CCPCJ35: Meeting 5 – 4 June 2026
Economic and Social Council
Date: 4 June 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k18/k18dr3x046
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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Chair [47:33]:

Good morning, Excellencies, dear delegates, distinguished representatives. We resume consideration of Agenda Item 6, Integration and Coordination of Efforts by UNODC and by Member States in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. We have 3 more sub-items to discuss, namely Sub-item D, Ratification and Implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, Sub-item E, on other crime prevention and criminal justice matters; and sub-item F, on other activities in support of the work of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in particular activities of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network, non-governmental organizations, and other bodies. So we start with sub-item D, and now I have the pleasure to open the sub-item D on ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, and I'd like to invite Mr. Glenn Pritchard, Chief of the Cybercrime and Technology Section, to introduce the sub-item. Mr. Pritchard, you have the floor.


UNODC · Chief · Glenn Pritchard [48:48]:

Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime marks a historic milestone, the first global criminal justice treaty in over 2 decades, providing a comprehensive framework to prevent and combat cybercrime and strengthen cooperation and electronic evidence. The convention was opened for signature in October 2025 at the high-level signing conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, demonstrating strong global political commitment to tackling cybercrime collectively. Since then, momentum has been encouraging. As of the 20th of May, 2026, there are 77 signatories, including 76 states and the European Union. And 3 states, namely Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam, have ratified the Convention. The Convention remains open for signature until 31 December 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. At the same time, further efforts are needed to reach 40 ratifications required for for entry into force, making sustained engagement by member states essential. Since the signing ceremony, UNODC has focused on supporting member states in moving from signature to ratification and implementation in 3 important ways. Firstly, a pre-ratification compendium has been developed. Secondly, initiated the development of key legislative tools including a travaux préparatoires and a legislative guide, to assist states in aligning national legal frameworks with the Convention. And thirdly and finally, at the operational level, UNODC continues to develop capacity-building interventions globally through its Global Programme on Cybercrime. Intergovernmental work is also advancing. The Ad Hoc Committee reconvened in January 2013, 26 to progress the rules of procedure for the future Conference of the State Parties, which will guide the Convention's implementation. Discussions have commenced also in relation to a future additional protocol, ensuring the framework remains responsive to emerging forms of cybercrime. Excellencies, delivering on this agenda requires adequate and sustained resources. While the General Assembly approved new positions to support implementations, UN-wide resource constraints has limited the speed at which support can be scaled. Despite these challenges, UNODC continues to prioritize support to member states and remains committed to facilitating the convention's rapid entry into force. Distinguished delegates, the convention offers a unique opportunity to close gaps in international cooperation and strengthen criminal justice responses in their digital age globally. We therefore encourage all member states to sign and ratify the Convention without delay, and secondly, invest in the capacities needed to implement its provisions effectively. UNODC stands ready to support all countries in this process. Thank you very much, Chair.


Chair [52:04]:

Thank you very much, Mr. Pritchard, and I now open the floor And the first speaker is the delegation of Ghana. You have the floor.


Ghana [52:19]:

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Ghana is pleased to make a statement under agenda item 6D on the ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime. Cybercrime has become one of the most pressing security challenges of the digital age, affecting both developed and developing nations. As countries rapidly adopt digital technologies, they face increasing exposure to cyber threats that transcend national borders. Ghana's experience reflects a broader global reality. While digitalization enhances economic inclusion and efficiency, it also creates vulnerabilities that criminals exploit. In Ghana, cybercrime is largely driven by financial motives and includes online fraud, business email compromise, phishing, identity theft, cyber extortion, and mobile money fraud. These trends mirror global patterns observed across regions, underscoring the universal nature of the threat. What distinguishes cybercrime today is its inherently transnational character. Many cybercriminal operations target victims beyond national borders, exploiting geographic distance and jurisdictional gaps. Increasingly, cybercrime intersects with other forms of organized crime, including human trafficking, money laundering, and illicit financial flows. The use of digital platforms, encrypted communication tools, and emerging technologies has further enabled these activities, complicating detection and enforcement. Ghana welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime as a significant step towards strengthening the global response to cyber threats and enhancing international cooperation, particularly in the sharing of electronic evidence. It was an honor for Ghana to join over 70 other countries to sign the convention in Hanoi during the Cybercrime Conference held from 25th to 26th October 2025. This move is a testament to our resolve to address the challenge of cybercrime. At the national level, Ghana has taken concrete steps to address cybercrime. The Cybersecurity Act 2020 provides a comprehensive legal framework, while institutions such as the Cybersecurity Authority and specialized law enforcement units continue to strengthen prevention, investigation, and enforcement efforts. Ghana also remains committed to international cooperation, including partnerships with Interpol, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. These include limited technical capacity, rapid technological change, and the complexity of cross-border investigations. Cybercrime investigations require specialized skills, advanced tools, and continuous training, which remain in short supply in many jurisdictions. Ghana therefore emphasizes the need for strengthened international cooperation, capacity building, and technical assistance. Harmonization of legal frameworks, timely information sharing, and support for developing countries are essential to ensuring effective implementation of the convention. In conclusion, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to preventing and combating cybercrime through a comprehensive, coordinated, and rights-based approach. We stand ready to work with all member states to ensure a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital future. Thank you for your attention.


Chair [56:30]:

Thank you. And I'd like to remind colleagues that we have to stick to the speaking limit of 3 minutes. We are working at the moment according to the schedule, but there's a lot of work to do today. and that's why I count on your understanding that we have to keep the speaking limits to the 3 minutes. Thank you. Next speaker is delegation of Kenya. You have the floor. Oh, Vietnam, sorry. Next speaker is Vietnam. You have the floor.


Viet Nam [57:09]:

Thank you, Chair. Vietnam reaffirms its strong commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. In crime prevention and criminal justice. We are proud to have contributed actively to the negotiation process and hosted the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi in October 2025. Vietnam encourages all states that have not yet done so to consider signing and ratifying the convention at an early date so that it may serve as an effective framework for international cooperation against cybercrime. In this regard, Vietnam highly values the role of UNODC in supporting member states through technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. Looking ahead, we encourage UNODC and development partners to expand demand-driven assistance for developing countries, particularly in digital investigation, anti-money laundering, electronic evidence, cybercrime response, and implementation of the new international legal frameworks. Vietnam stands ready to work closely with UNODC and all member states to advance an effective, inclusive, and implementation-oriented international criminal justice agenda. I thank you.


Chair [58:50]:

Thank you. And now I give the floor to the delegation of Kenya. You have the floor, please.


Kenya [59:02]:

Chairperson, distinguished delegates, we are honored and delighted again to join you in this important forum. of the 35th Session on CCPCJ. Kenya values the role of the CCPCJ in advancement of policies, practices on crime prevention and criminal justice. We stand before you— before this esteemed assembly on behalf of the people of Kenya, eager to contribute to this Agenda 6D on ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention Against cybercrime. During the discussions taking place in this session, Kenya affirms its strong commitment to the integration and coordination of efforts in crime prevention and criminal justice in close partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and fellow member states. Kenya views the effective implementation of international legal instruments as central to addressing contemporary and emerging crime threats in a coherent and sustainable manner. Kenya recognizes cybercrime as a rapidly evolving threat with significant implications for security, economic stability, and access to justice. Kenya welcomes progress towards a comprehensive United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime and stands ready to support its effective implementation once adopted. National efforts focus on strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing cybercrime investigation and digital forensics capabilities, protecting critical information infrastructure, and promoting international cooperation to address cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes. At the national level, Kenya has undertaken significant reforms and investments to strengthen its cybercrime response framework, including enactment and operationalization of a comprehensive cybercrime and data protection legislation, providing a clear legal basis for the investigation prosecution of cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes. Establishment and strengthening of specialized cybercrime units within law enforcement and prosecution services, supported by continuous capacity building in digital investigation and electronic evidence handling. Enhancement of digital forensic capabilities, including laboratory infrastructure and technical expertise to support timely, credible, and admissible cybercrime prosecution; protection of critical information infrastructure through national coordination mechanism and public-private partnership; and engagement in international and regional cooperation, including mutual legal assistance and information sharing to address the transnational nature of cybercrime. In conclusion, Kenya underscores the importance of policy coherence, coordination, and partnership in implementation of these instruments. Kenya remains committed to working with the UNODC and member states to ensure a holistic, people-centered, and effective global response to crime, criminal justice challenges. Thank you, Chair. Asatini Sana.


