The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute - UNICRI - was created in 1968 to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and justice. UNICRI acts with its partners in the international community to: advance understanding of crime-related problems; foster just and efficient criminal justice systems; support the respect of international instruments and other standards; facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance.

UNICRI provides applied research, training programmes and technical cooperation. The current priorities include, inter alia, activities related to justice reform, prevention and control of international terrorism, transnational organised crime, illicit trafficking, counterfeiting, cyber crimes, and crimes against the environment.

In a rapidly changing world, UNICRIs major goals are advancing security, serving justice and building peace.