UN Wire Alert

Tuesday, April 18, 2000

The Tenth United Nations Congress on Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders

A UN crime prevention conference concluded its one-week session in Vienna yesterday by adopting the "Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice," described by one forum organizer as "a guiding light for years to come."

UN Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (ODCCP) Executive Director Pino Arlacchi said the declaration is significant because of its emphasis on joint international efforts. "The desire to act globally is absolutely clear," he said. "As we look at arms trafficking, money laundering and trafficking in human beings, we soon realize that no state acting alone can hope to find solutions. Just as criminal groups have globalized their actions, so must we." To hear other final statements, click here.

The declaration urges, among other things, a quick conclusion of negotiations on the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and a new international treaty to strengthen international cooperation in combating crime. It also establishes 2005 as a target year for achieving a major decrease in trafficking of women and children, as well as in the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of firearms. For more on the declaration click here.

During the conference, government ministers and top officials of several nations addressed the challenges of the new century and how countries could work together to combat large-scale crime.

The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice that is to meet in Vienna this week is expected to review and approve the declaration. It will be forwarded to the UN Millennium Assembly in September.

VIENNA, 17 April

The Tenth United Nations Congress on Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders concluded in Vienna this afternoon following the adoption of its report to the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and the reports of its two Main Committees.

In a concluding statement, Congress President Penuell Mpapa Maduna (South Africa) declared that the real test of delegates' work lay in the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the Congress. It did not benefit the citizens of the world for the delegates to produce documents and agreements that would remain on paper only.

The Secretary-General of the Congress, Pino Arlacchi, said he was struck by the frequency of language in the Declaration reflecting the intention to work together. The desire to act globally was absolutely clear. A look at arms trafficking, corruption, money laundering and trafficking in human beings made clear that no State alone could hope to find solutions. "Just as criminal groups have globalized their actions, so must we", he said.

On Saturday, 15 April, the Congress adopted a "Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice" at the conclusion of a two-day high-level segment. Under terms of that document, the Congress expressed its determination to accord high priority to the completion of a draft United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its three protocols on the trafficking of firearms and people, including migrants. It also stressed the urgent need to develop an effective separate international legal instrument against corruption.

The Congress also stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation in the areas to be covered by those instruments, and of strengthening the existing machinery in that respect. Member States undertook to take measures to prevent and combat terrorism and to fight other forms of transnational organized crime, including illegal trafficking in people, computer crimes, and financial offences, including money laundering. They stressed the need for mutual legal assistance to curb illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, and set the year 2005 as the target for achieving a significant decrease in firearms incidence worldwide.

The Declaration is contained in the final report of the Congress, which was adopted this afternoon without a vote, with minor oral amendments. The report also includes the conclusions and recommendations of the Congress; a brief account of the events leading to the convening of the Congress; a summary of the deliberations in the plenary and in the two Main Committees; and reports of the Conference's high-level segment and of the Credentials Committee.

The Congress, which opened in Vienna on 10 April, was attended by delegations from 119 countries, according to the Credentials Committee's report. Seventy-six Ministers and other high-ranking government officials addressed the high-level segment of the Congress, which was devoted to international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime. Several non-governmental organizations and observers also took part in the event.

The President of the Congress, Penuell Mpapa Maduna, Minister of Justice of South Africa, made a closing statement, as did Congress Secretary-General Pino Arlacchi, who is also Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention.

Closing Statements

Mr. ARLACCHI said the real test of delegates' work lay in the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the Congress. It did not benefit the citizens of the world for the delegates to produce documents and agreements that would remain on paper only.

Noting that the Declaration included strong support for the Center for International Crime Prevention, he said that the document's encouragement of the Center's global programmes would serve as an inspiration and hopefully translate into the resources needed for the success of those programmes. The support generated by the Congress would give added momentum to the final drafting, signature and ratification of the landmark Convention on Transnational Organized Crime.

Mr. MADUNA (South Africa), Congress President, said that corruption continued to be a major problem threatening social, economic and political development, as well as undermining democracy. The development of an international legal instrument against corruption, independent of the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, had become more urgent.

He said the Congress had helped to establish a framework of national and international mechanisms to effectively deal with crime. The unanimous adoption of the Vienna Declaration by the Congress' high-level segment signified a political and practical commitment to fight crime at all its levels and in all its manifestations.

Documents before Crime Congress

The report on the consideration of agenda items in the plenary of the Congress states that the participants strongly reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation in the prevention and control of transnational organized crime. In that respect, the United Nations should act as a catalyst. There was a broad consensus that the draft United Nations convention on transnational organized crime could be an effective tool, and speakers sought an early adoption of that instrument. They also urged States to take the necessary measures to ensure the implementation of the convention within the framework of their national legal systems.

Committee I Report

The report of Committee I covered the issues allocated to it by the Congress, including the promotion of the rule of law; effective crime prevention; and offenders and victims in terms of the accountability and fairness of the criminal justice system.

On the topic of "Promoting the rule of law and strengthening the criminal justice system", Committee I concluded that effective implementation was needed for the law to be accepted and respected by both civil society and those administering criminal justice. That could be promoted through community involvement at the grass-roots level. The Committee also identified some problems facing the implementation of law, including limited financial resources, lack of adequate personnel and facilities, judicial and institutional resistance and the need for profound changes in attitudes and practices.

Participants recognized the crucial importance of international cooperation, the report states. Especially for many developing countries and countries with economies in transition, technical assistance was essential for making the rule of law a reality and for strengthening criminal justice systems. Governments were urged to deal with the underlying causes of crime and to study the causes of breakdowns in justice. Reform plans should take into consideration the two prerequisites for the rule of law: an effective and impartial justice system; and open, transparent and accountable government.

On the subject of keeping pace with new developments for effective crime prevention, the Committee stressed integration of crime prevention into social policy and called on governments to develop an integrated strategy for crime prevention, based on social development and law enforcement. The Committee stressed the need to protect all members of society, including the most marginalized persons, and to take extra measures to protect those most at risk.

The Committee stressed the importance of promoting human values and respect for the rule of law. As sustainable security was a basic condition for sustainable development, Member States, through the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, were urged to promote exchange of information and technical assistance for crime prevention. At the same time, it called for legal instruments to be developed to combat transnational organized crime. The Committee also stressed proper balance between enforcement and prevention, as well as protection of human rights.

Reporting on "Offenders and victims: accountability and fairness in the justice process", Committee I concluded that growing interest in victims was partly due to the increased attention to restorative justice, which had, in turn, received a substantial impetus from the penal crisis of recent years. While not all participants regarded restorative justice as a paradigm shift for criminal justice, there was consensus with regard to its desirability.

