About UNICRI
UNICRI's programmes aim to promote national self-reliance and the development of institutional capabilities. To this end, UNICRI provides a one-stop facility offering high-level expertise in crime prevention and criminal justice problems. Technical co-operation is enhanced by the use of action-oriented research to assist in the formulation of improved policies and concrete intervention programmes. Institutional and on-the-job training of specialized personnel form an integral part of UNICRI activities.Activities by UNICRI
The Responsible Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Children
Global United StatesImplemented by UNICRI with support from the Walt Disney Company, this project aims to enhance AI literacy and digital resilience among young people and their caregivers. It focuses on equipping children aged 13–17 and their parents with the skills and tools to safely and consciously navigate the opportunities and risks associated with generative AI technologies. Key 2025 activities include the production of a short educational video for adolescents and a factsheet for parents and caregivers offering guidance on how to support children’s responsible use of generative AI.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsAwareness/AdvocacyResponsible Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Law Enforcement
Asia and the Pacific Singapore
UNICRI has established a partnership with INTERPOL to create a unique global forum to discuss the advancements and impact of using AI for law enforcement. Following the release of the “Toolkit for Responsible Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Law Enforcement”, UNICRI set out to further advance the responsible use of AI in law enforcement by supporting agencies to operationalize the guidance contained in the AI Toolkit and ensure that the AI Toolkit remains a contemporary and relevant instrument for law enforcement. This led to the launch of the next phase of work entitled “AI-POL: Advancing Innovation, Governance and Responsible AI in Law Enforcement” funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with INTERPOL, which target efforts at the executive levels of law enforcement agencies on the issue of responsible AI, as well as the development of best practices policy approaches for selected use-cases, the convening of thematic working group meetings, and the organization of a public engagement campaign.
It is essential to work with law enforcement directly to identify their needs and help them fill their gaps in a practical and operationally oriented manner. Engagement of senior leadership in agencies is required to ensure agencies can build upon the guidance in the AI Toolkit and integrate AI responsibly. Additional targeted guidance and support is required to ensure agencies can fully understand the translation of the guidance contained in the AI Toolkit into operational settings.
AI4Citizens – Legal, Ethical, and Societal Considerations of Implementing AI in Security Settings
Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States BelgiumItalyNorwaySloveniaSwedenPart of the wider AI4Citizens consortium led by BI Norwegian Business School, UNICRI’s role in this project focuses on the human rights, legal, and societal implications of AI-powered surveillance technologies. The project explores the application of anonymization and transparency techniques to enhance public trust and responsible AI use in law enforcement. Outputs will include recommendations on ethical implementation, communication strategies, and public engagement related to AI in security.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/AdvocacyNetworks/Mentorship/ExchangeOperation of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States NetherlandsThe Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics is a specialized centre of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). It was established in 2017 and is located in The Hague, the Netherlands. The focus of the Centre is to advance understanding of the challenges and opportunities brought by artificial intelligence (AI) and other new and emerging technologies from the perspective of justice, crime and other security threats. It seeks to support Member States both through practically-oriented policy guidance, research and reporting, as well as capacity building activities to leverage the potential of these technologies in a responsible manner.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/AdvocacyNetworks/Mentorship/Exchange