On 15 November 2024, the world marks the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), established by General Assembly resolution 78/267. 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.
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.
Theme 2024: Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It’s time we pull together to push back.
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.
Today, the 2nd reading of our celebration has also the form of a warning.
This is the case, this Sunday, with the words of the prophet Isaiah telling us (Isaiah 35:1-6,10):
The United Nations’ (UN) World Refugee Day is observed on June 20 each year. This event honors the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.