Overwhelming Calls for Concerted, Coordinated, Innovative Strategies in Tackling Drugs, Transnational Crime, Speakers Tell Third Committee
The international community could not afford to work in silos when combating the problems of illicit drugs and other transnational crimes, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today during its general discussion of crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.
Opening the debate, Yuri V. Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), called for integrated, comprehensive and coordinated global action to address all aspects of supply and demand of drugs. The mandate of his office included ending trafficking and all forms of violence against children; reducing illicit financial and arms flows; strengthening recovery and return of stolen assets; combating all forms of organized crime; and reducing corruption. “The focus of law enforcement efforts,” he cautioned, “should be on the real criminals, the drug lords involved in the supply of narcotic substances.”
Promoting alternative livelihoods was essential to achieving sustainable reductions in illicit crop cultivation, he continued. Further, a public health response should consider alternatives to penalization and incarceration of people who use drugs, especially given that only one in six problem drug users were accessing drug dependence treatment services each year.
Underscoring the importance of global coordination, he commended high-level, open, inclusive, and informed discussions, facilitated by Khaled Abdel-Rahman Shamaa of Egypt, Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).
Mr. Shamaa then introduced the Commission’s report on international cooperation in this area, calling it a document that enjoyed global ownership and provided a common starting point in preparing for the 2016 General Assembly Special Session on the world drug problem. The Commission had already created a website (www.ungass2016.org) to enable a global, transparent dialogue and to act as a resource hub for Member States. It was our “joint responsibility” to use the available tools to fight this global scourge, he concluded.
In the general debate that followed, a number of representatives saw the special session as a chance to consolidate regionally and globally coordinated approaches to combating illicit drugs. A representative of Jamaica, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said the special session presented an opportunity to assess and address the status of the world drug problem, re-evaluate strategies, and examine best practices. Like other speakers, he also highlighted regional developments, including the region’s recently adopted crime and security strategy that focused on strengthening resilience to cybercrime, modernizing correctional services, and increasing trans-border intelligence.
Drugs and crime were eroding society, some delegates said. Morocco’s speaker pointed out that that scourge was hampering sustainable development and must be dealt with multilaterally. Colombia’s speakers called for transparent and innovative policies and alternative approaches.
For some, joint efforts were paying off, some speakers reported. Speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia’s delegate declared that, despite disparities within the region, “a drug–free ASEAN by 2015” was possible. However, multilateral cooperation was necessary, because advances in technology and transportation had unfortunately resulted in enabling and diversifying transnational crime. To address that, ASEAN would continue to dialogue with partners beyond the region.
Also speaking in today’s debate were the representatives of Congo, Malaysia, Belarus (speaking on behalf of the CIS and in his national capacity), European Union, Italy, United States, Russia, Cuba, India, Japan, Austria, Thailand, Syria, China, Nicaragua, Singapore, Brazil, Iran, Mexico, Algeria, Malaysia (speaking in his national capacity), Tajikistan, Libya, Kuwait, Pakistan, Senegal, Ethiopia, Peru, Myanmar, Belarus, Qatar, Ecuador, Bolivia, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and Albania.
The Permanent Observer of the Holy See also delivered a statement.
A representative of Ukraine spoke in exercise of the right of reply.
The Third Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Friday, 10 October, to conclude its consideration of this topic.
Background
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this morning to begin its general discussion on crime prevention and criminal justice, and on international drug control. Before it were reports of the Secretary-General on the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (document A/69/92); Implementation of the mandates of the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice programme, with particular reference to the technical cooperation activities of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (document A/69/94); and Follow-up to the Twelfth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and preparations for the Thirteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (document A/69/89).
It also had before it notes by the Secretary-General transmitting the reports of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption on its fifth session (document A/69/86); and the outcome of the meeting of the open-ended intergovernmental expert group on the development of a draft set of model strategies and practical measures on the elimination of violence against children in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice (document A/69/88).
