Across several regions of Africa, the relationship between terrorism and illicit economies interacts with broader patterns of insecurity. In environments marked by fragile institutions, porous borders and expansive informal markets, violent extremist groups and criminal actors operate within overlapping spaces where the boundaries between legality and illegality are often blurred. These conditions create environments in which illicit economic systems can be exploited by violent extremist groups.

The OPCW strengthened its capacity to address CBRN forensic challenges through a targeted training activity, enhancing evidentiary standards and investigative preparedness under the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative.

Addressing  evolving CBRN forensic challenges

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, in cooperation with the Government of Guatemala and in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Justice, has launched the project “Strengthening Guatemala’s Penitentiary System to Prevent Organized Crime and Promote a Human Rights-Based Approach”, with the financial support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

What does it take for people to trust the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in law enforcement?

As AI systems become part of everyday public safety practices, from analysing data to supporting operational decisions, this question is no longer theoretical. It sits at the heart of how institutions can continue to serve communities effectively, fairly and legitimately.