Dominican Republic reaffirms commitment to crime prevention at UN congress

The Dominican Republic reaffirmed its commitment to crime prevention, criminal justice reform and human rights protection during the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Dominican delegation, led by Justice Vice Minister for Human Rights Noel Sued Canahuate, joined representatives from 119 countries at the congress and endorsed the Abu Dhabi Declaration and the Pledge4Justice initiative, which promote international cooperation and concrete actions on crime prevention and criminal justice for 2026–2031.

The government pledged to review the national legal framework to address emerging crime challenges and strengthen coordination among justice institutions. It also committed to advancing legislation on the protection and legal representation of victims and witnesses, prosecution of criminal organizations, cybercrime, police reform and the contentious-administrative jurisdiction.

Over the next 18 months, the Dominican Republic also plans to establish mechanisms to coordinate priorities and efforts among the branches of government and constitutional bodies involved in the justice system.

The delegation emphasized the importance of a people-centered criminal justice system aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted the reinstatement of the Ministry of Justice and stronger inter-institutional cooperation.

During the congress, Dominican officials held bilateral meetings with representatives from Canada, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, Armenia, Ghana, Indonesia and Thailand, as well as with UAE Justice Minister Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi.