Crime and criminal justice in Europe and North America: 1990 - 1994

This report is based on an analysis of national responses to the Fifth United Nations Survey. The report covers the years 1990 through 1994. The Fifth United Nations Survey data have been supplemented by other information, including in particular the results of the International Crime (Victim) Survey. The report differs considerably from its predecessors. The data has been subjected to quanitative analysis in order to test whether a set of indicators can be developed that may help us to better understand differencies between countries in the level and structure of crime, and in the operation of the criminal justice system

Profiles of Criminal Justice Systems in Europe and North America 1990-1994

This report consists of national profiles of 51 European and North American countries. The profiles are based on an analysis of the responses to the Fifth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operation of Criminal Justice Systes (1990-1994). Each profile seeks to provide background information on the criminal justice system, trends in crime, criminal justice resources and the performance of the criminal justice system. Where possible, additional sources of information have been utilised

Was Trafficking in Persons Really Criminalised?

This paper examines the successes and setbacks in the criminal justice response to trafficking in persons. While today, the majority of countries have passed specific legislation criminalising human trafficking in response to the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, there are still very few convictions of trafficking. Using currently available knowledge, this paper discusses four possible reasons for low conviction rates. Further, the paper suggests that due to the heavy dependency on victim testimonies when prosecuting trafficking in persons crimes, members of criminal organisations that are easily identifiable by victims may face criminal charges more frequently than other members of the criminal group, particularly those in positions of greater responsibility who profit the most from the criminal activities. In this context, the exceptionally high number of women among convicted offenders is explored

Mapping the inhuman trade: Preliminary findings of the human trafficking database. United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women

Most of the traditional methods of collecting data cannot be applied to new forms of crime such as trafficking in human beings. The present article examines the qualitative information in the database of the Global Programme against Trafficking in Human Beings of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The database includes information about all aspects of such trafficking. The data collected are comparable between countries and regions and are divided into three main sections: country reports, characteristics of the victims of such trafficking and of the traffickers and trafficking routes. The article illustrates the complexity of the data entry process. Analysis of the data confirms that trafficking in human beings is a genderspecific phenomenon, a sad manifestation of the rampant violence against women and girls. The results may be used as a basis for setting priorities for international cooperation and for gaining a deeper understanding of the profile of a given country