On the topic of international drug control, the Committee had before it the report of the Secretary-General on International cooperation against the world drug problem (document A/69/111); and a note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the Outcome of the high-level review by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs at its fifty-seventh session of the implementation by Member States of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem (document A/69/87-E/2014/80).
Opening Remarks
YURI V. FEDOTOV, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), assured Member States that his office stood ready to support them in advancing global cooperation in dealing with the threat of transnational organized crime, illicit drugs and corruption. At the heart of his office’s mandates, he said, were ending trafficking and all forms of violence against children; reducing illicit financial and arms flows; strengthening recovery and return of stolen assets; combating all forms of organized crime; and reducing corruption. In its continuing efforts to analyse current trends in organized crime, his office had recently launched a new research initiative on wildlife crime. Noting the active engagement of civil society and governments in the debate on illicit drugs, he commended Khaled Abdel-Rahman Shamaa of Egypt, Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), for facilitating “open, inclusive, and informed discussions” that had taken place at high-level sessions.
In order to rebalance the international policy on drugs by increasing the focus on economic, social and cultural measures, he went on, his office was supporting countries to scale up services and build capacities. There remained serious gaps in service provision, with only one in six problem drug users accessing drug dependence treatment services each year. A public health response should also consider alternatives to penalization and incarceration of people who use drugs. “The focus of law enforcement efforts should be on the real criminals, the drug lords involved in the supply of narcotic substances,” he stressed.
Promoting alternative livelihoods, he added, was essential to achieving sustainable reductions in illicit crop cultivation. The international community must strive to address all aspects of supply and demand, through balanced, integrated, comprehensive, and coordinated global action. Such actions must consider countries with weak public health sectors that may be unable to cope with the social and health consequences of drug use. It was also vital to grapple with record levels of opium and poppy cultivation and heroin production in Afghanistan, which was undermining that country’s development and affecting the region and beyond. “What we cannot afford to do is work in silos,” he concluded.
KHALED ABDEL-RAHMAN SHAMAA, Chair of the fifty-seventh session of the CND, described the world drug problem as a serious threat to public health, safety and well-being of humanity, in particular young people. He then introduced a note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report on the Outcome of the high-level review by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs at its fifty-seventh session of the implementation by Member States of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem (document A/69/87-E/2014/80). Member States recognized that “many challenges of the world drug problem have persisted, and new ones have emerged in some parts of the world,” he said.
In that regard, he underlined that the preparation process had been very active and intensive, resulting in a document which enjoyed global ownership and provided a common starting point in preparing for the 2016 special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem (UNDOC resolution 57/5). Updating the Committee on steps taken in implementing resolution 57/5, he said the Commission had created a website (www.ungass2016.org), to enable a global, transparent dialogue and to act as a resource hub for Member States. In addition, inter-sessional meetings were being held, aimed at enabling the Commission to formulate “recommendations on the preparations for the possible outcomes of and organizational matters relating to that special session”.
In conclusion, he emphasized that the world drug problem was truly a global challenge, requiring a global response. Stressing the importance of collectively gained experience on the ground, at national and regional levels, he said “it is our joint responsibility to use the tools and valuable resources” available to respond to challenges in an effective way.
General Debate
E. COURTENAY RATTRAY (Jamaica), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), commended UNODC for its work in guiding, developing and supporting the execution of key policies and strategies by Member States. He urged Member States and other organizations to continue to provide voluntary contributions on the basis of earmarking. He also pointed out that crime prevention and criminal justice were integral elements in any quest for sustainable development. For its part, CARICOM members had adopted last year a crime and security strategy that contained key goals, such as strengthening resilience to cybercrime, modernizing correctional services and increasing trans-border intelligence.
Lamenting that the region was at risk from the influence of transnational organized crime, he was pleased to be partnering with UNODC in the execution of the 2014-2016 regional programme in support of the CARICOM crime and security strategy. In conclusion, he said that the 2016 special session presented an opportunity for all Member States and relevant stakeholders to assess and address the status of the world’s drug problem, as well as being an occasion to re-evaluate strategies, consider approaches, and examine best practices.
