HEUNI Strategy

2024-2027
January 2024
Contents

• Introduction
• Purpose – mission – vision
• Values
• Cornerstones of the strategy 2024–2027
• Impact assessment
• Goals: Substantive areas of work
• Goals: Organizational development
• Workplan 2024
Introduction
The European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations (HEUNI) has during its four decades of existence witnessed major shifts in its
operational environment as well as in crime prevention and criminal justice. HEUNI was established as a European regional institute to advance the work of the United
Nations in the areas of crime prevention and control through supporting the exchange of information and expertise between European countries and their different socio-
economic systems. It is evident that the operational environment and the challenges of tackling crime have changed significantly since the establishment of the institute.
However, the changes over the past few years – with a global pandemic and a war in Europe combined with increasing concerns over climate change, the future of
democracy, polarization and migration – clearly show that HEUNI’s objectives are as relevant and crucial as ever: to enable the exchange and distribution of information to
policy makers, experts, practitioners and researchers through seminars, trainings and meetings, to collect and share relevant information, and to conduct research. Empirical
research is the cornerstone of a solid knowledgebase, which in turn is a prerequisite for evidence-based criminal justice policies and practices. This strategy builds upon
HEUNI’s first operational strategy (2020–2023) and outlines clear goals as well as concrete steps to strengthen HEUNI’s substantive engagement as well as enhance its
operations.

The past few years have shown that the future is indeed unpredictable, and that drastic and sudden changes can – and will – occur. In this strategy we acknowledge the
instability in the world, and the subsequent increased focus on hard security. We are concerned about the future of multilateralism, and the increased need for dialogue,
conflict resolution and understanding. We are also observant of increasing global inequality, the current demographic shifts and migratory patterns, and the increase in
societal and political polarization, as well as the effects these may have on societies and democracy. We are also cognizant of the acceleration of AI and technological
advances, and the fundamental threat posed by climate change on all life on Earth.

HEUNI’s work and this strategy are guided by the ethos of HEUNI’s founder, professor Inkeri Anttila, who emphasized respect for human values and rational decision-
making in crime prevention and criminal justice. We are also inspired by her poignant belief that criminologists should not sit in their chambers, thinking wise thoughts, but
instead actively engage in societal discussion for the improvement of policies and practices. Our work is sustainable; we acknowledge that climate change is a reality and take
this into consideration in travel, programming, and administration, and we strive towards social sustainability in procurement and programming. Our research is human
rights based and takes into consideration gender, age, and various positions of vulnerability. We are aware of our privileged position when engaging with vulnerable or
marginalized groups and are mindful not to contribute to their vulnerability or marginalization.
Purpose – mission – vision

Purpose: Why We Exist Mission: What We Do Vision: Where We Aim

• HEUNI strengthens the rights of • HEUNI collects and shares information, provides training and gives empirically • HEUNI is a centre of expertise that
individuals in vulnerable positions founded recommendations. shapes policies and practices to
by advancing the prevention of strengthen the rights of individuals
crime and strengthening access to • We increase the knowledge base, capacity and understanding among criminal in vulnerable positions.
justice and remedy. justice and other key actors of individuals in positions of vulnerability. We
create change in practices, structures, and legislation to strengthen the rights
of individuals in vulnerable positions.

