UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recommendations regarding custodial measures and the risk of recidivism

Abstract

Since 2007, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has been making recommendations to avoid punitive measures and custodial sentences. Starting in 2023, an intergovernmental group of experts developed the document E/CN.15/2023/13 which presents outlines the strategies of member states for combating criminal recidivism. One of the key principles is to avoid arrest and detention. Experts argue that time spent in a detention facility can increase criminal risk and does not aid reintegration. These conclusions may seem are counter intuitive and we expect they will not be readily received by the public who feel safer when criminals are isolated.