Regarding the rights of offenders, the report states, no firm conclusions were drawn on the advisability of giving the victim a final say in decisions on prosecution, early release and parole. Neither were firm conclusions reached on whether it was preferable to allow the victim to provide information to the criminal justice authorities that could be taken into account when taking such decisions.

According to the report, no conclusions could be drawn on what would happen if rights were not observed; what recourse the offender or victim had; and how victims and offenders learned about their rights and what they knew. Some participants called for further consideration of transnational victimization, a discussion that could focus on the problems raised by difficulties in language, cultural discrepancies and unfamiliarity with foreign legal procedures.

Committee II Report

The report of Committee II contains information about a series of workshops on important legal matters before the Congress.

The workshop on combating corruption stressed the importance of transparency, independence and integrity of investigative and subsequent criminal justice processes. There was consensus on the need to strengthen the role of civil society, and the need to address the questions of recovering the proceeds of corruption, proper investigation, prosecution and application of effective sanctions were highlighted in the discussion. The participants also stressed the potential value of drafting an international convention against corruption.

The workshop on women in the criminal justice system concentrated on women as offenders and prisoners, as well as victims and survivors. The participants agreed that victimized women and girls required the rights of protection and justice and that they should receive support to be reintegrated into the community. It was necessary to raise public awareness concerning women's victimization, which should not be justified on cultural grounds.

The report further states that national criminal justice systems should focus on the abuser and the exploiter, and the role of facilitators in trafficking in women and girls should be recognized. Collective response to victimization of women should include indigenous solutions, utilizing existing structures and services. At the global level, it is necessary to pursue harmonized and coordinated strategies and correct the economic conditions that facilitate economic and sexual exploitation of women and girls.

The workshop on computer crimes addressed legal search and seizure of data from computer networks and tracing of computer communications, as well as the relationship between law enforcement and computer and Internet industries. The workshop concluded that it was necessary to criminalize computer-related crime and introduce adequate laws to investigate and prosecute cyber-criminals. Governments and the industry should work together against computer crime, and improved international cooperation was needed to trace criminals on the Internet. The United Nations should promote technical cooperation and provide assistance concerning computer crime.

VIENNA, 15 April

Declaring the need to accord high priority to the completion of negotiations on the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, the Tenth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders this afternoon adopted a "Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice".

By that Declaration, adopted by acclamation, Member States declare their intention to intensify bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including technical cooperation, in areas to be covered by the Convention and its protocols, and to strengthen the capacity of existing United Nations machinery in this respect.

The Member States declare that they "will together, in conjunction with our other efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, take effective, resolute and speedy measures with respect to preventing and combating criminal activities carried out for the purpose of furthering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations". . They commit themselves to the development of more effective means of collaboration "to eradicate the scourge of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and the illegal trafficking in and smuggling of migrants".

States also commit themselves "to the enhancement of international cooperation and mutual legal assistance to curb illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms", their parts, components and ammunition. It sets the year 2005 as the target "for achieving a significant decrease in their incidence worldwide".

The Declaration further commits States "to taking enhanced international action against corruption", building on already existing international documents on the subject. It stresses the urgent need to develop an effective international legal instrument against corruption, independent of the draft convention on transnational organized crime.

Governments decide, under the Declaration, to elaborate action-oriented policy recommendations on the prevention and control of computer-related crime, and commit themselves to enhance their ability to prevent, investigate and prosecute high technology and computer-related crime.

The document approved today affirms that combating money laundering and the criminal economy constitutes a major element of strategies against organized crime. "We are convinced", States declare, "that the success of this action rests upon setting up broad regimes and coordinating appropriate mechanisms to combat the laundering of proceeds of crime, including the provision of support to initiatives focusing on States and territories offering offshore financial services that allow the laundering of the proceeds of crime."

Under further provisions of the Declaration, States undertake "to strengthen international cooperation in order to create a conducive environment for the fight against organized crime, promoting growth and sustainable development and eradicating poverty and unemployment", and to incorporate a crime prevention component into their national and international development strategies.

States declare their commitment to the development of action-oriented policy recommendations based on the special needs of women as criminal justice practitioners, victims, prisoners and offenders.

The Declaration notes that racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance continue, and recognizes the importance of taking steps to incorporate international crime prevention strategies and norms into measures to prevent and combat crime associated with these evils.

It recognizes with great concern that juveniles in difficult circumstances are often at risk of becoming easy candidates for recruitment by criminal groups. It calls for comprehensive crime prevention strategies at all levels to address the root causes and risk factors related to crime and victimization through social, economic, health, educational and justice policies.

Prior to the adoption of the Declaration, the Congress heard concluding statements in its two-day high-level debate. Among the speakers, Haiti's Minister of Justice said that the activities of criminal networks in Haiti threatened the country's political stability and economic development. He noted that some activities that were deemed legal should be categorized as illegal, particularly speculation in currencies and the depletion of natural resources. Such activities could spell ruin for many countries.

Zimbabwe's Minister of Home Affairs said that the majority of perpetrators of organized crime in Africa were members of the business class that colluded with the political and public service elite. The high incidence of organized crime in the region was a reflection of deficiencies in education, law enforcement and administration of justice. Those deficiencies were, in turn, linked to poverty.

Statements

R.K. RAGHAVAN, Director-General of the Central Bureau of Investigation of India: In many cases, crime is perpetrated to fund terrorist activities and aims at undermining internal security and destabilizing civil social order. International organized crime cannot be viewed as an individual act of breach of law. It is an all-encompassing activity intended to create disorder and curtail the economic development of people in countries still in transition.

In the last 10 years, India has faced terrorism and extremism in their worst forms. The sustenance of this scourge was from funds generated through criminal activities both within and outside the country. It is appropriate that the single declaration clearly emphasizes the nexus between drug smugglers, anti-national and extremist elements and the need to combat terrorism on a broad plane.

India is enacting legislation to curb the menace of ill-gotten wealth and consequent money laundering. As the world opens up, there is a constant movement of men and material between countries. Communication has become far too easy and no country can afford to be complacent. We have a comprehensive anti-corruption act that has worked effectively. Our Government is resolved to fight corruption, and the Prime Minister has declared zero tolerance of corruption.

