The Council of Europe took part in the 15^th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Abu Dhabi from 26 September to 1 October, contributing to the growing international debate on crimes that affect the environment. As part of the Council of Europe delegation, Rafael Benitez, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment, participated in the plenary session and in several events focusing on environmental crime from different perspectives.

Throughout the Congress, the Council of Europe contributed to numerous discussions addressing environmental crime from different perspectives: biodiversity and global environmental commitments, the Mediterranean, shipping, prevention, investigation and prosecution, access to justice and support for victims.

The reflections in Abu Dhabi reflected a growing recognition that environmental crime is not only an environmental issue. It is increasingly understood as a challenge to the rule of law, human rights, sustainable development and international cooperation, requiring effective criminal justice responses. In his interventions, Rafael Benitez highlighted the importance of prevention and early action to protect people, livelihoods, biodiversity and ecosystems from irreversible harm.

A central element to the Council of Europe’s contribution to the Congress was its new Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law. The Convention is the only international legally binding instrument specifically dedicated to environmental crime. It provides a common legal basis for criminalising serious environmental offences and strengthening prevention and international cooperation. Open to accession by non-member States, it offers the opportunity to reduce fragmentation and build stronger cooperation across borders.

Read the statements delivered by Rafael Benitez, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment at the 15^th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi:

Preventing and Responding to Crimes that Affect the Environment: Ensuring Access to Justice, Investigation and Prosecution and Support to Victims

All Aboard: The Role of Shipping in Combating Crimes that Affect the Environment

15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Addressing Crimes that Affect the Environment to Support the Implementation of Global Environmental Commitments: Building Block for the 1st Global Review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Strengthening the Fight Against Environmental Crimes: Progress and Prospects – Maintaining International Ambition