The Institute is an integral part of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network, with specified statutory mandates in the service of the African region. The mandated activities of the Institute include training, advisory services to governments, action/policy- oriented research, and service rendering information and documentation. Since 1991, it has also delivered services to member states. For its operational programs and management, the Institute has received assistance and support from the United Nations Development Programme, which will terminate on December 31, 1993, the Economic Commission for Africa, the United Nations grant during 1992-93, and some contributions from member states. For 4 years up to December 1992, full remittances or part payment of assessed contributions to the Institute have been received from only eight member states out of 26. This has limited the Institute in the performance of its mandated activities. Moreover, its survival after 1993 is questionable. This is a serious matter, given the rapidly increasing crime in African countries that threatens to undermine their positive and progressive development. 6 tables