Chair [1:02:05]:

Thank you. And the next speaker is the delegation of Canada. You have the floor.


Canada [1:02:13]:

Monsieur le Président. Chairperson. Canada would like to reiterate its intention to sign the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, as was announced this week in the plenary. We are pleased to join the more than 75 state signatories. We commend its adoption, and we thank all of those whose sustained efforts have allowed for it to be developed. Cybercriminals target the most at-risk members of our societies, particularly children, socially isolated people, and those who have low digital literacy. The Convention recognizes the importance of integrating a gender perspective of preventing violence based on the grounds of gender online and to take into account the particular situation of victims of cybercrime. These elements, together with its safeguards in terms of human rights and its provisions on international cooperation, make it an instrument which is fully adapted to its goal. We welcome its balanced nature, which takes into account the various Different legal frameworks and national positions. Chair, Canada is also a proud party to the Budapest Convention and views it as complementary to the UN Convention and to broader international, regional, and domestic efforts to combat cybercrime. We remain committed to modernizing our investigative powers to keep pace with evolving crimes, including cybercrime. Draft legislation before our Parliament When enacted, will strengthen our mutual legal assistance framework and ensure authorities can access the evidence needed in the digital age. Canada is also developing a national cybercrime action plan to protect Canadians and critical infrastructure from cybercrime, including crimes enabled by emerging technologies. As we prepare for the Convention's widespread implementation, contributions of all stakeholders will remain essential. Canada will continue to champion open and inclusive modalities for multi-stakeholder engagement in the ongoing discussions on rules of procedure for the Conference of States Parties. Together, we can maximize the Convention's potential as an effective, inclusive, rights-respecting instrument to counter cybercrime. Thank you.


Chair [1:04:50]:

Thank you very much. And the next delegation is the delegation of the Russian Federation. You have the floor.


Russian Federation [1:05:01]:

Good morning, colleagues. Distinguished Chairperson, distinguished members of this Commission, ladies and gentlemen. The scale and variety of the threats that we face in the digital sphere are increasing. Effectively reacting to them, responding to them, bearing in mind their cross-border nature, the cross-border nature of ICT, can only be done with collective efforts of the entire international community. Indeed, ICTs as media with 2 purposes are not only used for economic development but also cross-border flows of data are in excess of the trade flows. We are also seeing theft of identity and organization of criminal and terrorist activity, also phone-based fraud using ICTs. In that connection, Chairperson, we welcome the report prepared in 2025 by UNODC on Ukraine and the trends in organised crime against the backdrop of war. This identified gigantic quantities of fraud from that country, from telephone centres targeting Russia and Europe. This is unacceptable. We include— we welcome the inclusion in the agenda of this Commission. Thank you. Of the issue related to the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. This is— it was a timely adoption by the UNGA when it adopted the resolution for promoting law enforcement cooperation under this first legally binding document on cybercrime. Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. As most of the UN member states, we are of the view that we should ensure that the Cybercrime Convention enters into force as soon as possible. We urge all UN member states to implement and ratify it. The Russian Federation support— signed the convention as one of the first in Vietnam, and we're now undergoing internal state procedures for its ratification. We have on our agenda the development of the rules of procedure for the Conference of States Parties to the Convention Against Cybercrime with the focus on the intergovernmental nature of those discussions. Additionally, bearing in mind what is contained in the— despite— or rather, because the resolution has not been fully implemented, we are working on an additional protocol. The first meeting of this, the body to develop the additional protocol, will take place soon. As our contribution to the work of the special committee, we carried out a presentation yesterday and we shared with the Secretariat a draft for the additional protocol. We would invite all interested countries to make a constructive contribution to the future discussions. thank Vietnam for the excellent organization of the signing ceremony for the convention in Hanoi in October 2025. Thank you.


Chair [1:08:39]:

Thank you. And the next speaker is the delegation of Indonesia. You have the floor.


Indonesia [1:08:49]:

Mr. Chair, Indonesia would like to speak on Agenda 60 and ask your indulgence to let me briefly cover previous agenda within the time On the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime, Indonesia joined the historic event of its signing ceremony in Hanoi last year and looks forward to becoming a signatory state. Indonesia remains fully committed to becoming a state party and to support effective implementation of this important convention. As a rapporteur back in New York and here in Vienna, Indonesia committed to working constructively with all parties to finalize the draft rules of procedure of the Conference of the State Parties. Mr. Chair, since ratifying UNCAC, Indonesia has undergone 2 review cycles and received 53 recommendations, many of which have been addressed through legislative reforms, institutional improvement, and enhanced international cooperation. Indonesia has applied for accession to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention and working on the action plan to advancing technical reforms and assuring compliance with international standards. Aside from COP's UNCAC, G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, ASEAN PAC, and IACA, we also support START initiatives and GLOBE Network, which facilitates trusted communication and practical collaboration. On the international instruments to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism, Indonesia has ratified 8 of the 19 UN international conventions related to terrorism. At the national level, Indonesia launched the second phase of our National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism 2026-2029, in which the protection of and empowerment of women, youth, and children is one of the 9 priority themes. Initiatives with UNODC, such as the STRIVE Juvenile and End Violence Against Children Project have delivered a range of programs including guidelines on the protection of child victims of terrorist networks, the provision of shelter facilities and psychosocial assessments to support effective rehabilitation and integration. To enhance procedural fairness, the Supreme Court Regulation Number 1 of 2024 and Law Number 20 of 2025 establish a due process framework incorporating restorative justice, plea bargaining, and stronger witness protections. This implemented in partnership with civil society and international stakeholders, including UNODC through the Program Governance Committee, an initiative under the jointly developed annual work plan to advance CCPCJ Resolution 27/6. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of sharing best practices, strengthening technical assistance, and sustaining cooperation through UNODC and the other multilateral platforms to build stronger justice systems. Thank you, Chair.


Chair [1:11:50]:

Thank you for the statement, and the next speaker is the United States of America. You have the floor.


