Rising from communities across the world, ‘Hunger for Truth and Justice’, is the hunger of those who have lost loved ones to violence, of those robbed by corruption, of those silenced for defending human rights. For 2025–26, this call becomes a global mobilisation uniting Europe, Africa, and Latin America via the CHANCE, PLACE, and ALAS Networks. Our goal is to connect continents and communities in order to build societies that are free from mafia influence, corruption, and violence and that are founded on equality, solidarity, and responsibility.
Confiscated Assets: From Instruments of Violence to Common Goods
Confiscating criminal assets presents a dual challenge and opportunity. Organised crime generates illicit profits worth billions each year, yet only a small percentage is seized. In Europe, for example, illicit profits are estimated to be worth between 92 and 188 billion USD annually (Europol, 2023), yet assets seized by European authorities account for only around 2% of this total (Eurojust, 2024). Transforming these assets into social goods, such as schools, cultural centres and cooperatives, not only undermines the economic and territorial power of the mafia, but also represents a strategic resource for justice, democracy and sustainable development. In Italy, for example, over 18,000 confiscated properties have been entrusted to more than 1,100 managing bodies, including cooperatives, local authorities, schools, and social enterprises, which are engaged in active social reuse projects nationwide. Italy’s pioneering approach, now adopted in the EU, Latin America, and Africa, demonstrates that social reuse is an effective means of collective reparation and prevention, providing pathways to social inclusion.
Standing Beside Innocent Victims
At the heart of the movement are the innocent victims of organised crime. According to UNODC data, over 440,000 people are killed in intentional homicides each year, yet 80% of victims are not recognised, nor do they receive truth or justice. In some countries, criminal groups have infiltrated the state to such an extent that they have become narco-states. In Mexico, for example, cartel violence has turned the country into a network of mass graves, with over 60,000 human remains still awaiting identification. Over 300,000 people have been killed, and over 120,000 have disappeared in the past 15 years. On 21 March each year, Libera reads out the names of 1,100 victims of the Italian Mafia in an act of resistance. Extending this practice globally would affirm the universal right to truth and dignity. This requires moving beyond a ‘benefits’ approach and recognising the full and legitimate rights of victims.
Tackling Corruption, Defending Democracy
Corruption is a systemic violation that deepens inequality, undermines democracy and corrodes trust. According to Transparency International, over 6 billion people live in countries plagued by corruption, where public resources are diverted away from hospitals, schools and job creation. Stronger implementation of international conventions, transparency in public budgets, and recognition of civil society as a key governance actor are needed.
Social Rights Against Unequal Security and Repressive Policies
When faced with insecurity, the answer is often repression: militarised police forces, restrictive laws, and the criminalisation of dissent. These measures disproportionately target migrants, ethnic minorities and other vulnerable groups, thereby exacerbating inequality rather than ensuring safety. Several African states have seen an increase in the presence of armed security forces and the deployment of military and paramilitary units against migrants attempting to reach Europe. In Mexico, ‘war on drugs’ policies based solely on repression have led to the militarisation of security forces, undermining public trust in institutions, and strengthening drug cartels. We have a different vision: security comes from education, housing, welfare, social rights and inclusion, not fear and repression.
Juveniles and Educational Justice
Minors across continents are criminalised and sent to detention centres instead of being offered opportunities. Juvenile detention poses serious risks to their psychosocial development and perpetuates cycles of exclusion and marginalisation. In countries ranging from Cameroon to Colombia and Italy to Mexico, projects reduced juvenile reoffending rates from 42% to 18% in three years. This demonstrates that education, art and community engagement are far more effective in reducing reoffending and promoting social reintegration. We demand investment in educational justice to replace punitive responses with inclusive, transformative pathways.
Prisons: from Punishment to Restoration
According to Global Prison Trends 2024, overcrowding is a global issue, with some regions operating detention facilities at over 170% capacity. Violations of fundamental rights, inhumane conditions and a lack of rehabilitation programmes fuel reoffending and perpetuate social exclusion. We advocate for restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration that focus on accountability and reparation rather than punishment alone. Our goal is to reduce the prison population by at least 10% by 2026.
Disarmament, Arms Trade Control and Civil Monitoring
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), more than 50% of global arms exports between 2019 and 2023 were destined for countries that were either in conflict or had a high risk of human rights violations. The consequences are most acutely felt in Africa and Latin America, where illicit trafficking fuels violence and instability. Disarmament and control of the arms trade are essential for safety and peace. Our agenda, therefore, calls for transparency in arms sales, an end to deals with authoritarian regimes, and support for civil society monitoring. Choosing disarmament means choosing life, human dignity, and a security model that serves people.
Global Illicit Markets: Breaking the Cycle
Arms, human and drug trafficking are among the most profitable, widespread and interconnected criminal activities worldwide. The dominant response remains rooted in security and repression. Victims include not only those subjected to violence, but also those who suffer from the resulting militarisation, insecurity and social fragmentation. We consider the long-term effects on development, social cohesion, and public health, and we advocate greater investment in strengthening local communities.
Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists
In 2024 alone, nearly 400 social leaders, journalists, and activists were killed. Impunity remains widespread: UNESCO reports that 85% of journalist killings go unpunished. We demand protection mechanisms, legal guarantees and solidarity with those who risk their lives for the common good.
Eco-mafias, Land Grabbing and Environmental Defenders
Eco-mafias are criminal organisations that exploit and destroy natural resources, posing serious risks to the environment and public health. Public investment in renewable energy and waste management presents attractive opportunities for mafia infiltration. In 2023 alone, at least 196 activists were killed while protecting natural resources and vulnerable communities. Colombia was the deadliest country, with 79 murders – the highest annual figure ever recorded by Global Witness. We are developing a participatory approach to monitoring land grabbing, advocating for directives on environmental crimes, and providing support to activists.
‘Hunger for Truth and Justice’ is our shared agenda. It is a call from Africa, Europe and Latin America to transform fear into dignity, silence into memory and injustice into peace. This movement resists and builds because, without truth, there can be no justice; and without justice, there can be no peace.
