Co-hosted by TIJ and UNODC for the second consecutive year, the Training on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for Southeast Asia or the “T4SEA” training programme is the first regional training for criminal justice professionals in Southeast Asia on the United Nations standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice. This year’s programme aims to promote the application of the key international standards and norms through people-centred approaches.
This year, we welcomed 41 participants from 12 countries across Southeast and South Asia, including justice sector professionals.
Throughout the programme, participants will share experiences, explore challenges and opportunities, and engage in meaningful dialogue revolving around;
- Introduction to the UN Standards and Norms in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
- SEA Regional Overview on Crime Prevention and Cooperation Frameworks
- People-centered Justice: Upholding Rights in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
- Governance and Integrity in Criminal Justice
Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of TIJ, opened the session, stated that a fair and balance justice system must look beyond surface. We should ask ourselves: What brought this person here? What do they need? When we recognize both the struggle and the potential in those we serve, we move closer to justice that heals, not merely punishes. This is what people-centered justice means to us.
He noted that the program would empower participants to become changemakers, and that together we could strive to create a more effective and accessible criminal justice system.
Mr. Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC Acting Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific added that last year's program was a significant success, as participants exchanged views and strengthened their professional networks for regional cooperation. This year's theme emphasized a "people-centered approach" to criminal justice, highlighting the importance of ensuring equal access to justice for all individuals, free from discrimination. This approach reaffirms the goal of establishing a fair and inclusive justice system that is responsive to the needs of everyone involved.
He concluded that this training would be beneficial for all participants—not only by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of the relevant topics but also by laying the groundwork for enduring cooperation among participants and their institutions.
The T4SEA programme was held between 26 and 30 May 2025 at the TIJ building, Chaengwattana Rd., Bangkok, Thailand.