JOSE IBRAIMO ABUDO, Minister of Justice of Mozambique: It has long been recognized that criminal groups deal with public servants, politicians and businessmen. When they deem it necessary, they will murder innocent people. Mozambique is acting at the national, subregional and international levels to control and combat these criminal groups. Nationally, the Government has enacted laws relating to criminal groups. At the subregional level, it is drafting and approving conventions, protocols and other types of agreements as a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

It is a difficult moment for the people and Government of Mozambique. Floods, aggravated by cyclones Eline and Hudah, destroyed family homes, cultivated land, schools, buildings, roads and bridges, among other things. We will strive to restore as much of the destroyed infrastructure as possible and, at the same time, will attempt to fulfil the Government's programme for development.

Mozambique is fully committed to fulfilling all United Nations instruments on crime prevention; transnational organized crime; trafficking in drugs, firearms and human beings; and to pursuing a sustainable system of democracy, justice, peace, development and poverty eradication through the various mechanisms of international, regional and subregional cooperation.

E.N. TJIRIANGE, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Namibia: The interdependence of the developed and the developing world needs to be properly appreciated. Technical assistance is required in clearly identified areas of need, such as information exchange, transfer of knowledge, establishment of proper channels of communication, human and financial resources and the training of personnel. Even with costly readjustments, the efforts of individual countries in the developing world can, at best, only represent a mere drop in the ocean, compared with the vast resources available to transnational organized crime. Developing countries are extremely vulnerable to the serious threat posed by organized crime, and the Congress should take stock of the fact that developing countries need assistance in order to improve their capacity to effectively respond to organized transnational crime.

Namibia is strongly committed to the fight against crime. It is actively involved in subregional initiatives aimed at countering transnational crime within the framework of such institutions as SADC and the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization. The country is also involved in the negotiations on the draft United Nations convention against transnational organized crime. The convention will be an effective tool for those who have yet to promulgate laws on some of the crimes that fall within its scope, to model their laws thereon, taking into consideration the objective prevailing conditions in individual countries. In its national legislation, Namibia has enacted a number of laws seeking to facilitate the fight against transnational crime and enhance cooperation in other criminal and civil matters.

V.I. KOZLOV, First Deputy Interior Minister of the Russian Federation: Like other countries, Russia is witnessing an expansion of organized crime. Consolidating their territorial grasp, organized criminal groups are trying to spread to other countries' territories. The analysis of available information demonstrates a tendency towards an increase in the number of organized crime groups, which are establishing transnational connections and participating in criminal activities in other countries. Russian experts are taking part in the research carried out by the International Center for Crime Prevention on the evaluation of the damage incurred as a result of organized crime. Globalization of crime requires globalization of efforts to overcome it.

The development of universal standards can ensure success of international cooperation against crime. The sphere of application of the convention against transnational crime must be wide in scope. It should include economic crimes and corruption. We also support inclusion of articles on money laundering. Bank secrecy should be limited, and provisions are needed to allow confiscation of illegal proceeds from crime. Russia is developing new legislation to deal with money laundering. It has also signed a convention on the subject with the European Union.

We also see an expansion of corruption, and an integral part of our anti- crime efforts is a fight against crime in all its manifestations. The Russian Federation is preparing a code of conduct for civil servants. It is also participating in international efforts against corruption. Illegal trafficking in firearms is a source feeding terrorism. Regardless of its motives, terrorism is one of the most serious crimes against mankind, and all countries must unite in their fight against it. Russia supports the protocols on firearms and smuggling of people, including migrants. As computerized crime has spread around the world, the Ministry of the Interior of Russia has set up a special unit to combat this form of criminal activity. However, it is impossible to overcome this problem without international cooperation. Also, significant technical expertise is needed for this purpose.

ERNST STRASSER, Federal Minister of the Interior of Austria: Organized crime must be fought uncompromisingly, by all possible legal means. There must be close cooperation between the individual law enforcement and prosecution authorities, as well as those responsible for crime prevention.

In the future, the community of nations must possess the instruments and mechanisms to counteract organized crime at all levels, from prevention and repression to prosecution. International experience in combating organized crime has shown that future enhancement of prevention, taking account of the technical, organizational, social and legal elements, will play a major role.

The endeavours of the community of nations in combating money laundering are characterized by the enhancement of prevention mechanisms. Awareness training of professionals specialized in economics, law and tax legislation will contribute highly to the future reduction of their abuse by organized crime.

Successful strategies in the fight against narcotic drugs are increasingly characterized by a balanced approach comprising repression, prevention and therapy. Prevention of addiction has become an indispensable component of efficient narcotics policy that ensures a focus on the human being in cases of addiction.

PATRICIO MORALES AGUIRRE, Under-Secretary of Police of Chile: Mutual legal assistance and extradition are among the aspects of international cooperation that Member States will have to agree upon with respect to their respective jurisdictions. We should not have a definition that is too broad or one that will compromise the observance of human rights. We should also contemplate the punishment of legal persons involved in organized crime.

We should exchange information and establish information units regarding money laundering and other activities. International agreements are an important development in the fight against crimes such as terrorism.

That is why extradition and mutual legal assistance will go a long way in punishing crimes of a transnational nature. Those who commit crimes will not be free just because they happen to be in another country. Chile has been involved in the establishment of international legal standards to combat transnational crime and will continue to be involved.

VICTOR G. GARCIA III (Philippines): Addressing the crime problem has ceased to be the exclusive responsibility of law enforcers. It has become a conscious collaborative effort with other formal pillars of the criminal justice system -- prosecution, courts and corrections -- in close partnership with the community. This policy thrust is embodied in the national peace and order council in the Philippines, which is supported by 16 active regional councils. This mechanism has democratized the formulation of the five-year master plan of action for peace and order for the years 1997-2001. The five-year and annual crime prevention plans are complemented by executive initiatives, such as the Presidential Anti- Organized Crime Task Force and a national drug prevention and law enforcement centre.

As a result of globalization of transnational crime, the Philippine Government faces more serious challenges, including illicit trafficking in human beings, trafficking in arms, drug problems and money laundering. It requires concerted international cooperation. The Philippine Government recognizes the need for closer coordination and cooperation among United Nations Member States in combating the world crime problem. It also believes in the urgent need to promote technical cooperation to assist countries in their efforts to strengthen their domestic justice systems and their capacity for international cooperation. The Philippine Center on Transnational Crime is at the forefront of national efforts to combat this juggernaut. The Government also convened the first Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in 1997. In 1998, it hosted the first Asian Regional Ministerial Workshop on the same subject.

Taking into consideration the need for the speedy completion of the draft convention on transnational crime, the Philippines urges States to accord equal importance to all aspects of the problem and make use of the outcome of the Tenth Crime Congress. Of paramount importance is the smuggling and trafficking in migrants. The Philippines recently rose to this challenge by launching, together with the Center for International Crime Prevention, Phase One of the Philippine pilot project under the Global Programme against Trafficking in Human Beings.

