Advancing the Rights of Victims of Crime
Also on 27 September, Ambassador Zvekić chaired the EPLO side event “Advancing Rights of the Victims of Crime,” bringing together nine speakers representing institutions and organizations from Italy, Brazil and Mexico, as well as ISPAC, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNODC, Transparency International and the Global Civil Society Coalition for the UNCAC.
The discussion examined the need to strengthen the rights and position of victims, particularly in the context of transnational organized crime, corruption, cybercrime and abuse of power. Speakers considered both individual and collective forms of victimization, drawing on experiences from Italy, Brazil and Mexico, and explored how international criminal justice and human rights frameworks can provide more effective remedies and protection.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of stronger implementation of existing international standards, improved accountability and access to remedies, and the role of recovered assets in providing reparation to victims. In its concluding remarks, EPLO called for greater international recognition of collective victims, stronger mechanisms for directing recovered assets towards reparation, and consideration of a more integrated international framework bringing together criminal justice, human rights and civil remedies for victims of crime.
Pathways to Justice and Reparation Across Borders
Ambassador Zvekić also contributed to discussions on “Pathways to Justice and Reparation Across Borders,” focusing on protection and compensation for victims of organized crime, corruption and cybercrime.
The contribution highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation on confiscation, asset recovery and the social use of recovered criminal assets, as well as a more coherent international approach to victim protection and support. It also raised the prospect of a global victims protection strategy and a UN Convention on Justice for Victims of Crime.
Advancing Integrity and Independence of Criminal Justice Institutions
On 29 September, Ambassador Zvekić participated on behalf of EPLO in“Advancing Integrity and Independence of Criminal Justice Institutions,” an online event examining the resilience of criminal justice institutions in responding to organized crime, corruption and cybercrime.
The discussion brought together experts including Dr Eduardo Vetere of ISPAC, H.E. Bojan Božović, Minister of Justice of Montenegro, Professor Fabian Zhilla, Judge Gerhard Reissner of the International Association of Judges and Professor Slawomir Redo.
Together, these contributions and EPLO’s High-Level Statement reflect the Organization’s continued engagement with the United Nations and its commitment to advancing international cooperation, the rule of law, effective and independent criminal justice, and stronger protection for victims.
