From 20 to 22 November 2024, the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) convened its 86th Plenary meeting in Strasbourg, under the Chairmanship of Mr Fritz Zeder (Austria). The meeting was opened by Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, who addressed opening remarks.
During the meeting, the CDPC approved the draft Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law and its Explanatory Report. Marking a historic milestone, the new convention lays down a general basis of pan-European environmental criminal law, providing a common global framework in line with the transnational nature of the environmental challenge that needs to be met. It is the first global legal instrument comprehensively addressing environmental crime that tackles issues such as pollution, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, mining, and more, underlining the importance of international cooperation in protecting the planet.
Furthermore, the CDPC approved the draft Third Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and its Explanatory Report. This protocol paves the way for enhanced international collaboration in the investigation and prosecution of transnational crimes, reinforcing legal and procedural frameworks.
The CDPC also approved the draft Recommendation on the promotion of positive mental health and the management of mental disorders of prisoners and probationers, along with its Explanatory Memorandum. This forward-looking recommendation underscores the CDPC’s commitment to protecting human dignity and improving the mental health and well-being of individuals within the criminal justice system.
In addition, the CDPC approved the start of work on a new recommendation aimed at countering migrant smuggling, an increasingly critical issue.
The CDPC also reviewed ongoing activities and advancements in various areas, including the Artificial Intelligence and Criminal Law, Combating Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls (TFVAWG), Child Friendly Justice, Asset recovery, Hate crime, Terrorism, Drug Trafficking-related Organised Crime, Restorative Justice, and the Council of Europe Conventions on Offences relating to Cultural Property, Medicrime and Trafficking in Human Organs.
The meeting underscored the CDPC’s commitment to fostering robust legal frameworks and cooperative mechanisms that address contemporary challenges in criminal justice, enhancing both national and international efforts to uphold justice and human rights.
The Plenary meeting Agenda and the List of decisions are available on the CDPC website.