CHARLOTTE OMOY MALENGA (Democratic Republic of the Congo), speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), said challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate justice systems and high HIV rates, were affecting crime prevention in the region. Illicit trafficking had been identified as the major crime to which countries’ responses were inadequate due to the lack of platforms for sharing information and intelligence. Given that criminal activities were increasingly transcending national borders, she said crime prevention depended on regional and global cooperation.
To address some of those concerns, one regional programme focused on countering illicit trafficking and organized crime, criminal justice and improving drug abuse prevention, treatment and care. The programme aimed at strengthening both national and regional efforts through data collection and analysis, legislative assistance and capacity building.
HUSSEIN HANIFF (Malaysia), speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said unfortunately advances in technology and transportation had resulted in enabling and diversifying transnational crime. For ASEAN members, regional cooperation on that subject took place within the framework of inter-ministerial meetings, with a recent meeting identifying various priority areas, including terrorism, trafficking, sea piracy, and arms smuggling.
Transnational crime, he added, recognized no boundaries, and cooperation beyond ASEAN was necessary. His organization would continue to work with partners such as China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Alarmed at the recent spate of terrorist attacks around the world, he said ASEAN had adopted preventive measures to deal with those threats, including exchanging information and strengthening seaport, border and air controls. Even though the region comprised of countries that varied in social and economic development, a drug–free ASEAN by 2015 was not a lofty goal given the high level support and cooperation.
VALENTIN RYBAKOV (Belarus), speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), said that recent years had shown an alarming increase in transnational violations such as the circulation of weapons. Terrorist groups were actively making use of new forms of weapons technology. A further challenge was the use of information and communication for illegal purposes. Combating corruption was impossible without measures taken on a national scale with multilateral initiatives.
This year, Belarus had undertaken a number of initiatives, including organizing events with UNDOC for the first World Day against Trafficking in Persons. Further, CIS members have been cooperating on various programmes. Lauding the Secretary-General’s reports on the world drug problem and on UNDOC, he said Commonwealth members believed there was a need for even more active participation by UNODC in technical cooperation between countries.
THOMAS MAYR-HARTING, Head of the European Union Delegation, said transnational organized crime and corruption continued to pose serious threats to the welfare of citizens and peace and security worldwide. Organized crime hindered sustainable development and legitimate economic activity, and undermined democratic governance, and the rule of law and security, he said; transnational crime must be tackled in a holistic fashion at the national, regional and international levels. That was why the European Union reaffirmed the importance of United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its protocols, and had proposed the establishment of a strong and effective review mechanism for its implementation. To tackle the related issue of arms trafficking, the Union had adopted a new strategy to better control the licit weapons trade and reduce their diversion into criminal hands, he said.
Corruption also threatened the integrity of governments and administrations, he continued, noting the Union’s commitment to further promote the ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. On drug-related challenges, he recalled that the European Union drug strategy had provided a political framework and priorities for drug policies for the period of 2013 to 2020, which had contributed to regional and global discussions on related matters.
SEBASTIANO CARDI (Italy) reiterated his country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation mechanisms to fight organized crime and illicit drug trafficking, and to promote fair and effective criminal justice systems. Mentioning Italy’s regular promotion of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on that matter, he said among the main objectives were to build consensus on the fight against transnational organized crime, and to promote the universal implementation of United Nations instruments.
WILLIAM BROWNFIELD (United States) said an unprecedented number of Member States had agreed, through international conventions, to establish a common framework of commitments against dangerous drugs. Narcotics posed stubborn and complex challenges, he said, stressing that drug addiction deeply affected families, and corruption weakened the rule of law and democratic institutions. Conventions were pioneering efforts as well as acknowledging the principle that no State could protect its people by working alone. Confronting international crime must not be the exclusive responsibility of law enforcement, but also that of Member States, relevant United Nations agencies and civil society groups. “These are global issues that require global responses,” he said, stressing the importance of collective efforts in learning from each other.
