[MUNUC 36] Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice CCPCJ

The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) creates policies for the United Nations with regards to international initiatives that aim to combat both intra-national and international crime, in addition to addressing systems of criminal justice administration. More specifically, in MUNUC 36, the CCPCJ’s Topic A will involve a discussion on the merits (or lack thereof, according to some nations) of restorative justice and how recidivism, the tendency of a criminal to reoffend, may be reduced. In Topic B, we will focus on international criminal tribunals and accountability, with accountability including both that of nations which house individuals being indicted by international criminal tribunals and that of international bodies themselves.

Topic A: Restorative Justice and Reducing Recidivism

Our first topic will involve an exploration of the different philosophies that nations follow in their criminal justice systems, including both punitive and restorative justice. In addition, this topic will review how nations can reduce recidivism, not only during incarceration but also after an individual is released. As such, this topic will also have a social focus; it is of particular interest to ensure that former convicts maintain access to employment and housing, among other things necessary to rejoining society, in order to prevent other criminal offenses following release. As particular nations tend to have starkly disparate views when it comes to whether prison should be seen as a punishment, we expect this topic to fuel interesting debate.

Topic B: International Criminal Tribunals and Accountability

Our second topic explores international criminal tribunals, which are either temporary or permanent courts that address cases that involve serious violations of international law, including both criminal and humanitarian law. These criminal tribunals typically take place when national courts are unwilling or unable to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of violating international law. As such, the accountability of nations is of paramount importance to the use of international criminal tribunals. We will be addressing the use and power of these international tribunals in trying individuals and also examining the role that particular nations play in upholding international criminal justice.

 We are looking forward to a nuanced exploration of these topics, and we are so excited to see everyone in committee!

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