United States of America [1:11:58]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair, we request that this statement be reflected in the report. We meet today not to discuss cybercrime in the abstract, but to confront ruthless threats destroying lives in every region of the world. Consider the story of an 82-year-old grandfather in the United States. He worked hard his whole life, saved responsibly, and simply wanted a secure retirement for himself and his family. Online scammers lured him into a sophisticated crypto fraud scheme. They took everything— his life savings, his security, his hope. Overwhelmed by financial ruin and shame, he died by suicide. In 2024 alone, Americans lost over $10 billion to criminal organizations operating from online scam compounds from Southeast Asia. And 2025 losses are projected to be Higher. These scams devastate families. They cost lives. The United States is taking decisive action. In March, President Trump signed a new executive order on combating cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes against American citizens. This order directs a whole-of-government effort to dismantle scam centers and the transnational criminal organizations behind them. It also ensures that nations tolerating these predatory activities face concrete consequences, including sanctions and visa restrictions. These efforts build on significant operational progress. The U.S. Scam Center Strike Force has dismantled fraud operations, sanctioned major criminal networks, seized billions in illicit digital assets, and partnered with frontline countries to identify and protect trafficking victims trapped inside these facilities. But no country can solve this problem alone. The locations of many scam compounds are known. Their methods are known. Their links to corrupt facilitators are known. We urge member states to intensify investigations into online fraud, sextortion, and cyber-enabled trafficking, expand lawful sharing of financial and digital evidence, protect and support victims, including those coerced into running scams, and report transparently on outcomes. On the UN Convention Against Cybercrime, the United States is continuing its review. We recognize the treaty is intended to provide law enforcement with critical tools, including expanded extradition mechanisms, and enhanced evidence gathering across jurisdictions. At the same time, the treaty is clear: states parties may not use it as a tool for repression or unlawful access to data. At— as home to the world's leading tech companies and internet service providers, the United States will strongly oppose Any effort to misuse this treaty to silence dissent or harass legitimate businesses. In January 2027, states will gather to discuss a potential protocol. This treaty was just negotiated and has yet to enter into force. The United States sees no case for a protocol, and we will reject. Any effort to expand the definition of cybercrime in ways that serve authoritarian agendas. Right now, as we sit in this hall, scammers and predators are refining their scripts, upgrading their technology, and hunting for their next victim. Our responsibility is clear: less rhetoric, more results. Our citizens are being bombarded by criminal organizations now, We cannot wait. Let us act boldly. Let us act swiftly. And let us act now. Thank you, Chair.


Chair [1:16:08]:

Thank you for this statement. And the next speaker is the delegation of Azerbaijan. You have the floor.


Azerbaijan [1:16:16]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Azerbaijan recognizes that rapid technological developments, including artificial intelligence, blockchain-based finance, and other emerging digital technologies, offer significant opportunities for economic and social progress. At the same time, they create new and evolving risks associated with cyber-enabled crime, organized crime, money laundering, and the misuse of information and communications technologies. Addressing these challenges requires timely, coordinated, and forward-looking responses. Azerbaijan therefore supports international dialogue and practical cooperation aimed at strengthening regulatory preparedness, digital forensic capabilities, financial investigations, and the responsible use of emerging technologies in accordance with international law. Azerbaijan also strongly supports the establishment of a universal framework for combating ICT-related crimes and enhancing international cooperation, particularly in relation to electronic evidence in serious criminal matters. In this respect, the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime adopted by the UN General Assembly on 24 December 2024 through Resolution 79/243, was signed by Azerbaijan in Hanoi, Vietnam on 25 October 2025. Azerbaijan was among the first signatories to ratify the Convention on 10 February 2026, becoming the second signatory to complete the ratification process. Azerbaijan considered early ratification of the Convention a strategic priority in view of the increasingly transnational nature of cybercrime and the growing need for effective international cooperation in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting offenses involving information and communication technologies. We view the Convention as an important step towards strengthening global efforts to address cybercrime and other crimes facilitated by digital technologies. Azerbaijan also looks forward to making use of— full use of the international cooperation framework established under the convention, including mechanisms for mutual legal assistance, information exchange, and other forms of cross-border cooperation that are essential for effectively addressing cybercrime in an increasingly interconnected digital environment. The ratification process was followed by the initiation of substantial amendments to national legislation in early 2026. These amendments were intended to align Azerbaijan's domestic criminal legislation with the provisions of the Convention and to ensure its effective implementation at the national level. The most significant amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code concern the regulation of electronic evidence and international investigative cooperation. Under the new provisions, electronic data including subscriber information, traffic data, and content data may be formally recognized as evidence in criminal proceedings and preserved as a part of criminal case files Thank you. In parallel with legislative reforms, Azerbaijan has undertaken to strengthen— measures to strengthen institutional and technical capacities for preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cybercrime. In conclusion, we reiterate our readiness to continue actively contributing to the work of the ad hoc committee, including the negotiations on the rules of procedure and the upcoming relevant deliberations on an additional protocol to the Convention. Thank you.


Chair [1:19:28]:

Thank you. And the next speaker is the delegation of Thailand. Thailand, you have the floor.


Thailand [1:19:35]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thailand recognizes that transnational crime in the era of digital disruption has become increasingly sophisticated, borderless, and difficult for any country to address alone. Emerging technologies, while creating significant opportunities for economic and social development have also been exploited by criminal networks to conduct cyber-enabled crimes, particularly online scams that continue to affect people, businesses, and public trust across the world. Online scams continue to cause significant financial losses and undermine public trust in digital systems and in the digital economy. In response, the Royal Thai Government has placed the fight against cybercrime and online scams among its national priorities. Thailand has strengthened relevant legal measures and enhanced coordination among government agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications providers, and other private sector entities, and law enforcement authorities to support timely and effective responses against online scams, including through the operation of the Anti-Online Scam Operations Center, also known as AOC. While national efforts remain essential, stronger international cooperation is is equally important to effectively prevent and combat cybercrime. Thailand therefore views the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime as a significant milestone in strengthening the global framework for preventing and combating cybercrime. The convention will enhance international cooperation, facilitate information sharing and electronic evidence exchange, and support capacity building and coordinated responses among state parties. Thailand welcomed and participated in the signing of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi, Vietnam last year, and is currently undertaking the necessary domestic procedures to become party to the Convention at the earliest opportunity. Thailand believes that effective implementation of the Convention will contribute meaningfully to national, regional, and international efforts to combat cybercrime and online scams in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. Thailand reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the United Nations and relevant agencies to promote a safe, secure, inclusive, and resilient digital environment for all. Thank you.


Chair [1:21:48]:

Thank you for this statement. And the next delegate speaker is the delegation of the United Republic of— no, next speaker is the Delegation of Malaysia. Malaysia, do you have the floor, please?


Malaysia [1:22:03]:

Mr. Chair, the fight against cybercrime is a shared responsibility. It requires effective law enforcement and close international cooperation. As one of the first countries to sign the convention on 25th October 2025 in Hanoi, we remain committed to promoting a secure and resilient digital environment. Malaysia is now embarking on the ratification of the convention. Mr. Chair, online fraud is a global concern with serious economic consequences. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, in 2024, worldwide losses topped USD 1.03 trillion. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need to strengthen our collective efforts to dismantle At the national level, Malaysia has successfully mobilized the National Scam Response Center operated by the Royal Malaysia Police. The response center utilizes a highly integrated multi-agency model involving multiple enforcement agencies and the private sector to freeze fraudulent transactions within minutes. Concurrently, our domestic legislation is being updated to meet contemporary challenges. The Online Safety Act 2025, which took effect on 1st January 2026, is the main framework for online safety and requires licensed online service providers to take responsibility for protecting users from harmful content. Such content includes child sexual abuse material, cyberbullying, online scams, and fraud. Under the Act, service providers must remove harmful content within 24 hours, and failure to do so can result in fines. Malaysia is also drafting a new cybercrime bill which will replace the outdated Computer Crimes Act 1997. The bill aims to address substantive offenses grant, grant the investigator powers for data access and real-time interception, as well as formally institutionalize our network point of contact for international cooperation under the convention's framework. In conclusion, these operational and legislative milestones underscore Malaysia's unwavering resolve to implement the global standards and secure the international digital landscape as envisioned through the Convention. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Chair [1:24:43]:

Thank you very much. And the next speaker is the delegation of the United Republic of Tanzania. You have the floor, please.


