International Day against Transnational Organized Crime | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

2024 Theme

On 15 November 2024, the world marked the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC). This day highlights the urgent need for global solidarity to counter the rising threat of organized crime, which undermines peace, security and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Criminal networks are exploiting global vulnerabilities on a vast scale—from human trafficking to environmental destruction and cybercrime. Organized crime operates across borders, posing serious challenges that no country can tackle alone.

The toll of organized transnational crime

Organized crime thrives worldwide, affecting governance and political processes, and weakening the advancement of the rule of law. It encompasses, inter alia, illicit trafficking of firearms, drugs, protected species, cultural property, or falsified medical products and, among its most severe manifestations, human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. It also includes the laundering of proceeds of crime and obstruction of justice.

Moreover, with all forms of organized crime shifting ever more to being dependent on or incorporating online aspects, including the use of virtual assets, its reach and capability of harm is increasing. Organized criminal groups are flexible in changing or expanding their illicit businesses for profit. They misuse vulnerabilities and crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, natural disasters, and armed conflicts exploiting them for their own purposes.

Traditional, territorial-based criminal groups have evolved or have been partially replaced by smaller and more flexible networks with branches across several jurisdictions. Criminal actors, witnesses, victims and proceeds of crime may be located in many different States. It is therefore evident, that joint efforts from States across the world are required as organized crime cannot be tackled in isolation.

Why now?

TOC Day calls for united global action. The devastating impact of organized crime threatens lives, destabilizes communities and hinders economic and social development. But despite these challenges, there is hope. This day serves as a rallying point for action, demonstrating that collective efforts — by governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals — can achieve real change.

Led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this campaign showcases success stories where cooperation has led to meaningful progress, from dismantling trafficking networks to promoting sustainable alternatives to illicit economies. Together, we can push back against organized crime and build safer, more resilient communities worldwide.

This year’s TOC Day is a call to:

Raise Awareness: Shine a light on the far-reaching impacts of organized crime on communities, economies and governance systems across the globe.
Foster Global Collaboration: Encourage stronger partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector to address the cross-border nature of organized crime and develop joint solutions.
Empower Communities: Highlight grassroots efforts and community-led initiatives that build resilience against organized crime. Focus on prevention strategies to tackle the root causes of organized crime and empower local responses.
Promote Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Share innovative tools, strategies and best practices to combat organized crime while strengthening the capacity of law enforcement, the justice sector and communities.
Support Policy Development: Advocate for policies that address the root causes and consequences of organized crime, reinforcing governance, the rule of law and human rights.
Leverage Technology for Change: Acknowledge both the threats and opportunities posed by technology in the fight against organized crime, from the rise of cybercrime to the use of tech in more effective detection, prevention and responses.

Related Links

Sources: UNODC and UN News