Areas of Intervention

Access to Justice in the Digital Age: Empowering Victims of Cybercrime in Africa

 Africa’s digital transformation is progressing rapidly, unlocking remarkable socio-economic opportunities across the continent. However, this transformation is also giving rise to a growing array of cyberthreats, with women and girls disproportionately affected. As internet penetration deepens, the gap between technological progress and legal safeguards is becoming more pronounced, exposing critical vulnerabilities in existing protection mechanisms.This new report explores how cybercrime is impacting access to justice in four African countries (Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Uganda) and offers a broader perspective on challenges and responses across the continent. It highlights the pressing need for national and regional responses that are inclusive, coordinated and evidence...

Toolkit on Effective CBRN Planning and Response for Policymakers and CBRN Managers

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents pose a significant threat to global safety and security. These events can result in devastating human, environmental, and economic consequences, while also undermining public trust and social stability. Effectively managing CBRN risks requires a coordinated and strategic approach—one that goes beyond immediate response to include long-term planning, capacity building, and interagency collaboration.To address this need, UNICRI has developed the Toolkit on Effective CBRN Planning and Response for Policymakers and CBRN Managers. The publication is designed to support decision-makers—such as policymakers, emergency management officials, and CBRN managers—by providing practical, step-by-step guidance to strengthen national strategi...

Right- and left-wing violent extremist abuse of digital technologies in South America, Africa and Asia

The report Right- and left-wing violent extremist abuse of digital technologies in South America, Africa and Asia, jointly published by UNICRI and VOX-Pol, investigates the underexplored phenomenon of right- and left-wing violent extremist groups in the Global South and their abuse of digital technologies. As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, violent extremist actors increasingly exploit digital platforms, posing complex and multifaceted threats to national and global security.The report highlights how violent extremists are leveraging digital technologies for external and internal messaging, financing, and even offensive cyber operations. These threats range from the use of alternative or fringe social media, decentralised web platforms, gaming spaces, and live-streaming techno...