• Our work is innovative and uncompromised, and our solutions are evidence-
based and action-oriented, aimed at creating lasting and concrete
improvement. HEUNI’s work addresses the individual, the societal and the
structural levels through research, expertise and dissemination of information
and research findings.
 Values
We are committed to fairness, and we promote justice, equality and
sustainability through our research and work.
We strive toward impactful outcomes, we value bold openings, and we
continuously expand our expertise.
Cornerstones of the strategy 2024–2027
HEUNI’s strategy for the years 2024–2027 places vulnerability at its core. The strategy aims at strengthening the human and fundamental rights of vulnerable people and
creating resilience and empowerment so that the risk of experiencing crime is reduced and access to justice and remedy is strengthened. The strategy aims to achieve this
through focusing on activities that prevent and address selected forms of crime and the harms they cause, as well as through focusing on activities that aim to change
criminal justice and other processes and structures so that they become more sensitive and attuned to different forms of vulnerabilities. The activities address the individual,
the societal and/or the structural level.
The strategy builds upon the concept of theory of change. The theory of change helps to outline how concrete activities and actions produce a series of results that contribute
to achieving an overall goal, such as the strengthening of rights of persons in vulnerable positions. In this strategy, the theory of change is used in a simplified version and as
a process, whereby
1) information is collected and used to increase the knowledge-base of the problem at hand and its possible solutions,
2) the collected information is shared through dissemination and training events, thus increasing awareness, capacity and understanding among key actors,
3) as a result of the increased awareness, practices and ways of work are changed and enhanced among key actors, and
4) ultimately and in the longer run, these practices are taken on board by relevant key institutions and organizations and are incorporated into guidelines, structures
and legislation at the national and/or international levels. Alongside our partners, HEUNI seeks to make societies and criminal systems more just, fair, and rational.
In this sense, the goal of the theory of change described above does not end with impacting guidelines, structures and legislation, but we aim for our work to leave a
positive imprint on societies and cultures in a deeper and more long-lasting way.
7
HEUNI’s structure of work
• Programmes: overarching
initiatives
Programmes
• Streams/ thematic pathways: sub-
divisions within programmes that
focus on specific areas of work.
Streams Composed of related projects and
such activities as research
development, fundraising and
dissemination.
Projects

• Projects: have distinct objectives,

timelines, and resources allocated.
8
Substantive areas of work
Human trafficking and forms of exploitation programme: Criminal justice processes programme:
• Young people/children. • Victim-sensitive practices, incl. digitalized justice, investigative interviews, and
• The criminal justice process, incl. prison. interpretation.
• Engaging victims/survivors in research and policy. • Victim compensation and access to remedies.
• Links between corruption, corporate crime, the grey economy, and exploitation.

Gender-based and other forms of violence programme:

CSR/Social sustainability in supply chains programme:
• Remedies for victims of exploitation. • Forced marriage and harmful practices.
• Responsible recruitment. • Migrants/minorities and violence.
• Capacity-building on due diligence and social sustainability. • Hate speech/crime.
Impact assessment
It is difficult to measure the specific impact of HEUNI’s programmatic activities on strengthening the human and fundamental rights of vulnerable people so that their risk of
experiencing crime is reduced and their access to justice is enhanced. HEUNI's strategic goals address complex questions, the solutions of which often require changes in
both practices and structures. The long-term institutional and societal impact of HEUNI’s activities can only be seen over the course of time, as key institutions and
organizations incorporate the practices and recommendations developed by HEUNI into their organizational and institutional guidelines, structures, and legislation. The
exact impact of HEUNI’s activities cannot be measured, but HEUNI’s contribution can be highlighted and showcased e.g., in case studies. The impact of the strategy will
annually be assessed through quantitative indicators as well as selected small-scale qualitative impact assessments.
Indicators
• No. of projects developed, approved, implemented.
• No of outputs (reports, policy papers, guidelines, resources).
• No. of events (national, regional, international), incl. trainings, policy-dialogues, and presentations.
• No. of persons reached in all activities.
• No. of media hits (national, regional, international).
• No. of statements in legislative/governmental processes (national, regional, international).
Impact assessments
• Feedback from project partners/stakeholders/end users on the usefulness of the tools and resources developed (feedback surveys/interviews).
• Case-study of the longer-term impact of specific activities (e.g., focusing on one programmatic area).
• Regular self-assessments are carried out for ongoing projects, the newsletter, the annual report, and the Advisory Board meetings.
 Substantive areas
of work
To implement the strategy, we will continue to expand on our strengths, and at the
same time explore new openings that are related to our key areas of expertise.
Goals: substantive areas of work

Cross-cutting principles:

• We are human rights based and take into consideration gender, age,
and various positions of vulnerability and we strive to reduce
vulnerabilities through strengthening resilience.
• We strive for international outreach and impact in our
programming.
• We engage in continuous policy-maker dialogue and dissemination
activities to influence legislation and policies, both nationally and
internationally.
• We engage in applied research, i.e., we create a balance between
practically oriented research and academic outputs.
 Human trafficking and forms of exploitation programme CSR/Social sustainability in supply chains programme
Young people and children. Remedies for victims of exploitation.
The criminal justice process, incl. prison. Responsible recruitment.
Engaging victims/survivors in research and policy. Capacity-building on due diligence and social sustainability.
Links between corruption, corporate crime, the grey economy, and exploitation.

