Is the UNTOC working?

This note analyzes the current state of implementation of the UNTOC, and what impact it is having on legislation, international cooperation, and criminal markets. On the 25th anniversary of the UNTOC’s adoption, coming in 2025, this note summarizes the evidence available to begin to answer the question ‘Is the UNTOC working’?. It finds that there is a lack of systematic data collection, critical debate, and effective monitoring and review processes, all of which lead researchers with a limited ability to fully assess and understand what impact the UNTOC has had. It sets out a series of recommendations to reinvigorate the international system mandated to tackle transnational organized crime – through enhanced data collection, coordination and analysis, more realistic and strategic engagement, and ultimately more political will to fulfill the aims of the Palermo Convention.