EVGENY T. ZAGAYNOV (Russian Federation), aligning his delegation with the statement delivered on behalf of the CIS, said that it was vital to counteract transnational organized crime, illegal circulation of arms and weapons, human trafficking and cybercrime. His country supported the strengthening and universalization of United Nations treaties on those issues, and welcomed the global plan of action to combat human trafficking. His delegation was particularly concerned about the problem of illegal trading in human organs. The international community must make active efforts to eliminate gaps in cooperation and must strengthen international legal frameworks. The production and circulation of Afghan drugs and the growing threat of synthetic drugs were matters of great worry. The Russian Federation expected fruitful and substantive discussions at the upcoming Thirteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Doha.
RODOLFO REYES RODRÍGUEZ (Cuba) said that no country was in a position to combat transnational crime on its own. An international economic order that was fair and equitable was essential to solve that global problem, he said, noting that Cuba rejected unilateral action. The illicit drug trade was an extremely complex and multifaceted challenge that undermined development and public policy. In Cuba, rehabilitation and social inclusion for the treatment of drug consumers was helping them overcome addiction. Cuba was also meeting all its international commitments and had a good record in fighting terrorism, money laundering, piracy and trafficking people and drugs. The United States had promoted illegal and unsafe migration of Cuban citizens, he said, noting that three Cuban fighters of terrorism were being illegally detained in that country. Those people should be freed, he stated, noting that Cuba had never been used and would never be used as a place to organize terrorist activities.
MAYANK JOSHI (India) said the increase in new illicit trade in psychoactive substances and in cyber-technologies posed serious challenges in the attempts to reduce drug supply and demand. A robust, international control system was required for facilitating the legal trade while avoiding their diversion into illicit markets, he added. Mentioning terrorism, cybercrime and trafficking, he called on the international community to contribute and help with financial and technical assistance in capacity building, technology- and information-sharing to fight and prevent all forms of crime.
NAOTO HISAJIMA (Japan) said combatting human trafficking was a priority and was being addressed through prevention, prosecution, protection and partnership. In addition, technical assistance projects were being implemented in Southeast Asia. Turning to illicit drugs, especially synthetic drugs, he called for further international cooperation and information sharing. On the issue of cybercrime, he said his delegation valued bolstering national capacities and advancing global cooperation based on existing international frameworks.
NADIA ALEXANDRA KALB (Austria) welcomed the Commission Chair’s commitment to involve civil society and the United Nations family, and to ensure an inclusive preparatory process. Believing that more efforts were needed to fully implement commitments and targets aimed at countering the world drug problem, she welcomed the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem geared towards creating political momentum. She said the event would be an opportunity to address the challenge as a common and shared responsibility, in a multilateral setting, through an integrated, balanced, and comprehensive approach.
JAKRIT RUANGKAJORN (Thailand) said crime prevention, rule of law, good governance, and sustainable development were mutually reinforcing. The country attached great importance to a rights-based approach in the criminal justice system, and recognized a link between crime prevention and rights of the child. Turning to gender-specific approaches in criminal justice, he added that discussions were ongoing to effectively prevent, investigate, prosecute, and punish gender-related killings of women and girls. He also reaffirmed his commitment in sharing best practices and the implementation of alternative methods to address the problem of illicit drug cultivation.
MONIA ALSALEH (Syria) said human trafficking had never been a problem in her country until recently, when terrorist groups and mercenaries had crossed over its ineffectively controlled borders. She said those groups had infiltrated Syrian borders from neighbouring countries, and were involved in human trafficking, money laundering, smuggling and theft of cultural properties and other treasures. Investigations by Syrian authorities and a report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) found that many Syrians in refugee camps had been forced to sell their organs to illegal entities, and had been subjected to human trafficking. In conclusion, she drew attention to the situation of Syrian people living in refugee camps, which required an immediate plan of action to protect them from those and other crimes.
