New York – 25 February 2015
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly
The President of the General Assembly (PGA), H.E. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, chaired a landmark High Level Thematic Debate on “Integrating Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in the Post-2015 Development Agenda.”
The PGA was joined by the Deputy Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson, and senior United Nations officials and other international dignitaries to assess the ongoing efforts in combatting crime and violence as well as strengthening criminal justice systems.
President Kutesa stated that “The wide-spread, negative impact of crime on citizens, communities and governments has resulted in resounding calls for better crime prevention and greater justice, fairness and equality.” The PGA explained that “This, in turn, has led to a growing recognition among Member States that there is a need to safeguard our development work by strengthening the rule of law and criminal justice systems.” The President of the General Assembly added that if the rule of law is to become the global guardian of development and defend the hopes and dreams of people around the world, it must be integrated into our larger development aspirations.
Policy choices
President Kutesa encouraged Member States to adopt and fully implement all relevant international instruments, including the Conventions against Transnational Organized Crime and against Corruption. He concluded his opening remarks by stating that “justice and equality must be embedded in every civilized society as the foundation for strong institutions and peaceful communities.”
Recalling that in the United Nations Charter “we reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small”, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson highlighted the “tragic gap between the words of the Charter and the ordinary lives of billions of people”, pointing out gruesome terrorist attacks and victims of street crimes and sexual violence in conflict that continue to affect many around the world. The Deputy Secretary-General added that citizens “demand – and deserve – accountable governance, fair and accessible justice systems, peaceful societies, personal security and a life of dignity”.
Echoing the statement made earlier by President Kutesa, Mr. Eliasson stressed that “corruption, violence, exploitation, smuggling of migrants, trafficking of human beings, drugs and firearms, cybercrime, wildlife crime, terrorism and piracy dig and bite deeply into our societies, threatening security, economic development and daily lives for millions and millions of people around the world.” He stated that “sustainable development is seriously hampered where there is violence and crime – and where there are no means to resolve grievances.” The United Nations must safeguard sustainable development through effective crime prevention and the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. This, he added, requires the support of all partners: governments, inter-governmental organizations, civil society, the private sector, the media and the public. The Deputy Secretary-General called for greater efforts to gather national data and urged governments and the international community to undertake detailed crime research and improve analysis in order to make effective policy choices.
In his statement, H.E. Mr. Martin Sajdik, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations, explained how crime and sustainable development can be seen through their social, economic and environmental ramifications. He concurred with previous speakers in underlining that crime must be fought effectively if we are to realize economic growth. The President of ECOSOC said that the lack social and economic opportunities, environmental degradation are fertile grounds for criminality. He underscored the importance of inclusive institutions and the need for integrated and multidimensional strategies for combating crime. In this regard, Ambassador Sajdik pointed out that the Economic and Social Council is a unique body for fostering multi-stakeholder cooperation.
Globally agreed frameworks
Mr. Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), thanked the President of the General Assembly for convening the High-Level Thematic Debate. He also expressed his gratitude to Qatar, Thailand, Italy, Mexico and Morocco for proposing this important event.
The Executive Director indicated that global progress has been made in terms of reducing violent crime even though homicide levels in low and lower-middle income countries have increased by 10 per cent over the last decade. He stressed that “reducing crime and violence and ensuring the rule of law are manifestly important to the everyday lives of people – to protect the vulnerable from exploitation, stop corruption from eroding public services, and free young people from the downward spiral of poverty, drugs, crime and violence.”
He said UNODC stands ready to support implementation of a transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda that promotes health, security, justice and the rule of law, while addressing the factors that undermine them, namely crime, drugs, terrorism and corruption. Noting that the work of UNODC is based on globally agreed frameworks, among them the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its three protocols, the Convention against Corruption, the international drug control conventions, the universal legal instruments against terrorism and UN standards and norms on crime prevention and criminal justice, he stressed that “much remains to be done for Member States to effectively implement their commitments”. UNODC Executive Director concluded that the upcoming UN Crime Congress to be held in Doha, where States will agree on a vision of development that will guide the work of the UN and many others for years to come, is an historic opportunity “that the international community must take it.
