Strengthening Civil Society Responses Against Organized Crime in Malaysia
On January 17, 2025, a significant workshop convened in Putrajaya, Malaysia, with over 50 stakeholders from civil society, academia, and the private sector across South and Southeast Asia. Organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the event aimed to enhance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).
The gathering underscored a critical understanding: the fight against organized crime requires collaborative efforts beyond government initiatives. Stakeholders highlighted the essential role non-governmental organizations play in combating organized crime, which poses a significant threat to security, justice, and overall development. Organized crime undermines the rule of law and diminishes public trust, making it imperative for civil society to actively participate in raising awareness, supporting victims, monitoring illegal activities, and advocating for improved policies.
During the workshop, participants engaged in hands-on sessions and group exercises led by UNODC experts. These sessions aimed to build and refine advocacy strategies, focusing on pressing issues such as human trafficking, cybercrime, corruption, and organized fraud. Participants collaborated to generate creative solutions, which included advocacy campaigns, digital literacy programs, regional policy reforms, and public awareness initiatives.
A participant from Thailand remarked on the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime, emphasizing the need for cooperation between civil society and authorities: “If civil society and authorities don’t work together, we’ll always be playing catch-up.” Similarly, a participant from Nepal stressed the importance of centering survivors in anti-human trafficking efforts, advocating for policies shaped by those directly affected.
The workshop also facilitated the development of prototype initiatives aimed at disrupting criminal networks, particularly focusing on incorporating the perspectives of young people. Encouraging youth engagement ensures that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to contribute meaningfully to combating organized crime.
Karima El Korri, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Malaysia, highlighted the collective responsibility in addressing the challenge of organized crime, asserting, “We need to engage everyone—not just governments.” This sentiment was echoed by UNODC experts, who reinforced the significance of UNTOC as a vital framework for international cooperation against organized crime.
A notable outcome of the workshop was the establishment of the Asia Regional Civil Society Network (NET4U), a UNODC-supported initiative aimed at bolstering civil society’s role in implementing UNTOC across Asia. This network will facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and coordinated efforts to promote peace, security, and justice in the region.
Overall, this initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16 and 17, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to tackling organized crime through multi-stakeholder collaboration. By reinforcing civil society’s involvement, the workshop sought to create a more united front against the pervasive threats posed by organized crime throughout Asia.