REFET ELMAZI, Deputy Minister of the Interior of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: We can improve our cooperation in the fight against crime. All countries have been trying to combat the crime phenomenon, but a single country cannot cope with the problem. Legislative and enforcement efforts should be carried out in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. In order to enhance anti-crime activities, a comprehensive prevention programme is under way along with initiatives to implement modern procedures. National law on prevention of corruption is in the final stages of its creation. Strengthening responsibility for public corruption is also needed. It is worth mentioning that the Government is revising regulations concerning money laundering.

As a country in transition, the Republic of Macedonia has directed all its potential towards combating the new forms of crime. The process of police reforms is under way. We are cooperating with other countries and participating in information exchange. A special unit for preventing and combating corruption has been established. The Ministry of the Interior is also involved in regional efforts against corruption. We have high hopes for the outcome of the Congress. We are fully committed to its agenda, and we fully support the draft declaration and the draft international convention on transnational crime and its three protocols.

SAID ABULLAATI (Libya): Crime has become a veritable scourge affecting all parts of the world, as well as the lives of all peoples. There should be some kind of response in the laws governing transnational crime. Organized crime is deep-rooted and has become part and parcel of national economies.

All competent authorities must organize and harmonize their activities to combat the scourge of transnational crime and make a real effort to join hands in combating the movement of illegal firearms and narcotic drugs.

All necessary steps must be taken to combat international criminal groups, which may have their headquarters in one country, but are active in all regions and every country. Transnational crime corrupts business and political circles wherever it operates. The draft convention will provide the possibility for all governments to exchange information and to formulate a common position on international crime.

In Libya, we have helped judicial police services by boosting their technological capacity. The Arab Group has concluded an international convention which has brought together home affairs ministers.

DUMISO DABENGWA, Minister of Home Affairs of Zimbabwe: There is abundant evidence that, in most of our pre-colonial societies, the traditional rulers were perpetrators of certain forms of institutionalized organized crime and corruption with regard to disputes over land and women -- the major types of property at that time.

The nature, seriousness and type of organized crime have become great cause for concern in our region. The majority of perpetrators are members of the business class who collude with the political and public service elite in abusing their official positions. The high incidence of organized crime in our region is a reflection of deficiencies in education, law enforcement and administration of justice. These deficiencies are, in turn, linked to poverty.

The high incidence of organized crime may be explained by the quality of our entrepreneurs, who are usually favoured by circumstances to engage in trade and industry. Lack of political will in enforcing international law and failure to comprehend the true scope and nature of organized crime are two other factors. The absence of free civic government and civic societies in African political life has alienated the grass-roots populations.

Our region has acquired a reputation for political instability, which is reflected in the rise of bribery and corruption. Effective disposition of offences under the umbrella of organized crime, therefore, involves an approach that recognizes each special feature of these categories of crime.

MAHER ABDEL WAHED, Prosecutor-General of Egypt: Given the diverse nature of crime, full international cooperation is imperative. Nations should continue to exchange experiences, and mechanisms of inter-State cooperation need to be strengthened. Crime prevention acquires special importance in this respect. It should take into account all social needs and requirements for social development, education and housing. For example, Egypt has doubled the budget allocated to questions of women and children, for it stands at the root of preventive efforts.

Greater focus should be placed on prevention within the international anti- crime strategy. We are all called on to continue our struggle against crime, and we must strengthen cooperation. No country is exempt from the evil of transnational crime, which violates the rights of individuals and destabilizes the regimes of the world. The international community must also become aware of the evil of terrorism, even if it pretends to be innocent and camouflages its real intentions.

SAIYID SAID HILAL AL-BUSAIDY, President of the Criminal Courts of Oman: Crime is a challenge for many countries across the world. It transcends all national frontiers, which makes it difficult to pursue offenders. The development of modern technology and the liberalization of international markets have given rise to a new culture. We are no longer facing new crimes, but sophisticated forms of old ones. Organized crime has been promulgated by criminal groups, and traditional crimes are now committed with modern means. Among these crimes are ecological crimes, drug trafficking and advanced technology crimes. Criminal organizations hide behind money and avoid accountability, breeding corruption. Money laundering is also a product of organized crime.

True international cooperation is required to combat international crime. Effective ways of fighting terrorism are crucial. Egypt fully supports coordination of international anti-crime efforts and the elaboration of the draft United Nations convention on transnational crime. We hope that we shall be able to adopt a balanced text, taking into consideration the interests of all countries. We also support the position of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China.

JANUARIA COSTA, Minister of Justice of Cape Verde: My country consists of 10 islands and has been independent since 1975. Its Constitution dates back to 1992. We are a democratic State based on the respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights of our citizens. Our geographical position is attractive to transnational criminal groups, for we are situated on one of the major trading routes. For this reason, we are particularly concerned about drug trafficking. We are making efforts to reform our legal system, trying to strengthen public security and protection. We have created a commission to coordinate our anti-drug action, which is promoting education and implementing projects of international cooperative support.

New codes are in advanced stages of preparation in Cape Verde. An entire pattern of legal development has evolved. In 1993, the Government created a judicial police force to combat crime, which has competence to investigate serious crime. Money laundering is also one of our concerns. Cape Verde attaches major importance to international cooperation, taking into consideration the danger of transnational crime. We have ratified legal instruments for cooperation and assistance from other countries. We also take part in the development of the United Nations convention against transnational crime. It will provide for assistance to countries which do not have resources to wage war against crime alone. The Crime Congress allows us to review the major points of global strategies against crime, and we are sure that its conclusions will become an important contribution in this respect.

MOHAMMED LAWAL UWAIS CON, Chief Justice of Nigeria: As a developing country, the institutions responsible for the administration of justice in Nigeria are bedeviled by inadequate facilities, especially in the modern equipment required to face the emerging challenges. With the restoration of democracy last year and the coming into operation of the 1999 Constitution, the concepts of the rule of law have found true expression in both the separation of powers and institutional independence.

As an active member of the international community, Nigeria has acceded to all international initiatives on the control of transnational crimes and has incorporated the spirit of these initiatives into its domestic legislation. Appropriate policies have been formulated and institutional structures established to control these crimes. Although successive administrations have made efforts to curb transnational crime, their success has been limited by political instability, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability in the conduct of public affairs.

Having begun our democratic governance, the imperative has been its sustenance through the pursuit of populist measures that would benefit the general population and, at the same time, foster greater cooperation with our international friends. Apart from the improvement of our vital institutions and agencies, the present democratic administration has taken bold initiatives to ensure transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors. Our National Assembly has just passed an anti-corruption bill while stringent measures are being enforced in the conduct of public affairs.

