San Sebastián (Spain), 18 November 2025 – As part of the yearlong campaign to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, the University of the Basque Country and the Basque Institute of Criminology hosted the XV Victimology Encounter in San Sebastián, focusing on primary and secondary victimization within organizational and institutional settings.
The event brought together practitioners, policymakers, academics, and victim support organizations to reflect on the progress achieved since the adoption of the UN Victims Declaration. With contributions from experts in psychology, sociology, social work, law, and public health, the event addressed remaining gaps and explored pathways to advance more victim-centred justice systems.
Experts explored persistent challenges in ensuring access to justice, protection, and support for victims of crime, particularly in contexts shaped by rapid technological change, shifting social dynamics, and emerging forms of victimization. Promising practices shared throughout the presentations underscored the need for stronger institutional responses, more inclusive services, and sustained intersectoral cooperation. A central element of the discussions was the importance of adopting trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally sensitive approaches across all stages of victim assistance.
UNODC highlighted the continued relevance of the Victims Declaration in today’s evolving landscape, where victims face emerging risks linked to cybercrime, online harassment, and transnational organized crime and emphasized that addressing these crimes requires effective international cooperation and mechanisms capable of operating across borders. By showcasing global efforts aimed at strengthening victim-centred approaches within criminal justice systems, UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in translating the Declaration’s principles into concrete practice.
Addressing students and participants, Bryan Ramos, UNODC Access to Justice Consultant, stressed: “The future of victim-centred justice depends on the participation of young people—not as observers, but as active shapers of the systems that will protect generations to come.” He also encouraged a renewed commitment to the Declaration’s vision, reminding the audience that: “Forty years after the Declaration, our task is clear: to turn its principles into daily practice, so that no victim is left unheard, unprotected, or invisible.”
Brussels 28 November 2025 – EU and international policymakers, civil society leaders, victims’ rights advocates, law enforcement officials, and academic experts gathered at the Residence Palace in Brussels to mark the culmination of the Year of Victims’ Rights campaign. The event, “More Than Words: Turning Commitments into Real Change for Victims,” offered a unique space to reflect on progress achieved in Europe and beyond, while acknowledging the persistent challenges in delivering meaningful justice for all victims.
From left to right: Anna Giudice, UNODC Team Leader of the Accelerating Justice Team; Katarzyna Janicka-Pawłowska, European Commission Coordinator for Victims’ Rights; Rosa Jansen, President of VSE; and Najla Nassif Palma, UN Victims’ Rights Advocate.
Expert testimonies and panel reflections provided powerful reminders of the human impact behind these efforts. They served as both recognition of the progress made and inspiration to continue advancing protections for victims, ensuring that support mechanisms respond to evolving needs.
In his video message, UNODC Acting Executive Director John Brandolino hilighted the importance of continued investment: “By investing in victim assistance programmes, building institutional capacity, and fostering cross-sector cooperation, we can create justice systems where services are accessible, rights are protected, and justice is effective.”
Through dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and strengthened partnerships, the event highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to place victims’ rights at the heart of justice systems. As the discussions concluded, UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to translate these exchanges into concrete action, supporting Member States to ensure that victims are not only heard but empowered, supported, and positioned at the center of efforts to build fair, inclusive, and effective justice worldwide.
The upcoming 2026 UN Crime Congress will serve as an essential platform for policymakers, practitioners, and civil society to engage on emerging challenges and opportunities in crime prevention and criminal justice. Building on recommendations from the Regional Preparatory Meetings, where discussions on victims’ rights highlighted key priorities, such as strengthening victim participation in criminal proceedings, addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, and leveraging new technologies and data-driven approaches to enhance support for victims, the Congress presents a timely opportunity to advance these priorities and translate commitments into meaningful progress.
In addition, the recently adopted United Nations Convention against Cybercrime marks a significant milestone in international efforts to address the evolving landscape of digital crime. The Convention provides a framework for cooperation among States, promoting the harmonization of laws, strengthening investigative and prosecutorial capacities, and enhancing cross-border collaboration. By addressing emerging cyber threats, protecting victims of online crime, and supporting the responsible use of technology in justice systems, the Convention aims to ensure that responses to cybercrime are effective, coordinated, and grounded in respect for human rights.
At the same time, ongoing regional initiatives, including the recently updated EU Directive on Victims’ Rights, will continue to shape the future of victims’ protections across Europe and beyond. By strengthening access to justice, improving the quality and reach of support services, and promoting the consistent implementation of rights for all victims, these efforts aim to ensure that victims are not only recognized but actively supported throughout criminal justice processes.
As the landscape of crime continues to evolve, these efforts together will be essential in transforming longstanding commitments into tangible improvements for victims, strengthening both protection and access to justice.
