UNICRI’s Strategic Response Framework for Tackling Crimes Linked to Critical Minerals

As the global demand for clean energy and digital technologies increases, so does the need for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These essential resources power electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced communication systems. However, this rapid growth in demand is accompanied by significant risks, including illegal mining, organized crime infiltration, human rights violations, and environmental damage, particularly in regions with weak governance.

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has emphasized the urgent need to secure ethical, sustainable, and transparent supply chains for these critical minerals. The panel calls for global cooperation to mitigate the escalating risks posed by illicit activities and environmental harm, which threaten to undermine global efforts to achieve climate goals.

In response to these challenges, UNICRI has developed the Strategic Response Framework for Tackling Crimes Linked to Critical Minerals. This comprehensive framework outlines a coordinated approach to mitigating the various crimes associated with critical minerals. By empowering national stakeholders, enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks, and promoting international collaboration, UNICRI seeks to address these pressing issues.

Key Risks in the Critical Minerals Supply Chain

UNICRI's framework identifies five key risks associated with the critical minerals sector:

1. Weak governance and corruption
2. Criminal exploitation and conflict financing
3. Human Rights Violations
4. Environmental Degradation
5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

UNICRI's Strategic Response

The framework is built around these key building blocks:

1. Strengthening Legal, Policy, and Regulatory Frameworks
   Enhancing laws, policies, and regulations to ensure accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights in the critical minerals sector.
2. Comprehensive Assessment of the Supply Chain
   Developing tools to analyze risks and vulnerabilities within critical minerals supply chains, ensuring the collection of reliable data to inform policy decisions.
3. Capacity Building and Awareness Raising
   Equipping law enforcement and relevant agencies with the skills and knowledge to monitor and combat crimes linked to critical minerals.
4. Leveraging Innovative Tools and Technologies
   Utilizing advanced technologies like blockchain and AI to track and trace critical minerals, enhance transparency, and support enforcement actions.

UNICRI's framework is closely aligned with the UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, reinforcing the call for global cooperation to ensure a fair and sustainable transition to green energy.

UNICRI invites governments, industry leaders, civil society, and international organizations to collaborate in securing the future of critical minerals. Together, we can address the growing challenges posed by organized crime, human rights violations, and environmental damage, while ensuring that the transition to clean energy remains sustainable, inclusive, and just.

To learn more and get involved, download the full Strategic Response Framework please click here

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