It is in line with this objective that the Government is organizing an international conference on corruption and organized crime, to be held in Abuja from 7 to 11 May. The conference, which will gather jurists and law practitioners from around the globe, will examine the various threats posed by corruption and organized crime to global peace and prosperity. One of Nigeria's -- and Africa's -- greatest concerns about corruption and organized crime involves the repatriation of stolen funds.

FARID A. AMIN (Afghanistan): Afghanistan fully associates itself with all other delegations that have come to Vienna determined to combat crime. The outcry of all real victims of crime requires formation of a unified front against crime and criminals. Due to the ongoing imposed war, which has ravaged my country, I wish to make it clear that organized crime, money laundering and crimes on the Internet are not yet a big issue in my country. However, in recent years, transnational and cross-border crimes have been manifesting themselves in Afghanistan, mainly through drugs and terrorism. The cross-border criminal activities instigated from abroad are aimed at subjugation of Afghanistan and the "Talibanization" of the entire region. They are connected with drugs and violations of human rights. They emanate from the territories illegally occupied by the Taliban. The Government of the country is doing its best to combat these crimes. However, as the President of Tajikistan has pointed out, "the problem of Afghanis

tan is a European problem as much as it is a problem of Asia". Therefore, it must be stressed that it calls for an international solution.

ELIO GOMEZ GRILLO (Venezuela): My country is encountering numerous criminal problems. There is violent crime, and we have suffered and are still suffering from spectacular banking frauds. We are working to bring to justice numerous offenders, including international drug traffickers. Venezuela serves as a bridge between drug-producing and drug-consuming countries. We are enacting a number of measures to combat drug abuse, and our national Constitution, adopted last December, includes a number of provisions dealing with capital fraud, narcotics and international organized crime. All the proceeds of illegal activities are to be forfeited, in accordance with the law. Luckily, terrorism has not really affected us, but I also wish to mention the problem of corruption, which is linked to transnational criminal activities. We wish to participate in mutual assistance activities in the sphere of international anti-criminal activities.

KIENG VANG, Secretary of State for the Interior Ministry of Cambodia: Cambodia has recently experienced more than two decades of civil war and the genocidal regime of the Khmer Rouge, which completely destroyed our small country. After the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement, Cambodia conducted two general elections, which paved the way to democracy and the rule of law. A process of reform is taking place in the country. Lately, new crimes, including kidnapping, drug trafficking and armed robberies, have been creating obstacles to the achievement of our goals. Even lacking technical equipment and adequate training, the country's law enforcement structures have the capability to solve about 40 per cent of those crimes. We are also expanding cooperation with international law enforcement institutions.

In an effort to combat illegal arms possession, the Government has taken tough measures to safeguard public order and security: so far, we have confiscated nearly 70,000 firearms of all kinds. Currently, there are 24 prisons in the country. At the end of 1999, the number of convicted prisoners had increased by 20 per cent. We are facing serious difficulties in the treatment of offenders, and we are working to reform the penal system. Cambodia is concerned over the rise in transnational crime, but it has not actually documented transnational crime activities in the country. We call upon the international community to provide financial and technical support to our law enforcement institutions, and we are ready to cooperate with international efforts to fight transnational crime.

CAMILLE LEBLANC, Minister of Justice of Haiti: The term "crime" seems restrictive as some activities that are deemed legal should be categorized as illegal, particularly speculation in currencies and depletion of natural resources which can spell ruin for many countries.

Taking advantage of the political instability that has plagued Haiti since 1986, criminal syndicates have established themselves in Haiti. These networks, involving citizens of many countries, specialize in the illicit sale of firearms, stolen motor vehicles and narcotics. The drug trade is facilitated by the use of unidentified small planes and boats. The activities of these networks threaten the country's political stability and economic development.

Laws relating to drugs and money laundering have been drafted and will be tabled in the Parliament that will emerge from the elections of 21 May. These laws entail the seizure of an offender's property. However, it is not possible to differentiate between an offender's legitimate property and the proceeds of crime.

Law enforcement is not enough. A change of mentality is necessary. Initiatives have been taken in partnership with civil society to educate the population with a view to creating a culture of legality and facilitating better cooperation with the forces of order and justice. In addition, negotiations have been launched with other countries in the region to put in place mutual information services for improved monitoring of the movement of criminal groups and to find ways to combat them more effectively.

SHAUKAT UMER (Pakistan): International crime threatens stability and safety of countries. It necessitates an international partnership and a call for a concerted international effort at all levels. Experience has shown that law enforcement alone does not succeed. It is necessary to recognize the merit of integrated strategies, encompassing prevention, rehabilitation and development. Pakistan has taken important measures to overcome corruption and establish transparency in all government transactions. It is also necessary to develop the concept of the limitation of demand for crime. It is important to develop stringent financial laws, for criminals usually take their money abroad. For this reason, safe financial havens must be eliminated. The criminal justice system needs to be strengthened and modernized. This requires education and training of the criminal justice bureaucracy.

Restorative justice approaches also offer the means of conflict resolution and rehabilitation of both the victim and the offender. The twin menace of poverty and ignorance must be tackled on an international level. One of the most horrid faces of international crime is the trade in human beings. This is the worst example of exploitation of human suffering and deprivation. It is also a recruiting ground for transnational criminals. The scourge of racial discrimination, ethnic cleansing and other forms of intolerance are also a threat. The international community must learn more about mutual coexistence.

We should oppose attempts to destroy human lives under the guise of combating terrorism. My country is a direct victim of transborder terrorism, but we cannot abide destroying whole communities under the pretext of fighting terrorism. It is difficult to definitely determine who is a terrorist nowadays. In some cases, a government might "push people into mass graves", inciting them to violence. Craving for freedom is sometimes exploited to evil ends.

BENK H. KORTHALS, Minister of Justice of the Netherlands: The Netherlands

attaches great importance to the expeditious completion of the draft United Nations convention on transnational organized crime and its protocols. It should have clear provisions on key areas, which should include money laundering, prevention and corruption. The scope of the convention is transnational organized crime. At the same time, its provisions should allow for a practical and effective application of the instruments.

It is obvious that not all manifestations of corruption are connected to organized crime. To effectively curb corruption, it is crucial to follow a holistic approach, which should reach beyond the scope of the draft convention. The Global Programme against Corruption has also adapted this approach. For exactly that reason, the Netherlands is providing substantial funding to that Programme. We also support the establishment of a new United Nations instrument against corruption and are prepared to contribute to it. In May 2001, the Netherlands will host the Second Global Forum on Fighting Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity. We hope that the conference will facilitate the negotiation of a new anti-corruption instrument.