LIANG HENG (China) said that the authority of the existing drug control system should be maintained and fully utilized. His country hoped that the 2015 Congress would come up with recommendations to further bolster international cooperation in tracking and recovering illicit assets, and in tackling cybercrime and other emerging forms of crime such as those involving cultural property. In 2014, China had undertaken a series of major initiatives to combat corruption and improve governance. The focus was on building the rule of law, improving the criminal justice system, and advancing the development of crime prevention and criminal justice. Due to the cooperation between China and the countries concerned, a large number of cross-border drug trafficking gangs had been rooted out.
MARÍA CLARISA GOLDRICK (Nicaragua) said her government had been working hard to combat narcotic drugs and transnational crime, offences that undermined society’s stability. Noting that Nicaragua was one of the safest countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region, she said her country strongly believed in the importance of a Central America free of crime and drugs. Mentioning her country’s hard work in ensuring peaceful, safe living standards, she stressed the important role Nicaraguan citizens played in tackling organized crime and drug problems, despite limited international aid. In closing, she thanked the international community for their cooperation in fighting against drug trafficking.
BRYAN YIP (Singapore) said that “even when I speak, a victim of drug abuse is fighting a battle to stay alive, and once every three minutes, the fight is lost”. Financial difficulties and strained family relationships were also repercussions of a drug abuser’s habit, he added. In response to another delegation’s position on the death penalty and drugs, he said that its application was a criminal justice matter for the competent authorities of individual States to decide based on their national circumstances. At the national level, he added, the drug problem was met through preventative education, upstream intervention for young, first-time drug abusers, effective rehabilitation and strong enforcement and detection.
ANTONIO DE AGUIAR PATRIOTA (Brazil) said fighting transnational organized crime required the international community’s concerted efforts and enhanced cooperation. His country expected the 2015 Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to fully recognize the mutually reinforcing relationships between sustainable development and justice for all. Supporting efficient collaboration between New York, Vienna, and Doha, Brazil invited Member States to work together on formatting the post-2015 development agenda to contribute to crime prevention and criminal justice. Underlining cybercrime as a critical issue for the twenty-first century, Brazil was deeply concerned about the fluid nature of cyberspace and the lack of clear, multilateral governance guidelines for the Internet. In that regard, Brazil welcomed the Comprehensive Study on Cybercrime by UNODC, which provided a detailed and broad analysis of the issue. In conclusion, Brazil recognized drug use as a public health problem, and reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to the debate in all its aspects.
GHOLAMHOSSEIN DEHGHANI (Iran) said the world’s largest, illicit, opium-producing hub in Afghanistan was on the eastern border of Iran, which was a major impediment in the transit route of the illicit drug trade to the West. To address the problem, Iran had spent millions of dollars on border control. Another rising challenge was the increasing illegal use of maritime routes for trafficking, he said, noting that more sophisticated equipment and investments were needed in combating the scourge. The failure to fulfil the principle of shared responsibility for containing drug problems at the point of origin, was causing an increase in drug cultivation and production. He, then, asked for the international community to adopt and implement effective decisions that supported alternative livelihood plans in Afghanistan.
YANERIT MORGAN (Mexico) said illicit drugs affected the whole world, generating violence, damaging the health of young people, and destroying the social fabric of society. Stressing that current policies had not proved effective in tackling the problem, she said organized crime had spread, requiring an urgent international response. Her country was committed to tackling the issue by applying coordinated policies aimed at encouraging prevention, reducing the social violence associated with narcotic drugs, and strengthening international cooperation. Further, she said the 2016 special session would be an excellent starting point to assess a new approach with a long-term vision.
OMAR HILALE (Morocco) said drug control deserved special attention because of its effects on sustainable development, making it of interest to all nations. National administrations needed to integrate law enforcement as a prerequisite, as well as honour international commitments. At the national level, programmes had been developed to reform the judicial system, foster good governance, reform legislation, and combat money laundering and terrorism. Those programmes were part of economic, political, and social reform programmes, launched a decade ago to promote and protect its citizens’ human rights, he added. Strategically positioned at the border between Africa and Europe, Morocco had been contributing in the spirit of partnership, and shared responsibility to find effective responses to the drug and crime problems.