United Republic of Tanzania [1:24:52]:

Thank you, Chair. The development of computer technology and cyber networks have opened a new world of opportunity to the criminal elements that constantly search for new ways to exploit people through time-proven scam tactics. Different countries in the world, including the United Republic of Tanzania, have been a victim of these criminal activities committed through information technology. Addressing challenges of cybercrime have been difficulty due to borderless nature of the digital world, rapid technological changes, and the conflict of laws between jurisdictions and digital privacy rights. It is against the backdrop Tanzania commends the adoption and entry into force of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime, the first universally binding global treaty designed to combat cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled offenses. As a signatory to the convention, Tanzania promulgated Cybercrime Act since 2015. The United Republic of Tanzania has high hopes of— that the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime will serve as an important tool in promoting and enhancing preventive measures and foster international cooperation in combating cybercrimes within the globe, especially in areas of collection, storage and transmission of electronic evidence from one foreign jurisdiction to another, which so far has proved to be a huge snag to the success in investigations of some of the cases with transnational dimension connected to cybercrimes across jurisdictions. We also look at the convention as an important tool which will specifically address challenges alike to sexual violence against children committed by the use of or through information and communication technologies, hence equip governments with stronger tools to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice. In a bid to fortify our stance in the fight against cybercrimes, Tanzania affirms its commitment to taking all necessary steps toward and effective implementation of the Cybercrime Convention and commits its indulgence in an expedited process towards the ratification and domestication of the convention by updating the existing Cybercrime Act to align with the convention. As we embark to the process, Tanzania welcomes the UNODC and other partners to work together in improving and upgrading upgrading the existing institutional and legislative frameworks. Support in the form of technical assistance and capacity building in addressing the ever-growing threat of cybercrime will be of paramount significance. Thank you.


Chair [1:27:53]:

Thank you for the statement. And next speaker is the delegation of Angola. You have the floor.


Angola [1:28:03]:

Thank you, Chair. Ladies and gentlemen, the Angolan justice system is currently facing one of the most complex challenges of our time: crime in cyberspace. Fraud in the telecommunications sector and in the digital space is proving to be one of the most complex and sophisticated forms of transnational contemporary criminality. The vulnerability of certain eco— cybersecurity ecosystems, together with technical limitations in terms of digital investigations, exposes the region ever more to transnational criminal networks and calls for cooperative responses and technologically robust ones. Moreover, there are warnings about the growing use of artificial intelligence by criminal groups, both to develop more convincing fraud campaigns as well as in order to manipulate digital images and content. So this phenomenon has won our attention, and in order to establish a more solid legal framework in accordance with international instruments, Angola signed the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime during the high-level ceremony held in Hanoi last year. This country continues with the subsequent stages in order to ratify it. Angola has a national cybersecurity strategy 2024 to 2028 and is currently working to adopt a law on cybersecurity, as well as another law relating to the circulation of false information on the internet in order to protect citizens' rights as well as the rights of public and private institutions. In order to ensure the implementation of this strategy, the Angolan government has last year created the National Cybersecurity Center as well as a national response team to IT incidents. This has allowed us to make progress in the prevention and management of cyber incidents, the protection of critical infrastructure, national coordination in terms of cybersecurity, as well as the issuance of alerts and technical standards. Angola has strengthened its cooperation with international organizations by sharing its experiences and by joining networks to combat cybercrime. Our country has also invested in the training of judges and experts in digital forensics and the modernization of its systems to collect and analyze electronic evidence, as well as seeking to raise awareness amongst civil society about the risks linked to IT crimes. Chairperson, the Republic of Angola reaffirms its firm commitment to combating cybercrime as well as to the effective implementation of international and regional legal instruments that it is party to. It will continue to promote international cooperation, institutional strengthening, and security in the digital space. I thank you, Chair.


Chair [1:31:26]:

Thank you for the statement and Next speaker is the delegation of Germany. You have the floor.


Germany [1:31:32]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We are happy to announce that at the beginning of this week, Germany signed the UN Convention Against Cybercrime in New York. We are now looking forward to initialize the ratification process. The United— UN Convention Against Cybercrime aims to enhance international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercriminality. And to facilitate the exchange of best practice, which is pivotal to handle the fastly evolving phenomena and threats in this field. Germany took an active role in the negotiations to the Convention. We will continue this engagement regarding the processes related to the Convention. The Convention provides robust safeguards for human rights standards. Germany remains committed to this approach. It will help to ensure that the Convention will stay both practical and rights-respecting, grounded in real-world experience and technological understanding. In this respect, also the continued participation of civil society, academia, the private sector, and the expert community within a multi-stakeholder approach remains crucial. Thank you.


Chair [1:32:42]:

Thank you for this statement. And the next speaker is the delegation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:32:50]:

So, many thanks and good morning, delegates. The UK welcomes the new Cybercrime Convention signed in Hanoi last year. We'd like to extend our congratulations to Brazil for its election as chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime, and our particular thanks to Ambassador Saboia for his leadership of the ongoing processes on the rules of procedure and protocols. This is no easy task, and we stand ready to engage constructively. The UK is keen to ensure that future work here at the UN under the new convention will be impactful and effective in tackling cybercrime. In our experience, the best way to do this is by ensuring stakeholders such as the private sector, banks, tech companies and telcos, academia and civil society can join our meetings and contribute to the work under the UN Cybercrime Convention. That's why we are calling for an inclusive approach in the rules of procedure and encourage states to join us in ensuring that we have rules that are fit for purpose for our future meetings. One critical example that demonstrates the need for this joined-up approach is fraud. Fraud is a serious and organized crime that affects all of our nations. It knows no borders and it causes devastating financial and emotional harm to our citizens, as many of the previous speakers have said. For the UK alone, fraud accounts for almost half of all of our offenses, and it costs an estimated £14.5 billion each year. Around 70% of the UK's fraud threat has an overseas element, demonstrating the urgent and critical need for joined-up international action. In March March, the UK was pleased to publish a new UK fraud strategy built around 3 pillars: disrupt fraud before it reaches a target, safeguard individuals and businesses by building resilience, and respond with victim support and justice. Over the next 3 years, UK is investing £250 million in our fraud response, including £31 million invested in our new online crime centre. Thank you. Centre, which will allow for real-time data sharing to accelerate action. International cooperation will continue to be central to our approach. We recognize that fraud and other cybercrimes cannot be tackled alone, which was what— why we were proud to be the main donor for the UNODC Interpol Global Fraud Summit that took place in Vienna in March this year. And we call for urgent coordinated action on fraud. This week, we are proud to co-sponsor Japan's fraud resolution building on this Global Fraud Summit and work under UNODC. Over the next months, the ad hoc committee will also continue to address the issue of whether a protocol to the Cybercrime Convention is required. The UK believes it's difficult to develop further protocols at this very early stage without first having implemented the Cybercrime Convention and identified legislative gaps in its functionality. We are all— we all have constrained resources, and many of us will face choices about whether to focus on implementing the Convention or dedicating resources to developing future law that we do not yet know is necessary. We're concerned that if limited resources are diverted to new initiatives, this will in fact delay implementation and slow our ability to prevent and tackle cybercrime. We are reassured that the Convention is extremely broad in scope and covers all serious crimes for e-evidence. That's to say, a vast range of fraud types fall under this serious crime clause, as well as many other crimes. Therefore, we do not anticipate the need to supplement this significant scope at this stage, but we'll listen with interest to the debate as we go forward. Many thanks.


Chair [1:36:47]:

Yeah, thank you for this statement. And the next speaker is the delegation of Algeria. You have the floor.