The improvement of victim care is an ongoing process in the Netherlands. We have adopted special provisions relating to victims in our penal law and regulations. Victim support organizations inform victims about possible further proceedings and give them support. Since 1998, the Netherlands has intensified its efforts to combat trafficking in human beings, improving investigation and prosecution and increasing maximum penalties for this offence. I have drawn up special guidelines for the investigation and prosecution of people trafficking, which include instructions for the police on how to deal with victims. However, voluntary cooperation of victims as witnesses is crucial for successful prosecution. We also support preventive publicity campaigns in other countries and are active in repatriating victims of trafficking in human beings to their countries of origin.

JAN CARNOGARSKY, Minister of Justice of Slovakia: Organized crime remains a big challenge to the security of the twenty-first century. Technology improvements have enlarged the possibilities of organized crime, as well.

Slovakia has ratified the Convention elaborated by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions and has signed the Council of Europe's Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, as well as the Civil Law Convention on Corruption, among others.

The main focus in the fight against crime lies with national institutions. In the field of crime prevention, the Slovak Government has approved a strategy on crime prevention as its main programme on the prevention of crime and other anti- social activities. It is undertaking a variety of other activities at the national level.

ELIZABETH G. VERVILLE (United States): Meeting the threat of transnational organized crime is a top law enforcement challenge and a national security challenge for governments. In the United States, there are "home-grown" as well as foreign organized criminal groups from every region of the world operating on its soil. Sometimes they form strategic alliances with each other to get ahead of national and collective law enforcement efforts. To stay ahead of these criminals, the international community must work together with other nations. Each partner in the international effort against crime must be strong at home.

President Clinton has taken the lead in United States national efforts, as well as international efforts, against organized crime and has elaborated an international crime control strategy to deal with all types of organized crime. Global corruption is a subject on which Vice-President Gore has taken the lead.

The completion this year of the convention on transnational organized crime and its three protocols is a priority undertaking by the United States Government. This is not an abstract exercise to develop treaties that end up on a dusty shelf. These instruments should enhance legal arsenals and the ability to cooperate across borders as the criminals do.

It is not too early to begin thinking about implementation of the convention and its three protocols. It is important to train law enforcement officials; to provide technical assistance; to expand abilities to carry out extradition, and to provide mutual assistance; and to enhance the use of technology in the fight against crime.

ROBERT MBELLA MBAPPE, Minister of Justice of Cameroon: The main purpose of this event is to strengthen international cooperation and solidarity to combat transnational crime. Despite the efforts of the Government, the crime rate is growing in the country, such as highway robbery. Violent crime is exacerbated by the availability of weapons, and armed groups from neighbouring countries are contributing to the situation.

The crime situation is closely connected to the poverty of the population. It affects the development efforts of Cameroon. The Government has taken a number of steps, including activities against corruption, reinforcing the staff of the enforcement bodies and improving the coordination of various structures. Together with several regional organizations, the country is making efforts to create joint structures to combat crime. The National Assembly of the country is in the process of ratifying instruments on subregional cooperation.

Organized criminal groups are a major challenge to all the countries in the world. The process of globalization encourages international criminal alliances. It is necessary to do away with the feeling of immunity they often enjoy. For this reason, Cameroon supports the draft declaration of the Congress and the draft convention on transnational crime. The creation of this international legal instrument should make international cooperation more dynamic. It should also enable the developing countries to better fight the scourge of crime. Cameroon supports the position of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China and the Group of African States in favour of creation of a specialized fund in support of the developing countries' anti-crime efforts.

PIERRE CHARASSE, Ambassador in charge of the Fight against Corruption and Organized Crime of France: France supports the statement by Portugal on behalf of the European Union. The growth of international exchanges and trade has been accompanied by a qualitative increase in crime. Society must act to prevent crime; the media tend to trivialize violence and promote the holding and use of private weapons.

France is developing a policy of prevention in cooperation with its partners. It stresses public services and local police, which will engender trust among the local population. Criminals are less and less sensitive to being deprived of their freedoms, but are more sensitive to cuts in their profits. It is important to make money laundering a priority matter to be suppressed by actions supported by the private and public sector.

The mechanism of international cooperation must be perfected. There are no halfway measures. We must each shoulder our responsibilities within the international community. The fight against corruption makes it necessary to be strict in the approach against it. We must forego moralizing. There are no corrupted countries, just corrupted individuals, which does not mean that this evil must not be fought against. France has been confronted with an increase in corruption. It is participating in multilateral and bilateral channels in the struggle against this evil.

The Internet must be made a sure and reliable instrument that will assure the protection of individual data. Criminal groups operating in this realm must not be allowed to roam free. International cooperation is vital in this field, and it is hoped that the Council of Europe's action will be successful. The convention against transnational organized crime is at the crux of our concerns as it will reinforce international legal norms. The pace of the negotiation should be maintained so that the instruments can be signed at the end of this year.

ABDERRAHIM BENMOUSSA (Morocco): Morocco supports the position on this issue by the "Group of 77" developing countries and China and the Group of African States. Agreement at this Congress should be reached on the basis of full knowledge of the serious nature of the crime problem. The transnational crime situation is growing worse all over the world. Numerous manifestations of such crime include environmental crimes, corruption, transnational trafficking in people and weapons, and forgery.

The profits of criminal structures are enormous. We have offshore financial centres which participate in money laundering on a large scale. Many companies shielding illegal profits take advantage of international financial havens. It would be appropriate for those offshore centres to take upon themselves voluntary regulations, elaborated on the basis of international norms and standards, which would help to overcome the problem of money laundering. At present, international financial crime is inherent in the transnational economic system. One way to limit the damage caused would be to marshal all forces of good will and involve not only governments, but also civil society. The Bretton Woods institutions also should play a role in these efforts.

There will be repeated failure in the fight against financial crime unless technical expertise is involved in the international efforts. The failure of the Congress to address the feelings of taxpayers, who feel defrauded, and the failure of many financial organizations to pay taxes is disappointing. We need to take action to introduce international taxation, which would dissuade the floating of dubious and criminal capital. Taxation of such assets would help regulate international markets and generate huge amounts of money. The modalities of such action need to be defined, of course. It is necessary to restore the role of State and democracy. Such tax proceeds could then be directed towards economic development and eradication of poverty. The success of sophisticated large-scale crime puts in question any concerted international cooperation against it.