KAMEL CHIR (Algeria) stated that the international community must strive to achieve universal participation in the Convention against Transnational Crime. At the African level, Algeria welcomed the mobilization of leaders to cope with challenges that constrained several States by diverting significant resources from human development budgets to strengthening their public safety. For its part, Algeria was implementing a programme aimed at reducing the consumption of drugs, through awareness campaigns that targeted young people, and the treatment of drug addicts, and by establishing a law on the prevention of the use and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
MIGUEL CAMILO RUIZ (Colombia) stressed the importance of the current session in strengthening commitments. To make progress, he said, transparent and innovative policies and alternative approaches must be created. Colombia stressed the need for the General Assembly to move forward towards its 2016 special session on drugs, saying it was imperative to include all stakeholders and ensure high-quality discussions. In conclusion, he called on countries to renew their commitments and underlined the importance of producing an action-oriented outcome document in response to the international drug problem.
HUSSEIN HANIFF (Malaysia) said acts of terrorism and transnational crime were global concerns that needed to be addressed as they had detrimental effects on social, political, and economic development. In combating transnational crime, it was crucial to ensure collective cooperation among countries through exchanges of information, capacity-building, mutual legal assistance, and joint investigations, he added. Turning to terrorism, he was perturbed by extremists committing acts of terror in the name of religion, and recognized effective international efforts in fighting that scourge. On drugs, he said the major related problems were smuggling drugs into the country for local consumption; abuse of drugs by the local population; and the transit of drugs through Malaysia for third countries. He, then, called for continued efforts in combating those crimes in a balanced and holistic manner through national, regional, and multilateral efforts, while maintaining respect for differences in the policies and situations of all countries.
MAHMADAMIN MAHMADAMINOV (Tajikistan) said the severity and magnitude of the problems associated with illicit drug production and trafficking, threatened international stability and security. Calling on the international community to coordinate measures aimed at reducing drug demand and supply, he said the establishment of a global, multi-level system of international cooperation, with the United Nations as a coordinating centre, would be an effective response. For its part, Tajikistan intended to strengthen and expand cooperation with other Member States, and international and regional organizations, in the implementation of international conventions on narcotic drugs to tackle the world drug problem.
DIA A. A. ABUBAKER (Libya) said transnational crimes were a challenge to all national governments, as terrorist groups were able to contact one another. Technical assistance to combat terrorism and crime was needed, especially in developing countries, to encourage the implementation of international recommendations. “Drugs are a threat to humanity,” he said, “not limited to one specific people.” Getting rid of plantations was seen as an international and multilateral effort. At the national level, legislation had been adopted to criminalize selling drugs, which was viewed as a “weapon of mass destruction”.
IBRAHIM FAISAL AL-DAI (Kuwait) called on UNODC for effective measures to combat crime. Turning to corruption, he said that national initiatives had been adopted to combat money laundering. In adherence to international conventions on drugs, he said that a forum had been held annually to discuss that issue. In addition, social activities had been organized to raise awareness among youth, he said, pointing out that drug crimes and deaths related to drugs had dropped.
SAHEBZADA AHMED KHAN (Pakistan) stated that the twin phenomenon of drug abuse and narcotics smuggling jeopardized social stability and economic well-being in many ways. As a transit state in the world’s most prolific poppy-cultivating region, Pakistan was especially vulnerable to its destructive impact. His country’s counter-narcotics agencies maintained a robust level of operational preparedness, and worked in close cooperation with international agencies and regional countries. The world’s drug problem, however, could not be controlled in a sustainable manner without paying adequate attention to the demand side of the international drug market. In closing, he warned that the recent trend of legalization of narcotic drugs in some countries could further increase the demand for drugs.