Algeria [1:36:59]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen. The ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention Against cybercrime is of paramount importance for Algeria given the evolving challenges that are posed by cybercrime to law enforcement authorities and the judiciary. Algeria has a very important role in the negotiations that led to the adoption of this international instrument. Algeria was honored to chair the ad hoc committee on the elaboration of a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICT for criminal purposes. Under our chairmanship, we led an intricate and meticulous negotiation process that enabled member states to finalize the first United Nations instrument against cybercrime, and this testifies to the importance of multilateralism terrorism in countering relevant criminal threats. The signing by Algeria of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime during the ceremony that was hosted by Hanoi in Vietnam is yet another testimony to our unwavering commitment to international cooperation and the elaboration of the necessary legal and operational frameworks to respond to ICT-enabled crimes. Towards the exchange of e-evidence related to serious crimes. At the national level, for years Algeria has been promoting and fostering its legal framework through the promulgation of Law 49 on Prevention and Combating and Penalizing ICT-Related Crimes. This lays the foundation groundwork for prevention, inquiry, and tracing of such offenses. In the meantime, this is complementary to Law 1807 on the Protection of Natural Persons and the Privacy of Personal Data. When it comes to law enforcement, cybercrime poses operational and procedural challenges related to the accelerated saving of evidence tracking, EIDs, identifying ICT data, and identifying the origins of criminal activities. Also, we continue to build our capacities and national capacities when it comes to cyber investigation, electronic forensics, gathering electronic evidence whilst abiding by due process. We reiterated that the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime should contribute to supporting and strengthening international cooperation whilst respecting the sovereignty of countries, national legislation, as well as personal data and due process. We also call for lending special importance to technical assistance and capacity building when it comes to cyber investigations, the preservation and analysis of e-evidence, virtual tracing of virtual assets, and training of law enforcement officers. In closing, we reiterate that we stand ready to continue to contribute to international efforts aiming to counter cybercrime within a balanced approach which abides by the sovereignty and human rights.


Chair [1:40:33]:

Next is the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:40:39]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As an active contributor to the elaboration of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime and a signatory therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran looks forward to its robust implementation. In our view, combating these menaces requires genuine international cooperation, and the success of this long journey will be ultimately tied to genuine and good faith performance of commitments to fight cybercrime objectively. We underscore the importance of ensuring that all subsequent steps, including the development of additional protocols and the rules of procedures, are undertaken in a professional manner through an inclusive intergovernmental process. Such a process must fully safeguard the legitimate interests interests and priorities of developing countries and respect to the cultural, religious, legal, and societal specificities of states. Mr. Chair, please allow me to touch upon a few points in relation to measures taken by my country in preventing and combating cybercrime. The Computer Crime Act 2009 remains one of the main domestic legal frameworks wherein various relevant acts have been criminalized. Iran has long established the FATA Police Cyber Police specialized unit dedicated to combating phishing, hacking, digital forgery, and other cyber-related crimes. The Cyberspace Deputy of Prosecutor General Office has also been actively contributing to preventing and prosecution measures in this field. In order to address the challenge stemming from user anonymity in cyberspace, we have enhanced multi-level authentication for digital services. Under this framework, users are authenticated according to the level of risk, the likelihood of crime, and the potential damage that may result from criminals' acts. Once fully implemented, this system is expected to significantly reduce identity fraud. Another initiative in our smart anti-phishing system using artificial intelligence— the system identifies patterns in SMS messages that contain malware, fraud links, or phishing content. It actively prevents the delivery of such messages. Mr. Chair, it goes without saying that platform responsibility and accountability is vital in fighting cybercrime. crime. By way of example, the swift removal of criminal content, in particular materials related to child sexual abuse, must be established as a vital standard applicable to all online intermediaries. Therefore, we call upon all states to take the matter into careful consideration. Thank you.


Chair [1:43:31]:

Thank you for this statement. And next speaker is the delegation of Morocco. You have the floor.


Morocco [1:43:42]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like also to thank all the members of the CCP CJ and to all our colleagues. Mr. Chair, the evolving cybercrime is a genuine threat posed to international peace and security as internet has been transformed from a means of communication to a space where various patterns of crimes and offenses get more complicated. And this requires strengthening international cooperation and the adoption of effective international cooperation mechanisms to counter digital threats. The Kingdom of Morocco has early on engaged in countering cybercrime by promulgating an advanced arsenal panel of laws related to cybercrime, chiefly amongst which is law on cybersecurity, which entered into force since 2020. This law provides for a number of strategies and has also established a number of national authorities that are mainly focused on cybersecurity in Morocco. This also led to strengthening the operational and institutional digital security infrastructure, in addition to the creation of the national intelligence for analyzing digital information. In addition to the foregoing, we have also created special units in the police authorities. We are also focused on protecting all our citizens and all the residents in Morocco against ICT-enabled crimes. We have adopted a comprehensive approach which testifies to our unwavering commitment to protecting cyberspace in order to avoid its becoming a space to enable offenses and crimes. As we all know, the e-offenses constitute an international or global challenge where a number— where many transnational organized crimes intersect, especially that terrorists and extremist groups use the same for their propaganda. Thus, and they also take advantage of the confidentiality and the secrecy of those platforms for financing terrorism and other illegal activities. Thus, Strengthening cybersecurity is key to protecting communities and the stability thereof. Given the international efforts made to counter the evolving challenges in this regard, we have, in October 2025, signed the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi, in Vietnam. This convention is an international benchmark to counter this crime. This is also a very important juncture on the path of cooperation to reduce the threats of this crime. It also testifies to the international understanding on the evolving challenges in cyberspace. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Chair [1:47:02]:

Thank you for this statement. And the next speaker is delegation of Interpol. You have the floor.


INTERPOL [1:47:12]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, from a law enforcement perspective, the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime represents a monumental step forward. Cybercrime is inherently transnational and is evolving rapidly. Effective, timely, and trusted international law enforcement cooperation is indispensable. Interpol is explicitly recognized in the text of the Convention as a primary channel for international cooperation. Specifically, our global network is highlighted under Article 37 on extradition, Article 40 on mutual legal assistance, Article 41 on 24/7 network, and Article 47 on law enforcement cooperation. This formal acknowledgment reflects Interpol's unique mandate and our readily available secure infrastructure designed to facilitate the broadest possible mutual assistance among law enforcement authorities globally. Interpol is fully prepared to play a key role in assisting member states with the practical implementation of the convention. We bridge the gap between policy and practice by converting international obligations into tangible operational outcomes, as demonstrated by our recent global initiatives. Operation Rams, coordinated across 13 Middle East and North Africa countries, is the first-of-its-kind regional crackdown which dismantled malicious cyber infrastructure, resulting in 200 arrests and neutralizing sophisticated phishing-as-a-service platforms and malware distribution networks. Operation Eclipse joined 9 countries across Central America, North America, and the Caribbean. It targeted the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, successfully rescuing 65 child victims and securing 60 arrests. Operation Synergia, spanning 72 countries, successfully took down over 45,000 malicious as IP addresses, servers, and fraudulent websites driving online scams, ransomware, and identity theft. To effectively implement the convention's obligations, member states can immediately leverage Interpol's specialized technical capabilities. Our International Child Sexual Exploitation Database provides crucial image and video matching technology to identify victims and locate abusers Member states can deploy our newest color-coded notice, the Silver Notice, designed specifically to swiftly identify, trace, and disrupt illicit financial assets and the proceeds of cybercrime across borders before they vanish. To this end, I'm pleased to inform the Commission that last year the 93rd Interpol General Assembly in Morocco adopted a landmark resolution titled Supporting the Ratification and Implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime and Promoting the Role of Interpol. This resolution cements our commitment to help member countries leverage these exact tools and operational resources. Interpol looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with our 196 member countries, the UNODC, and all relevant stakeholders to turn the text of this convention into a robust response against cybercrime. Thank you, Chair.