MYKOLA DZHYGA, First Deputy Minister of the Interior of Ukraine: We must consolidate our efforts for effective law enforcement. Exchanges of information are vital and Member States must constantly ensure that they determine the proper avenues for international cooperation.

The adoption of the draft convention and its protocols will be instrumental in enhancing the fight against transnational organized crime. Ukraine is convinced that the United Nations' forthcoming Millennium General Assembly will adopt the instruments negotiated here.

Trafficking in human beings, particularly trafficking of women and children, as well as corruption, are detrimental to society worldwide. The President of Ukraine heads a committee intended to combat corruption. Our Government is frank in admitting that corruption exists in Ukraine.

The basic roots of corruption have changed. While Asia and Africa were previously seen as the regions where it thrived, corruption now flows into Western Europe through Russia and Ukraine. International cooperation is needed to wipe it out.

Exchange of information is important for the elimination of trafficking in human beings and to end secret banking. Criminals found living in certain countries should be detained. There should be an exchange of technical assistance and information in this regard.

VALERIU STOICA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Romania: The rule of law is seen not only as a legal concept, but also as a cultural and social one. It has the tendency to follow social progress closely and to create the premises that social evolution does not bypass the law. Respect for the law is dependent upon the understanding of its legitimacy.

The Romanian Government is paying special attention to the implementation of international commitments assumed by Romania in its capacity as a Member State of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. In that respect, my country supports the statement by the European Union concerning the need to take stock of the current situation in the criminal justice field.

Criminal justice was considered until recently as a national problem. Today, the issue is worth no consideration unless it takes into account the new transnational nature of crime. My country is prepared to take any steps necessary to support and put into practice the Vienna declaration.

LAZAROS S. SAVVIDES, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Public Order of Cyprus: Cyprus associates itself with the statement by Portugal on behalf of the European Union. Enhanced vigilance is needed on both the national and international level to combat international crime. Cyprus has a record of commitment to the principles of democratic pluralism, human rights, the rule of law and the open market economy. The openness of the country's society and economy gives rise to challenges similar to those in other countries with comparable systems. In many cases, those problems resemble those encountered in other international business centres.

In order to prevent and combat money laundering, Cyprus has adopted certain measures. It has introduced an appropriate legal and institutional framework, and its enforcement mechanisms now include supervisory authorities for the stock exchange and a unit for combating money laundering. Consistent dialogue with the private sector is under way. The country is also cooperating with international and regional structures, including the Select Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money-Laundering Measures and the Financial Action Task Force of the OECD. Money laundering knows no boundaries. Cyprus authorities are also cooperating with other countries and international organizations, for such cooperation is an essential component for success in the fight against money laundering. Cyprus is ready to discuss and adopt any additional legislative and regulatory measures which have proven effective in other countries.

KRISTINA RENNERSTEDT, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice of Sweden: One of the most important requirements for effective cooperation is to support the elaboration of the draft convention against transnational organized crime and its three protocols. To achieve success, it is also essential that States rapidly implement agreed instruments and utilize already existing means of cooperation. United Nations efforts are not confined to crimes of transnational nature, however, and cooperation within the United Nations provides a valuable forum for an exchange of experience on the prevention and deterrence of crime on the national level.

Sanctions should give offenders a possibility to refrain from crime in the future, and special consideration should be given to the treatment of young offenders. When a traditional prison sentence cannot be avoided, the sentence conditions should be in conformity with human rights. It is highly important to combine imprisonment with measures aimed at minimizing the risk of recidivism. There are still many countries where prison conditions are far from acceptable, and I doubt if there is any country that can claim that there is no scope for improvement. It is not only a question of money -- a humane attitude is equally important. The United Nations should continue to give high priority to the treatment of prisoners, and particularly to find means to create respect for the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The increase in the use of the death penalty is also unacceptable. The global abolition of the death penalty is a task and a duty for all those working for a humane crime policy. It is necessary to increase support to the victims of crime. However, punishment and victim support -- no matter how humane and effective -- are signs of failure to prevent crimes from happening. Our prime ambition should be to prevent members of society from ever becoming victims of crime. This Congress is an important contribution in this respect. It is necessary to elaborate a modern criminal policy based upon a balance between preventive aspects and repressive measures.

GINTARAS BALCLUNAS, Minister of Justice of Lithuania: The national and international aspects of crime must be considered. Organized crime and corruption are social phenomena derived from the "shadow" economic activity relating to illegal privatization, smuggling of highly taxable goods, money laundering, tax evasion, the drug trade and illegal immigration and prostitution, among others.

Organized criminal groups within the country are not very dangerous; therefore, it is easier to fight them, and more effective prevention and control is possible. However, alongside expanding markets relations and the strengthening of the legal economy, organized crime acquires characteristics typical of the operation of similar structures in many areas. Thus, the consolidation and internationalization of features of crime can be identified. Its containment requires international cooperation.

Among the principal directions of Lithuanian policy are Government programmes, including serious political measures to prevent and control crime. One of the principal objectives is the prevention of organized crime and corruption. It attempts to eliminate a complex of causes and preconditions of these phenomena by use of not only legal, but also social, economic, financial, organizational, informational, analytical and other measures.

In 1997, the United Nations established a centre to support a facility against organized crime and corruption. Lithuania is taking an active part in Interpol for the elaboration of conventions against international organized crime. In 1998, Lithuania entered a multilateral agreement against transnational organized crime. It also entered Europol.

HUSSEIN MOHAMMED, Minister of the Interior of Yemen: We reaffirm that we would first like to enhance the rule of law and to strengthen our systems for the administration of criminal justice. We will be among the countries that sign and ratify the draft convention on crime prevention, its protocols and any related international instruments. We hope other countries will do the same.

We hope that all criminal justice offenders on Internet and computer-related crimes will be punished and rehabilitated into society thereafter.

Women are sometimes offenders, but often victims. In our country, women are on equal terms with men and serve in high-ranking positions alongside them.

Yemen supports the crop-substitution plan to end the growing of illegal drugs in some countries.

RAMIL USUBOV, Minister of the Interior of Azerbaijan: The obvious threat emanating from transnational crime motivates the international community to search for more efficient and realistic approaches to the solution of this problem. Azerbaijan is currently undergoing economic transformation, a reinforcement of all branches of power, a development of democratic institutions, and the broadening of human rights and liberties. National legislation is being improved and global human values are being emphasized. Laws on the police, the prosecutor-general's office, the fight against organized crime and psychotropic substances have been approved, and the results of these efforts are tangible. There is a trend towards a decrease in criminal offences in the country. Azerbaijan has acceded to numerous international treaties and conventions on criminal and legal assistance.

