NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 20 – Effective crime prevention and criminal justice are fundamental to international peace, sustainable development and the respect of human rights. Yesterday the Third Commission of the General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution on the fight against crime presented by Italy. A total of 113 Member States cosponsored the resolution focused on strengthening the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity.
“Effective crime prevention and criminal justice are fundamental to international peace and development. As is the implementation of the rights of the person, including those who go through the criminal justice system”, said an Italian delegate, introducing the resolution before the vote.
“Policies that uphold human rights – especially the rights of those who are most vulnerable – must also encompass the fight against crime. Criminal phenomena exacerbate social tensions and divisions at the expenses of the least fortunate, they drain public resources and they often violate fundamental human rights and freedoms”, said the Italian delegate stressing the “positive and constructive spirit” that lead to a consensual text and significant progress in a number of areas.
The resolution addresses sensitive issues, such as: improving data collection and analysis in order to facilitate evidence-based policies; strengthening judicial capabilities and ethics, in order to enhance fair and effective justice systems; encouraging the spread of the culture of lawfulness; updating and coordinating languages related to hate crimes, corruption, trafficking in persons, illicit financial flows and environmental crimes. The text reiterates the strong support for the review mechanisms of the UN Convention against Organized Crime adopted by the Conference of States Parties last year, and expresses appreciation towards the technical tools and programmes managed by UNODC.
It also asks the PGA to organize a high-level debate during the current General Assembly session dedicated to urban crimes, a phenomenon that in various forms affects all regions and is becoming every day more significant, also in view of the increasing engagement of young offenders and young victims. (@OnuItalia)
