trial guarantees, victims' rights, restorative justice, and the humanization of sentence enforcement.
Morocco is also working on projects such as creating a national DNA database and a mechanism to manage seized and confiscated assets. Farhane emphasized that Morocco's election as vice president reflects the country's continued engagement with Africa and its view that security, justice, and sustainable development are interconnected. He stressed that justice should not focus only on punishment but also on preventing crime, protecting victims, and supporting reintegration.
Farhane called for stronger international coordination among UN bodies working to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism. He advocated for stronger links between existing mechanisms through the exchange of expertise, capacity building, technical assistance, judicial cooperation, and early action against emerging threats. Morocco has signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime in October 2025 and continues to modernize its systems for digital evidence and digital criminal procedures.
Morocco has concluded more than 130 judicial cooperation agreements with countries around the world, with additional agreements under negotiation. Farhane also mentioned that Morocco may seek to host a future edition of the UN crime congress, which would help bring the forum closer to the realities and priorities of Africa. The "Moussalaha" program, launched in 2017, has benefited more than 436 people and reached its 20th edition.
The congress provides a platform for participants to discuss and address crime prevention and criminal justice issues in the digital age. Morocco's participation and vice presidency role demonstrate its commitment to addressing these issues and promoting international cooperation. The country's efforts to modernize its systems and strengthen judicial cooperation agreements reflect its dedication to combating transnational organized crime and terrorism.
Key points
- Morocco's Ambassador Azzeddine Farhane elected as vice president of the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
- Morocco calls for stronger international coordination among UN bodies fighting transnational organized crime and terrorism.
- Morocco has concluded over 130 judicial cooperation agreements with countries worldwide.
