United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute

United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute

United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
Abbreviation	UNICRI
Formation	1969
Type	Research institute
Legal status	Active
Headquarters	Turin, Italy
Parent organization	United Nations
Website	unicri.it

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is one of the five United Nations Research and Training Institutes. The Institute was founded in 1968 to assist the international community in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice.

In 1965, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) outlined in Resolution 1086 B (XXXIX) the organizational arrangements for a United Nations Social Defence Programme. In 1967 UN Secretary-General U Thant issued Bulletin ST/SGB/134 which established the United Nations Social Defence Research Institute (UNSDRI), mandated to develop "new knowledge and the application thereof in advancing policy and practice in the prevention and control of both juvenile delinquency and adult criminality" through research and technical support. In 1968, the United Nations and the Italian Government signed an agreement for the establishment of UNSDRI's Headquarters in Rome and the Institute was formally inaugurated the following year by the UN Secretary-General.

In 1989, under ECOSOC Resolution No. 1989/56, the Institute was renamed the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Its mandate was enlarged through the adoption of its present statute. In 2000 UNICRI moved its Headquarters from Rome to Turin.

The Institute carries out action-oriented research, training and technical cooperation programmes, with the aim of assisting governments and the international community at large in tackling the threats that crime poses to social peace, development and political stability and in fostering the development of just and efficient justice systems. UNICRI supports the formulation and implementation of improved policies in the field of crime prevention and justice, the promotion of national self-reliance and the development of institutional capabilities. The Institute works to advance the understanding of crime-related problems, supporting the respect for international instruments and standards; it facilitates the exchange and dissemination of information, cooperation in international law enforcement and judicial assistance.