Norms and standards of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice provide an effective tool to combat crime, particularly in its organized and transnational forms. The work of the Tenth Crime Congress is another step in this field, and the issues discussed are of very high significance. Drafting the United Nations convention against transnational crime, it is necessary to proceed on the understanding that the concept of transnational crime involves various types of criminal offences. Transnational crime should not be linked exclusively to cross-border criminal activities. We also share apprehensions in connection with further increase of types of organized transnational crime which includes not only activities of certain terrorist organizations and other criminal groups, but also assaults against States in the form of aggression and genocide.

It is also well known that actions of armed separatist groups entail numerous violations of human rights, violence and terrorist attacks. Azerbaijan has become a victim of armed separatism supported by neighbouring Armenia, which has negatively affected the domestic situation and led to enormous distress among the people. Further disregarding the problem of armed separatism will allow this menace to grow into one of the most serious challenges of the twenty-first century. This makes it necessary to include a relevant provision condemning armed separatism in the draft declaration of the congress.

ILIR PANDA, Minister of Justice of Albania: Albania has emerged from a totalitarian heritage, and it is experiencing profound poverty. For a while, serious deviations and violations of basic principles of human rights characterized the functioning of State institutions. One of the reasons which led to a deep crisis of the Albanian State and society was the malfunctioning of the judiciary. Under those circumstances, the Albanian Government has tried to implement new legislation in compliance with international standards. It is also attempting to build new structures. With the approval of the new Constitution, the Government began a reform of the legal and judicial branches. Measures are being undertaken to improve the penal system and the code of penal procedures.

Geographically, Albania is at a crossroads between East and West. For this reason, it is a target for illegal traffickers of human beings. The countries of Western Europe should be more interested in "closing the door" on illegal traffickers. Since 1998, the country has compiled a detailed plan of action in the fight against corruption. Many objectives were achieved, and others are being implemented. The Government welcomes all bilateral and international initiatives on crime prevention and criminal justice. International cooperation has been of great help so far, and in the future, involvement of international organizations will provide the necessary framework for the recognition of normative and judicial acts of foreign countries, as well as the preparation of different programmes for crime prevention.

OYSTEIN MAELAND, State Secretary in the Ministry of Justice of Norway: The ongoing negotiations will initiate a new chapter in global cooperation against international crime. The completion of the four legal instruments is a matter of urgency. The longer we negotiate, the more offences orchestrated by transnational organized crime will remain unpunished.

In the process of setting up such a comprehensive international instrument, the inclusion of all countries is vital. Norwegian authorities have, therefore, provided a voluntary contribution for the participation of the least developed countries in the negotiations.

While the draft convention provides an overall framework for increased cooperation globally, the three protocols address specific areas urgently requiring international attention and involving forms of criminal activities that are under constant surveillance by the Norwegian Government. Of special urgency is the increased trafficking in women and the sexual exploitation of children and young adults for prostitution.

AMIN BANANI NEW, Minister of State of the Sudan: My country has pioneered many laws in our region, and this has enabled it to tackle numerous problems. The laws are based on the Islamic system, emphasizing human rights and the protection of society and its values. Our penal jurisprudence gives priority to preventive measures and instilling good social and family values. We support measures against terrorism, and we have acceded to several international instruments in that respect.

We certainly support the draft declaration of the Congress. As a State, we are eager to cooperate with the international community in the prevention and combating of crime. We have enacted laws against money laundering, corruption and financial crimes. We differentiate between migration and asylum, and we are making efforts to improve procedures in respect of both. Many migrants have become lawful citizens of the country. We have a coherent firearms act, and steps are being taken to protect women and children. We are also trying to improve our penal system and promote the role of judges and attorneys. Civil participation in crime prevention is emphasized, and we have achieved surprising results in our fight against crime. The strong fabric of our society allows us to maintain low crime rates, despite the economic difficulties we are encountering. We would appreciate international assistance for our anti-crime efforts.

GIUSEPPE AYALA, Under-Secretary of State of Italy: Among the most immediate practical priorities should be the conclusion of the negotiations on the Convention in Palermo by the end of this year. The wide consensus obtained on the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, reflects the great attention being paid to that issue by the international community. Trafficking in persons is a particularly hideous form of trafficking involving enormous masses of people that are, at the same time, victims of the crime and the means for committing it.

Nevertheless, the instruments do not exhaust the international legal tools necessary to fight widespread international crime. A world convention on corruption would be necessary. The Italian Government hopes that the drafting of the instruments will start after the conclusion of the present convention and its protocols.

The Italian Government attaches great importance to the provisions concerning extradition, mutual legal assistance and cooperation in the field of witness protection. They will help in establishing effective cooperation schemes applicable on a large scale.

RHOUSDY SOERIAATMADJA (Indonesia): Among all the East Asian countries that were severely hit by the financial crisis, Indonesia suffered the most, being the only one that sustained a major political crisis and social upheaval as a consequence.

Today, we must also face the reality of ethnic and religious strife in some parts of the country. These problems must be addressed promptly, but cautiously. We are determined to restore and maintain political and social stability, as well as to put the economy back on track as quickly as possible.

The Government has also been taking vigorous measures to eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism, and to improve the efficiency and transparency of public administration, as well as community involvement in combating corruption.

Indonesia remains committed to cooperate with this international organization in fostering crime prevention and criminal justice systems. We should strive to achieve something significant in combating international crime in order to make the world a more peaceful place for people to live in.

Princess MARIA-PIA VON LIECHTENSTEIN (Liechtenstein): Only by focusing the efforts of the entire international community on the prevention and control of the most serious forms of organized crime will it be possible to have a lasting impact. Due to the small size of the country, Liechtenstein does not experience the common forms of domestic organized crime, such as drug trafficking or alien smuggling. However, Liechtenstein authorities are fully aware that highly developed financial services might be abused for money-laundering operations by international organized crime. The country has adapted to comply with the standards of the European Union in the field of anti-laundering measures. It has also included a money-laundering offence in its criminal code and adopted appropriate laws.

Liechtenstein has also been participating in the work of the Select Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money-Laundering Measures of the Council of Europe. With the draft revision of the Due Diligence Act, the obligation of reporting suspicious transactions will be considerably expanded, and an unequivocal provision will be introduced for exonerating persons who report suspicious transactions in good faith from the consequences of any breach of secrecy or disclosure rules. The Government is planning to set up a financial intelligence unit with extensive powers of inquiry and the possibility of exchanging information with relevant foreign counterparts. The Parliament of the country has approved ratification of the 1990 Council of Europe Convention on money laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds of crime. In the law enforcement sector, a special police unit in charge of money laundering investigations will be established in the country.