2024: 2024:
Strengthen the investigation of human trafficking through disseminating victim-sensitive investigation Strengthen the awareness of and access to remedies in the Baltic Sea region through research and
models and practices (Modelling project). dissemination of results (Safety for All project).
Strengthen the investigation of trafficking against children through disseminating handbook for law Strengthen responsible recruitment and the implementation of the Employer Pays Principle in selected sectors,
enforcement (Promise TRM project). e.g., in the wild-berry and agricultural sector (berry/cucumber project).
Strengthen the awareness of and capacity to address labour exploitation through Nordic exchange and Strengthen the prevention of exploitation in the construction sector (RT-card/standardization project)
research outputs (Nordic cooperation and NSfK project). Strengthen the awareness of and capacity to address exploitation among companies and public procurement
Develop further research and policy to address exploitation and trafficking of children and young people (such actors (Commercial activities)
as those running away from institutions of care). Strengthen the awareness of HEUNI’s tools and influence policies through enhanced national and
international dissemination and networking.
2025-2027:
Develop and implement project to strengthen how victims of human trafficking/exploitation are encountered 2025-2027:
in the criminal process by enhancing hearings, protocols, court proceedings, and interpretation. Develop and implement projects to strengthen adherence to EU due diligence legislation.
Develop and implement a research and policy project on victims of trafficking in the prison context and the Develop and implement projects to address exploitation in specific sectors.
practical implementation of the principle of non-punishment. Strengthen the awareness of and capacity to address exploitation among companies and public procurement
Use existing materials and knowledge to create and disseminate new outputs such as online training modules actors through training (commercial activities).
on (labour and other types of) trafficking as well as snapshots/policy briefs. Strengthen the awareness of HEUNI’s tools and influence policies through enhanced national and
Develop and implement a project to engage exploited persons, e.g., in the construction sector, and incorporate international dissemination and networking.
component of survivor-led policy development.
Develop and implement programmatic activities that include a dimension of cybercrime/cyber-enabled crimes
and trafficking/exploitation.
Criminal justice processes programme Gender-based and other forms of violence programme:
Victim-sensitive practices, incl. digitalized justice, investigative interviews, and interpretation. Forced marriage and harmful practices.
Victim compensation and access to remedies. Migrants, minorities and violence.
Hate speech and hate crime.
2024: 2024:
Strengthen access to justice and fair trials by developing tools to enhance encounters of parties in digitalized Strengthen awareness and develop services to victims of forced marriage (EASY project)
proceedings (E-ViVi project). Develop guidance to address online child sexual abuse (Promise Elpis project)
Develop research output(s) on migrant women as victims of violence using existing data from HEUNI’s
2025-2027:
previous projects.
Develop and implement projects to strengthen victim-sensitive practices in the criminal justice system,
including through addressing investigative interviews, interpretation and cultural sensitivity. 2025-2027:
Develop and implement a follow-up project on migration and violence.
Develop and implement programmatic activities that include a dimension of digitalisation/ technology-based
abuse and gender-based violence.
 Organizational
development
The previous strategic period focused on organizational capacity-building.
This strategy continues along the same lines but delves deeper into developing
organizational structures and processes to make the best use of existing resources and
capacities.
 Organizational processes and working routines Management, human resources, and skills
We have enhanced our information management systems and skills. Our staff-wellbeing and work-life balance is at a high level.
We have successfully implemented the restructuring process (premises and We have a skill set that responds to the needs of the organization, and we have a stronger
administration). academic presence.
We have strengthened our risk management and impact measurement processes. We have a systematic way to include/engage/recruit HEUNI scholars as well as national
and international interns/trainees.
Data management Staff-wellbeing and work-life balance

Risk management Skills

Restructuring Interns and scholars

Communications, advocacy, and dissemination Funding and partnerships

We have strengthened the understanding of our target groups and developed more We have expanded our budget and increased the number of staff. We have expanded our
targeted dissemination. funding base and partnerships. We have institutionalized our commercial activities. We
We have strengthened our international outreach/dissemination. We have systematized have successfully incorporated the NSfK Secretariat into HEUNI.
the dissemination of outputs between projects.
Systematic international outreach Expanded funding base

Dissemination between projects Expanded partnerships

Communications practices Growth