Chair [1:50:35]:

Thank you for this statement. And this brings us to the end of the speakers' list for this agenda sub-item. Now I have the pleasure to open sub-item E on other crime prevention and criminal justice matters. The Commission has before it the following documents. Conference room paper on follow-up to its Resolution 34/1 on countering the smuggling of commercial goods in cases falling within the scope of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime. This is document E/CN15/2026/CRP.2. I would now like to invite Ilias Schatzes, Officer-in-Charge, Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch, as well as Siri Pjuni, Chief, Border Management Branch, and Amy Comrie, Chief of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Section, to introduce the sub-item. Mr. Schatzes, you have the floor.


UNODC · Officer-in-Charge · Ilias Schatzes [1:51:38]:

Thank you, Chair. Distinguished delegates, in the interest of time, I will focus my remarks on 2 resolutions adopted last year and on the follow-up First, I am pleased to provide an update on the implementation of CCPCJ Resolution 34/3, entitled Strengthening International Efforts to Prevent and Combat the Smuggling of Migrants. Since the adoption of the resolution, UNODC launched a new action against the financial and online dimensions of migrant smuggling and initiated a project to better monitor and analyze global trends in this regard. The Office has also finalized the first-ever regional guide for legislation against smuggling of migrants for the Middle East and North African region and initiated similar work in South Asia with the first-ever regional dialogue on smuggling. The Office has also published a global legislative analysis on how migrant smuggling is criminalized. In addition to enhancing knowledge and legislation, we have also supported the creation of operational coordination task forces in Latin America and the Caribbean and have assisted specialized prosecutors in the exchange of information and good practices. As issues highlighted in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption Conference of State Parties in a related resolution on migrant smuggling adopted at its 11th session, UNODC The ICC is also currently examining how efforts can be enhanced to better address smuggling by air, as well as the associated links between corruption, fraud and smuggling. Let me now turn to General Assembly Resolution 80/227, entitled Tackling Illicit Trafficking in Wild Fauna and Flora, Introducing Timber and Timber Products, the Illegal Mining of and illicit trafficking in minerals and precious metals, illicit trafficking in waste, and other crimes that affect the environment. The resolution welcomed inter alia the establishment of a new pan-anded Intergovernmental Expert Group on Crimes that Affect the Environment, established by Resolution 12/4 of the UNCTAD Conference of the Parties. The Expert Group met in Vienna twice, in June-July 2025 and February 2026. The meetings brought together more than 100 States Parties and intergovernmental organizations. They engaged in technical discussions on the application of the Convention to such crimes, gaps in the international legal framework to prevent and combat them, and possible responses to these gaps. The Chair's summary of deliberations will be submitted to the 13th Session of the UNCTAD Conference of the Parties for its consideration. Thank you, Chair.


Chair [1:54:20]:

Thank you, Mr. Justice. And now I invite Mrs. Pionnet to take the floor. The floor is yours.


UNODC · Chief · Siri Pjuni [1:54:27]:

Thank you very much, Chair, and I will address the topic of smuggling commercial goods. Distinguished delegates, thank you for the opportunity to introduce the Commission to the work of the Secretariat on smuggling of commercial goods. Further to the Commission's Resolution 34/1 adopted in 2025, the Secretariat prepared a conference room paper entitled Countering the smuggling of commercial goods in cases falling within the scope of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime. This conference paper is based on a questionnaire shared with all member states calling for information and recommendations on how to better prevent and combat the smuggling of commercial goods carried out by transnational organized criminal groups, including emerging methods used to exploit legitimate trade systems and the use of emerging technologies to profit, to profit from vulnerabilities in customs controls. Unfortunately, due to absence of extra-budgetary resources foreseen under Resolution 34/1, the conference paper only reproduces as received the contributions of 28 member states who responded to the questionnaire. At the same time, UNODC through the Border Management Branch continues to provide targeted technical assistance to frontline officers. The program currently supports a network of and 97 airports, ports, and land border interagency units through capacity building, including efforts to counter smuggling of commercial goods. In 2025 alone, the units reported the seizure of over 9 million pieces of intellectual property rights infringing goods, 64 million of cigarettes, and 6.7 tons of medical products. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and globalization, criminal activities have grown in complexity, scale, and impact, posing significant challenges to national, regional, and international efforts in crime prevention and criminal justice. The smuggling of commercial goods undermines legitimate trade, fuels corruption, and enables organized crime networks to thrive. Recent trends point to an increase in the smuggling of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and luxury goods, exacerbated by global economic pressures and supply chain disruptions. It is necessary to enhance our understanding of the methods and routes used to smuggle commercial goods to provide effective data-driven prevention and countermeasures. UNODC remains committed to supporting Member States in these critical efforts. We also encourage continued support and resources from our Member States to enable UNODC to deliver a comprehensive and tailored approach to countering the smuggling of commercial goods. Thank you.


Chair [1:56:57]:

Thank you very much. Yeah, you have another— crimes that affect the environment.


UNODC · Chief · Siri Pjuni [1:57:11]:

Thank you very much, Chair. I will then move to the next topic of crimes that affect the environment. Distinguished delegates, I have the honor to introduce under Agenda Item 6E the part relating to crimes that affect the environment as set out in General Assembly Resolution 80/ In that resolution, the General Assembly recognized the economic, social, and environmental harm these crimes cause and called for a firm and strengthened action in the countries of supply, transit, and demand. It rested— it rested that action on 2 ideas: shared responsibility and genuine cooperation between states. The trafficking of wildlife and timber, the illegal mining of and trade in minerals and precious metals, and the trafficking of waste are not separate low-level offenses. They're serious transnational organized crime. The same networks move along the same routes, and the money they generate is taken from national treasuries and from the communities who depend on those resources. UNODC has responded across the full criminal justice chain. Our first-ever global analysis on crimes that affect the environment gave member states a shared picture for the first time, setting out how all 193 member states treat these offenses in their laws. We have published a series of practical legislative guides that states can adapt to their own systems. And working with our partners in the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime, ICWC, the most recent Operation Thunder brought together law enforcement from 134 countries in a single coordinated effort. The foundation for all of these is already in place. There are these crimes that carry a penalty for more than 4 years or more, they fall within the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime, which opens the door to mutual legal assistance, extradition, and joint investigations across borders. Member States already hold these tools, and our task is to help them put them in place. Resolution 80/227 also looks to the year ahead, asking Member States to give these crimes special attention at the 15th 16th UN Crime Congress. We will be there to support the conversation with the evidence and the practical experience to make it count. I thank you, Chair.


Chair [1:59:18]:

Thank you very much. And now give the floor to Mrs. Connery. The floor is yours.


UNODC · Chief · Amy Comrie [1:59:24]:

Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to say a few words on the follow-up to CCPCJ Resolution 34-4 under the sub-item on other crime prevention and criminal justice matters. The said resolution, entitled Advancing Crime Prevention at All Levels, requested UNODC to continue its efforts to support Member States, upon request, in developing, implementing, and evaluating effective crime prevention strategies, policies, and programmes, including those aimed at strengthening the resilience of youth to crime, and to enhance its collaboration with relevant partners. Since the adoption of this resolution, UNODC has worked closely with Member States to strengthen early prevention and social reintegration. Through targeted policy advice and capacity-building support, and youth-led advocacy, we have supported initiatives that build social cohesion, strengthen resilience, and reduce recidivism. At the strategic level, UNODC has assisted the Philippines and Kazakhstan in developing and implementing national crime prevention policies, strengthening long-term and systemic approaches. A key example of building national and local capacity for youth crime prevention is our SCORE project, implemented with the International Olympic Committee, which uses sport and mentoring as tools to prevent crime, build resilience, and support reintegration. In Senegal, we reached over 200 beneficiaries, including at-risk youth, children in conflict with the law, and survivors of violence. In Mexico, we strengthened institutional capacities and delivered large-scale sports-based initiatives, engaging more than 40,000 participants nationwide. In Colombia, prevention programs have reached 170 children, including through school-based restorative justice. We also developed a territorial management guide, equipping local authorities with practical tools to assess risk and protective factors and improve policy responses. In Brazil, we supported the adoption of Growing Up in Peace, the first national strategy aligned with the Global Strategy to End Violence Against Children, comprising 45 targeted measures to prevent children's involvement in crime and violence. Efforts to prevent gender-based violence included increased stakeholder awareness and national capacity to conduct femicide reviews in Ecuador and South Africa, as well as the enhancement of forensic DNA services and cross-sectoral training in the State of Palestine. We have also prioritized family and community-based reintegration. In Egypt, for example, 271 guardians and caregivers participated in programs designed to strengthen family support systems and facilitate reintegration. Finally, we have continued to support the social reintegration of offenders to prevent recidivism in line with the newly adopted Kyoto Model strategies, through our penal and prison reform activities in Ukraine, Kenya, Ghana, and the Philippines, promoting pathways away from crime and towards constructive engagement in society. Youth engagement remains central to crime prevention efforts. Participants of the 3rd and 4th Global Youth Forum on a Culture of Lawfulness, which was co-organized by Japan and UNODC in Japan in February 2024, and March 2026, developed actionable recommendations on topic areas that the Commission is dealing with, including the use of technology and justice, as well as the reintegration of offenders. UNODC remains committed to supporting Member States in their efforts to implement crime prevention standards and norms and to strengthen partnerships in this important field of work. Thank you, Chair.


Chair [2:02:56]:

Thank you. And we now turn to Agenda Sub-item F, Other activities in support of the work of UNODC, in particular activities of the United Nations Crime Prevention Criminal Justice Programme Network. The— Sorry, I just learned that we— or that I— open the floor for consideration of the statements we've just heard, and we stay under sub-item E, and the first speaker is the delegation of Kenya. You have the floor.


Kenya [2:03:44]:

Chair, distinguished delegates, we are honoured and delighted to again join you in this important forum of the 35th session of the CCPJ. Kenya values the role of the CCPJ in the advancement of policies and practices on crime prevention and criminal justice. We stand before this esteemed assembly on behalf of the people of Kenya, eager to contribute to this Agenda 6E on other crime prevention and criminal justice matters at a time when crime prevention and criminal justice systems must continually adapt emerging and increasing increasingly complex threats. Kenya reaffirms its strong commitment to the integration and coordination efforts in crime prevention and criminal justice in close partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and fellow member states. Kenya views the effective implementation of international legal instruments as central to addressing contemporary and emerging crime threats in a coherent and sustainable manner. Kenya recognizes that contemporary crime challenges, particularly cybercrime, environmental crime, terrorism, trafficking in persons, illicit financial flows, and crime affecting women, children, and youth, require adaptive, innovative, and evidence-based responses. In this regard, Kenya has recorded notable progress. Strengthening people-centered justice, Kenya continues to advance access to justice through judicial and justice sector reforms, expansion of court user committees, promotion of alternative dispute resolutions, and the integration of restorative and community-based justice mechanisms, ensuring that justice services are responsive to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Technology and digital transformation. Kenya has enhanced the use of technology within the criminal justice system, including digital digital case management, virtual court proceedings, and strengthening cybercrime investigative and prosecutorial capacities while safeguarding due process and data protection. In countering emerging and organized crime, Kenya has intensified multi-agency coordination to address organized crime, terrorism financing, corruption, and illicit financial flows, recognizing the growing nexus these crimes. Financial investigations and asset recovery mechanisms have been strengthened as part of our comprehensive crime prevention strategy. On protection of vulnerable groups, Kenya has prioritized response to gender-based violence, trafficking in persons, and crime against children through specialized courts, victim support frameworks, and survivor-centered approaches anchored in human rights and dignity. On evidence-based best policymaking. Kenya continues to invest in crime data collection, research, and justice sector monitoring to inform policy decisions, enhance accountability, and improve service delivery across the criminal justice continuum. Kenya underscores that effective responses to these challenges require policy coherence, sustained coordination, and strong partnerships at national, regional, and international levels. We remain committed to working with the UNODC and member states to promote holistic, people-centered, and resilient criminal justice systems that uphold the rule of law and protect human rights. Thank you.


Chair [2:07:10]:

Thank you. Next speaker is the delegation of the United States of America. You have the floor. No, sorry, sir. Sorry, there's some confusion here. No, sorry. Next speaker is the delegation of the Russian Federation. You have the floor.


Russian Federation [2:07:31]:

Thank you, Chairperson. Against the backdrop of global economic processes, as we try to combat criminal proceeds, criminal revenue, and financing of terrorism. We need to look for new opportunities. There are also new risks when it comes to ensuring global financial safety. New technologies are a weapon in the hands of criminals, and they now make use of information and communication technologies, and they abuse virtual assets against this backdrop and against the backdrop of limited resources. We need to build national systems, effective national systems, and we need to assign resources based on risk analysis in order to ensure effective combating of these crimes. Insufficient implementation of international standards in certain jurisdictions, including the U.N. Convention Against Cybercrime. These exacerbate the— or undermine the efforts of international organizations and lead to politicization. Combating Cybercrime is very important, and we need to avoid politicization of this issue. In order to prevent manipulation and pressure on stakeholders, it's important to have proper implementation of the relevant UN conventions and also FATF recommendations. We have brought our legislation into line with the requirements of these instruments, and our effectiveness has been borne out by conclusions of international organizations such as FATF. The international system continues to be improved also, including through measures to address risks. We are trying to improve our legislation on virtual assets and also legislation on depriving criminals of their criminal assets. We are— we have decisions by the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation that have significantly improved the situation. Our FIUs have identified fraud transactions whereby persons received revenue or money in order to carry out terrorist operations in our country. The individual in question was acting on the basis of instructions from a foreign agent. Thanks to investigative measures, It was established that the individual received virtual assets in the amount of more than $1,000. This person converted this money into fiat currency and then used it to carry out crimes. I'd also like to point out that virtual assets amounting to $890 were confiscated in the course of this investigation. It's also important to focus on shutting down organized crime groups that are operating call centers in order to defraud citizens of Western countries, Western European countries, and also North and South America. We have appealed to our foreign counterparts for assistance in this, but there was no response. We stand ready to continue strengthening our instruments and to engage with our partners on the basis of sovereignty and equality. We call for non-politicization of anti-criminal activities because no country can address this on its own. The absence of constructive international cooperation creates risks and fertile ground for such threats to materialize. So inter— or rather, money laundering, financing of terrorism, and others. We need to address these issues together, otherwise we all suffer the consequences. It is now necessary to strengthen the role of the UN in countering money laundering. In our view, improving efficiency both at the international and national levels requires comprehensive international regulation of investigating international crimes of money laundering and asset recovery. We need to have monitoring mechanisms within the UN that will help us to carry out these tasks. This work needs to be carried out in a systematic way with proper international coordination. Thank you.


Chair [2:13:08]:

Thank you for the statement. And next speaker is the delegation of Thailand. You have the floor.


Thailand [2:13:14]:

Mr. Chair, Thailand remains firm and unwavering in its commitment to combat all forms of trafficking in persons and recognize that this type of crime generates a serious impact on both individuals and society. In partnership with the international community, we continue to enhance our efforts to tackle the ongoing challenges in addressing this issue. We have placed high priority on combating illegal online activities targeting minors and are urging the global community to strengthen criminal justice system to effectively address this issue. To enhance our legislative system for better child protection, Thailand is currently reviewing a new draft amendment to the Criminal Code regarding offenses against children via online media, which aims to amend the existing law to better address online abuse, especially child grooming, sextortion, bullying, and stalking. As technology evolves, so do the global crime threats. Thailand knows that defeating these new criminal networks requires strong national, international, and private sector partnership. Over the past few years, we have executed numerous successful operations to dismantle organized crime syndicates, including a network involved in the illicit trade of pornography through websites and social media platforms. We continue to uphold our mission to safeguard public rights and social order and support the approach of assisting victims immediately without waiting for formal complaint. Mr. Chair, we are fully committed to work with our stakeholders to tackle the complexity of human trafficking. We also welcome exchanges with other member states to share best practices and reinforce our crime prevention policies. Thank you for the statement.


