The European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control

HEUNI was established in 1981 through an agreement between the Government of Finland and the United Nations. It is the European regional institute in the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network. Since 1 January 2025, HEUNI has been part of the Agency for Special Authorities in Judicial Administration, which operates within the administrative branch of the Finnish Ministry of Justice. The Agency brings together eleven independent and autonomous authorities and a joint Administrative Services Unit. HEUNI retains its independent status as a research and policy-making institute. HEUNI is a bold front-runner in creating and sharing uncompromised knowledge on the prevention of crime within the framework of criminal justice. We engage policymakers, practitioners and researchers in frank discussions to tackle current problems. We develop innovative and action-oriented solutions to advance the rights of those affected by crime.

HEUNI has a new strategy for the years 2024-2027 (pdf 344kB). The strategy updates, revises and strengthens HEUNI’s operations to suit the demands of the 21st century. While the strategy identifies several core areas of work, it also aims to strengthen HEUNI’s operations and working methods in order to produce increasingly cutting-edge results.

HEUNI aims at a fair and just world by advancing humane and rational criminal justice policies and systems in the European region, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.