In 1992 the UN crime-fighting directorate was elevated to the level of an intergovernmental Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, reflecting the seriousness with which the strengthening of criminal justice systems is regarded at international level. Never has international co-operation against crime been so badly needed, as the liberalization and globalization of markets and finances are opening doors to transnational crime. This text contains an overview of this area of the UN's work. Following the main text is a compendium of criminal justice guidelines and standards.