FODÉ SECK (Senegal) said organized transnational crime affected the stability and growth of States as it was dangerously linked with illicit activities, such as trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering. West Africa was exposed to illicit trafficking, which was the main source of instability in the region. Noting that more than 50 tons of cocaine was smuggled through West Africa, Senegal was working efficiently both in regional and international conferences to counter drug trafficking problems, which needed a global coordinated response. In conclusion, he invited the international community to strengthen information- and capacity-sharing systems, promoting security system and justice reforms.
FIRDOSA ABDULKADIR IBRAHIM (Ethiopia) said that the effects of human and drug trafficking, corruption, terrorism, and transnational organized crimes, had been felt by each state in one way or another and in varying degrees. For its part, Ethiopia recognized the relevance of international cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crimes. Turning to human trafficking, she noted that the Horn of Africa was the most affected area. Since poverty, unemployment and lack of socio-economic opportunities were contributing factors, the Government had focused its economic growth and development policies on poverty eradication, creating job opportunities, democratization and good governance. On corruption, she identified it as a serious barrier to effective resource mobilization, diverting resources away from activities, and strong political will and commitment to leadership was required to address it.
GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA (Peru) said, because drugs had undermined development, anti-drug policies needed to be based on supply control, as well as reducing the demand and producing alternatives for farmers. Transitioning from illegal crops to alternative options required international cooperation, he added, asking for an increased and sustained budget aimed to make that happen. At the national level, 17.5 per cent of illicit coca plantations had been eradicated in 2013. In addition, opportunities for better education and health services were provided to the population affected. The post-eradication plan, he added, sought ways for alternative forms of development, social inclusion, and caring for the environment. The illicit drug problem could not be tackled by a State alone, he said, but only through collective and transparent interventions.
THANT SIN (Myanmar) said it was discouraging to learn from this year’s report that illicit opium poppy cultivation in 2013 was the highest level since 2008. Serious supply-reduction efforts must be complemented by equally serious demand-reduction policies. Successive Governments in Myanmar had adopted a series of practical measures to eradicate drugs in the country, by strengthening enforcement and providing alternative livelihoods to farmers to encourage them to end their dependence on opium poppy cultivation. In 2013 alone, a total of 4,928 cases of drugs were exposed and narcotic drugs, including 2,350 kgs of raw opium; 238 kgs of heroin; and 10.18 million stimulant tablets were seized. Further, Myanmar was working closely with fellow ASEAN members to reach the common goal of making the region free of drugs by 2015.
LARYSA BELSKAYA (Belarus), speaking on behalf of the CIS, said the 2015 Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice would be a significant opportunity to exchange views on combatting transnational organized crime and trafficking. Stressing the importance of combatting corruption within national borders and beyond, as criminality became increasingly globalized, she said national and multilateral efforts must be combined to be effective. Noting that the issue of human trafficking was a priority for Belarus, she added that national mechanisms should be aligned with international standards.
AHMAD HASSAN AL-HAMADI (Qatar) said his country was addressing issues of transnational organized crime through multilateral and bilateral cooperation. Crime and the global drug problem remained major challenges for the international community, violating the rule of law. Qatar believed fighting against corruption and terrorism, and backing criminal justice systems must be the priority, as those were the essential elements of sustainable development. Further, the Government was working closely with the United Nations and had conducted regional workshops to build the capacity to combat those challenges. In conclusion, he said, in hosting the Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice next year, his Government would bring national, regional, and international actors together to fight against drug trafficking and terrorism.
XAVIER LASSO MENDOZA (Ecuador) said the drug problem needed to be tackled comprehensively, as the current international strategy had not produced the results desired. The consumption of drugs had a negative impact on the country and on the community, he noted, as it destroyed the social fabric. Despite not being a producing country, but a transit one, Ecuador suffered from high social costs due to drugs, including money laundering and related deaths. He, then, called on drug-consuming countries to step up their efforts to combat the illicit trade, as well as on the international community to elaborate a fairer strategy, aimed at preventing drug use and focusing on health. In conclusion, he said that Bolivia had the right to use the coca leaf for chewing, as it was a cultural practice, which must be respected.
