In a new SOC ACE project, Huma Haider will review the evidence on and explore the linkages between organised crime, the environment and the welfare of Indigenous communities, providing a more holistic understanding and a broader view of this complex landscape. The review seeks to draw out key evidence on these topics to inform more effective response efforts that consider these three sets of dynamics.

New research by Huma Haider is exploring the linkages between transitional justice, corruption and organised crime. A growing body of research argues that corruption is linked to human rights violations, infringing on the enjoyment of civil and political rights. Research also links crimes committed against civilians by state officials to their close relationship with organised crime groups (OCG), finding that OCGs can be responsible for perpetrating acts of violence amounting to crimes against humanity. This research will pool concepts and evidence to promote a shared narrative and framework for thinking about, discussing and addressing accountability and justice for human rights violations, corruption and OC.

Are concentrations of violence, environmental stress, poverty and illicit activities in borderlands a result of how these regions have been integrated into national, regional, and global political economies, rather than their 'lack' of integration? This is what new research by Prof Jonathan Goodhand and Dr Patrick Meehan at Centre for the Study of Illicit Economies, Violence & Development (CIVAD) is seeking to understand. Exploring how conflict-affected borderlands are connected to development processes and wealth accumulation in metropolitan centres through a detailed case study of the illicit corridor connecting Myanmar's north-eastern border and China, the research aims to inform agency responses to borderland illicit economies, transnational organised crime and their impact on development and security.