Several High-Level representatives of Member States, prominent experts and dignitaries participated in the Thematic Debate.
In his video message, H.E. Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammed AlAttiyah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, State of Qatar acknowledged the importance of addressing economic challenges through the integration of crime prevention and criminal justice in the post-2015 development agenda. The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that justice in the context of safe and peaceful societies and strong institutions is identified in the Synthesis report of the Secretary-General as one of the six essential elements for delivering on the sustainable development goals. He stated that success of the upcoming Congress in Doha relies on the efforts of all Member States in achieving an outcome that would provide guidance in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice for the next five years. Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammed AlAttiyah reaffirmed the commitment of his country for tackling crime and crime prevention and strengthening the rule of law.
H.E. Dr. Danilo Türk, Visiting Professor of Law at Columbia University, and Former President of the Republic of Slovenia warned that transnational organized crime is gaining ground. Dr. Türk underscored that no single country can tackle the challenge of transnational organized crime alone. In this regard, he stressed the importance of international cooperation in the area of crime prevention and criminal justice, adding that human trafficking, environmental crime, cyber, corruption, terrorism are affecting everyone and that billions of people are denied economic opportunities because crime hampers sustainable development.
Following the opening segment, the morning session -“Towards sustainable development: Successes and challenges in implementing comprehensive crime prevention and criminal justice policies”- was chaired by H.E. Ms. Sheikha Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations. The session included interactive interventions from the floor.
H.E. Mr. Luis Alfonso de Alba, Chair of the 24th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice stated that the United Nations General Assembly has recognized that rule of law, criminal justice and crime prevention are interconnected. The upcoming Congress, he noted, was an opportunity to establish the link between crime prevention and criminal justice with sustainable development.
H.E. M. Mahjoub El Haiba, the Kingdom of Morocco’s Inter-ministerial Delegate for Human Rights also underscored the link between crime prevention, criminal justice and sustainable development. Stating that organized crime, cybercrime, corruption and all forms of trafficking are obstacles to human development, he explained that Morocco has always sounded the alarm on the danger of transnational organized crime and that the Kingdom is working with regional and other partners to address these challenges.
Ms. Irene Khan, Director-General, International Development Law Organization (IDLO) pointed out that the consequences of crime are devastating for all dimensions of sustainable development. She explained that crime weakens political institutions and creates dangerous conditions, when the protector becomes a predator. She concluded that national ownership is important in ensuring that justice is rooted in many institutions at national level while international cooperation is essential.
Ms. Giselle Martin, Legal Advisor of the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) quoted former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “We will not enjoy development without security, we will not enjoy security without development, and we will not enjoy either without respect for human rights”. Ms. Martin highlighted the importance of regional coordination and cooperation in addressing transnational organized crimes which are responsible for the highest death rates in the Caribbean. She explained that the scourge robes countries of important resources that could have used to address other development challenges such as poverty, health and education. She added that corruption, capital flight and violent crimes also deter investors. Underlining the cooperation with strategic international partners, including the European Union, the United States and Canada, she stressed that addressing transnational organized crimes is paramount but should not come at the cost of impeding development programmes.
In the discussion that followed, the European Union focused on integration, which should enable people to participate in policy choices, adding that only by so doing, a transformative and inclusive agenda would be achieved. Grenada, on behalf of CARICOM, stated that the Caribbean region was placed in the middle of dangerous criminal routes, which create an immense challenge for the governments of the region. Zimbabwe, on behalf of Southern African countries, highlighted the need to reinforce international cooperation, which is essential for combating international organized crimes. Gabon, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends fighting Poaching and Illicit Wildlife Trafficking reiterated their concern that wildlife crimes continue to grow at an alarming rate, called for effective International legislation and welcomed the decision of the President of the General Assembly to convene an informal meeting on wildlife trafficking.