BERNARDITO CLEOPAS AUZA, Permanent Observer of the Holy See, said the illicit drug problem had become a multi-dimensional challenge demanding international cooperation towards reaching and implementing an internationally-agreed, common strategy. “The production and trafficking of illicit drugs obey the law of supply and demand,” he noted. An individual afflicted with drug addiction affected the family and the community, making the family a cornerstone of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, and health strategies. Turning to human trafficking, he urged greater international cooperation to consolidate the progress to date. He also appreciated those developing countries that had provided farming families with real alternatives to cultivating drug-related crops.
JUAN MARCELO ZAMBRANA TORRELIO (Bolivia) said narcotic drugs posed a threat to the public security of all humanity, and that was why all States shared a responsibility to address it. Among his Government’s achievements, there had been a record reduction in the coca crop, without any killings, and with the full respect for human rights, he said. Explaining his Government’s reservation to the 1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs, he noted that chewing coca leaves was part of Bolivia’s cultural and ancestral legacy, and that the crop was also used for medical purposes.
ANDREW KIHURANI (Kenya) said that the Eastern Africa and Horn of Africa regions had witnessed an increase in the supply of illicit drugs destined for Europe and Asia; the fight against that had not been very successful. It was imperative to change tactics and discuss a completely novel approach to dealing with those problems. Kenya was especially concerned about the continued proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Africa. Those weapons maimed, killed, and disrupted essential services, such as education, health, and economic activities. The Kenyan Defence Forces, which were part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops, had successfully removed Al-Shabaab from Kismayo, Somalia’s major port, which was a crucial source of funding for terrorists. Another area in which Kenya had made commendable strides was in combatting human trafficking, with recent legislation focused on improving measures for prevention and victim protection.
PETER EMUZE (Nigeria) said his country’s commitment to fight illicit drug cultivation, trade, and use, was done through funding, legislative reviews, and enhanced personnel training. However, the emergence of clandestine laboratories for the production of methamphetamine had presented a new challenge, especially in light of the growing problem associated with the diversion of raw materials used in illegal drug factories. An effective way to combat illicit drug cartels in West Africa was to prevent the diversion of chemicals used in drug production, he said, and, thus, the activities of licensed importers of those chemicals were being closely monitored. A major focus was also on capacity building, involving training and retraining officers, and on global collaboration with other nations.
OSAMA ABDELKHALEK MAHMOUD (Egypt) said it was vital to provide UNODC with adequate, predictable, and stable resources, including additional regular budget resources to enable it to fulfil its mandate. Egypt welcomed the adoption of the European Union Parliament resolution on asset recovery by Arab countries in transition. The resolution stressed that the return of stolen assets to the countries of origin was a moral and legal imperative. Combating trafficking in cultural property was a top priority for his country. Drugs were another major concern, not only threatening national security but also the lives of many young Egyptians. Egypt stood ready to engage actively in the preparations for the special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem.
ERVIN NINA (Albania) said that trafficking in persons was the fastest growing activity in the world, and was a violation of the human rights of its victims. Prevention, prosecution of the perpetrators, and protection of the victims were needed. At the national level, measures had been taken to address that issue, including better access to the law for victims of domestic violence. Since human trafficking was a transnational activity, he added, mobile technology was being used to raise awareness, increase identification of potential victims, as well as to provide quick access to assistance. Turning to drugs and organized crime, he said that over 2,000 crops of illegally produced cannabis had been destroyed, erasing Albania from the list of countries of origin for that drug.
Right of reply
Exercising the right of reply, a representative of Ukraine said the delegation of Belarus had delivered a statement in its capacity as the president of the Commonwealth of Independent States. He pointed out that his delegation had disassociated itself from the statement delivered by Belarus, and was in alignment with the statement delivered by the European Union.