International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime: Combating a Global Threat

Date: November 15

Organized transnational crime remains a pervasive global issue, undermining governance, political processes, and the rule of law. Its reach extends across illicit activities such as trafficking in firearms, drugs, endangered species, cultural artifacts, falsified medical products, and severe offenses like human trafficking and migrant smuggling. This form of crime also involves the laundering of illicit proceeds and obstruction of justice. With an increasing reliance on online platforms and virtual assets, organized crime is becoming more sophisticated and far-reaching.

Criminal groups adapt quickly to maximize profits, exploiting vulnerabilities created by crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, natural disasters, and armed conflicts. Traditional, territorially-based groups have either transformed or given way to smaller, flexible networks operating across multiple jurisdictions, making it evident that no single nation can combat this issue alone. Joint international collaboration is essential to effectively counter transnational organized crime.

United Against Organized Crime: The 2024 Call to Action

The 2024 observance of the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime carries the theme “Pulling together to push back: United against organized crime.” Organized crime steals, corrupts, and kills, posing a threat to lives, communities, and sustainable development. This day serves as a powerful rallying point to demonstrate that through collective global action — involving governments, the private sector, civil society, and individuals — tangible progress can be achieved. The hashtag #StopOrganizedCrime emphasizes this call for unity and coordinated response.

The UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

Adopted more than two decades ago, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime remains one of the most widely ratified international legal instruments. It covers all forms of serious transnational crime committed by organized groups and is supported by three protocols, serving as the primary global tool for addressing a wide range of criminal activities.

Recognizing the Impact of Organized Crime

In March 2024, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 15 as the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime. The objective of this observance is to raise awareness about the dangers posed by transnational organized crime and to foster international cooperation in addressing it. The day highlights the role of combating organized crime in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The General Assembly also honors the victims of organized crime, including those who lost their lives fighting it, particularly law enforcement and judicial personnel. Special tribute is paid to individuals such as Judge Giovanni Falcone, whose dedication and sacrifice paved the way for the adoption of the UN Convention. Their legacy lives on in the continued global commitment to preventing and combating organized crime.

This day serves as a reminder that collective action, determination, and international cooperation can effectively address the pervasive threat of transnational organized crime, safeguarding communities and promoting peace and security worldwide.