Uganda underlined the importance of regional and intergovernmental efforts and collaboration, such as joint security and forensic initiatives in the Great Lakes region. Tanzania outlined key challenges and the need to reinforce capacity building and the fight against illicit financial flows. The Republic of Korea, Honduras and Colombia concurred with previous speakers, stating that addressing the challenges of crime prevention and criminal justice must be integrated into the wider United Nations agenda.
Belarus highlighted crime prevention strategies that would ensure security and safety of communities. Italy stressed that international cooperation in fighting transnational organized crime must go hand in hand with ensuring access to justice. The People’s Republic of China called for the reinforcement of cooperation in the field of criminal justice and crime prevention and also urge for a political mobilization ahead of Doha.
Zambia called for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing the challenges of crime prevention and criminal justice. The Netherlands, pointed out that crime thrives in exclusion and inequality, and endangers livelihoods. Canada stated that without effective criminal justice systems, long-term development and stability of communities could be undermined. The USA highlighted the primary responsibility of Member States to protect the fundamental human rights, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights.
In the afternoon, another interactive discussion was chaired by H.E. Mr.Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco and H.E. Mr. Virachai Plasai, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations.
Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, Director of Crisis Response 3 Unit, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), stated that the current MDGs make no reference to violence, despite its negative impact. She explained that fair and functioning criminal justice system a corner stone to sustainable development and that UNDP is working hard to support over 100 countries, including 30 countries affected by conflict, in reinforcing their institutions. In this regard, the Assistant Administrator underlined the importance of an integrated approach among the UN entities.
Mr. Dmitry Titov, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, stressed how important the restoration of the rule of law in peacekeeping operations is. For example, to address transnational organized crime and the fight against narcotics, arms trafficking, and terrorism in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or Mali, working with partners, training, abiding by UN values, and protecting individual and vulnerable groups is critically important.
Mr. Cherif Bassiouni, Emeritus Professor of Law, DePaul University, and President of the International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences (ISISC) explained how crimes that fall under multiple international legal regimes. Prof. Bassiouni called for a strategic approach to deal with the global phenomenon in which crimes are interrelated.
Hon. Dr. Vladimiro Zagrebelsky, Former Judge of the European Court of Human Rights told participants that the traceability of illicit funds, laundered and tax havens can only rely on cooperation between national systems. He also advocated for the greater independence of judges and the judiciary, as well as their integrity, and that of prosecutors.
Ms. Alison Hannah, Executive Director, Penal Reform International explained how people who are poor, vulnerable and marginalized, lack resources social and economic means to seek justice. For some, prisons are a university for crimes.
During the interactive discussion that followed, Brazil stated that laws on transparency are crucial in preventing crimes, calling for stopping the proliferation of arms and money laundering that fuel criminality. The Maldives indicated that Somali pirates have reached their waters, which shows how crimes cross national boundaries and can only be tackled through international cooperation. South Africa stated that there is a need for an international instrument to address cyber security. South Africa reiterated their determination in contributing to the fight against illicit trafficking of precious minerals. Japan announced that it would host the 14th Congress in 2020.
Kazakhstan and Sweden concurred with other speakers that crime prevention is just one dimension of the broader concept of rule of law. Nicaragua and Indonesia underlined that comprehensive criminal justice policies are important enablers and that international cooperation in addressing transnational organized crime is critically important. India also underlined that enhancing international cooperation is essential, but cautioned about widening the agenda on crime by inserting new issues.
The People’s Republic of China stated that the Post-2015 Development Agenda should closely focus on the theme of development and that the priorities and ownership of Member States should be respected. The USA highlighted the compendium of UN standards and norms in crime prevention as well as other guidelines developed over many years that would usefully contribute to the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), stated that international cooperation was no longer an option, it is a necessity. Cuba stated that an international system that is fair and accountable is a key factor in achieving peace. Latvia underlined that national governance and rule of law play an important role in this agenda. The Russian Federation indicated that including contentious issues could complicate the new development agenda. The New York Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice called for greater interaction between the United Nations System and the NGO community. Tolerance and respect of diversity, and the need to effectively manage prejudices was a central point made by the International Disability Alliance.