Chair [2:15:38]:

The next speaker is the delegation of Colombia. You have the floor.


Colombia [2:15:45]:

Chairperson, thank you very much. Chairperson, distinguished members of the Commission, Colombia wishes to thank the Secretariat for the report prepared pursuant to Resolution 34/1 entitled addressing the smuggling of commercial goods in cases falling within the scope of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime. We also express our appreciation to member states that provided information on good practices, challenges, and recommendations for preventing and combating the smuggling of commercial goods perpetrated by transnational organised crime groups. In this regard, Colombia encourages other member states to share the initiatives undertaken at the national level to counter criminal networks that inter alia use smuggling as a source of financing for their illicit activities. As recognized by multiple states in their responses to the Secretariat's questionnaire, the smuggling of commercial goods now operates under patterns characteristic of organised crime with complex transnational networks, diversification of illicit activities, infiltration of legitimate trade, and corruption as an enabling factor, including imports. A direct link with money laundering has also been identified, together with increasing sophistication in the financial and technological mechanisms used by these structures. There is a growing use of advanced technologies by organised criminal groups. The use of encrypted communications, cryptocurrencies, digital platforms, drones, and even artificial intelligence enables them to operate with greater sophistication, anonymity, and transnational reach, often challenging traditional state control capacities. These elements confirm that we are facing a complex and evolving phenomenon. In this context, Colombia reiterates its call for the smuggling of commercial goods, not to be addressed solely as a form of tax evasion or customs-related events. It also constitutes a significant source of financing for criminal networks and is interconnected with other illegal economies, underscoring its transnational nature and its impact on security and economic stability. We must promote the development of effective regulatory frameworks that enable the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of this phenomenon, in a comprehensive manner within each state's legislative framework. This phenomenon represents a multidimensional challenge and a systemic threat, which therefore requires equally dynamic, comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained responses. It is essential to strengthen information exchange, the use of data analytics and technology, inter-institutional and international cooperation, and the incorporation of financial investigations to follow the money and to to dismantle criminal structures as a whole beyond isolated seizures. Finally, we reaffirm our readiness to continue working in a coordinated manner with the international community, convinced that only through joint action will it be possible to address this shared challenge and to protect the rule of law and the security of our societies. Thank you very much, Chair.


Chair [2:18:56]:

Thank you. And next speaker is the delegation, delegation of Japan. You have the floor.


Japan [2:19:02]:

Thank you. On behalf of the Government of Japan, I'd like to thank UNODC for its efforts in organizing this session. The challenges posed by organized fraud have become an urgent issue for the international community. They not only cause enormous economic damage but also facilitate other serious crimes, including trafficking in persons, cyber-enabled crime, money laundering, and corruption, we are also alarmed by the growing trend of fraud proceeds being converted into cryptocurrencies. Despite the efforts of member states, organized fraud continues to grow in both complexity and severity. In Japan, combating organized fraud has become one of the government's highest priorities. In 2025, 43,000 cases of organized fraud were reported, causing economic losses amounting to $2.2 billion. Both figures represent a significant increase compared to the previous year. Criminal organizations have adopted sophisticated methods while the scope of victims continues to expand. In addition, hundreds of thousands of people of more than 70 nationalities are believed to be working at scam centers. This demonstrates the transnational nature of organized fraud. To dismantle scam centers, we believe it is essential to enhance transnational cooperation among relevant authorities, including law enforcement and local authorities. Against this background, Japan remains committed offering capacity-building assistance through international organizations. For example, through UNODC, Japan is supporting the Mekong region in strengthening the capability of personnel engaged in countering organized crime. Through Interpol, Japan is supporting Southeast Asia and Central Asia to address financial crime with cryptocurrencies and the misuse of synthetic media, including AI-generated deepfakes. Furthermore, at this conference, Japan submitted a draft resolution entitled Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Responses to Combat Fraud together with the United States and the United Kingdom. This resolution aims to strengthen international cooperation, including mutual legal assistance, extradition, and the information sharing in order to disrupt organized crimes. Let me conclude by reaffirming Japan's commitment to combating organized fraud. I hope this resolution will receive broad support from member states. Thank you, Chair.


Chair [2:21:52]:

Thank you. The next speaker is the delegation of Algeria. You have the floor.


Algeria [2:21:59]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The ratification of the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocol is of vital importance, as these instruments are a main tool in international cooperation in countering transnational organized crime and strengthening mutual legal assistance mechanism, as well as the exchange of information and the coordination of efforts among law enforcement authorities and judiciary. Algeria ratified the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime per Presidential Decree Number 255 of 5 February 2002. We have also joined the convention's protocols, including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in persons, especially women and children; the Protocol Against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air; and the Protocol Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts, Components, and Ammunition. This was coupled by a with a continued commitment by Algeria to align its national legislation with the requirements of these international instruments. In this regard, we have adopted and amended a number of legal texts related to transnational organized crime, including Law Number 23/04 related to trafficking in persons, as well as the legal framework related to to the laundering of criminal proceeds by updating Law Number 0501 on preventing the money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Regarding the firearms protocol, Algeria has amended its domestic law to allow for the criminalization of acts related to the manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts, and components and ammunition, as well as strengthening mechanisms for marking, registration, tracing, seizure, and confiscation. In order to strengthen the efforts to counter transnational organized crime, our law allows for the use of special investigative techniques in line with specific legal procedures in order to counter the complex methods used by criminal groups. In addition to our legal entities with a domestic jurisdiction, we have established courts with territorial jurisdiction and national jurisdiction, which would strengthen the investigation and prosecution of cases with a organization— with a, an organized or transnational nature. Given the lucrative nature of transnational organized crime, our investigations are coupled with parallel investi— financial investigations in order to trace criminal proceeds and deprive criminals of these proceeds. Algeria has strengthened the mechanisms to seize, freeze, and confiscate suspicious funds, which would lead to final confiscation once the illegal origin has been established. This leads to more effectiveness in dismantling criminal networks. We attach particular importance to the mechanism for the review of the implementation of ONTOC and its protocols as a means to evaluate the implementation of the Convention, the exchange of information and expertise, and determining technical assistance needs. Algeria is contributing to the implementation of the multi-year plan of action for the functioning of the mechanism. Our national focal point has published the self-assessment questionnaire on the Sherlock portal, and it is being continuously updated. This allows Algeria, or rather this allows our reviewing states to review the implementation of Algeria of this protocol and the convention. Algeria is also reviewing other countries. This shows our effective engagement in this mechanism, not only as a reviewed state but also as a reviewing state, which supports the implementation of this international instrument and the exchange of expertise among state parties. In line with our domestic law, Algeria has taken the necessary measures, including legislative, regulatory, and administrative measures, to strengthen our commitment to UNCTAD and its protocols, which remain one of the main pillars for international cooperation in order to counter transnational organized crime more effectively. Thank you.


Chair [2:26:59]:

Thank you. And the next speaker is the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:27:07]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran has undertaken a wide range of measures in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, resulting in a reduction in the prisons population, the expansion of social mediation, mechanism and the enhanced utilization of the civil society capacities. A significant number of disputes and public claims have been resolved prior to entering the judicial process through a comprehensive public communication system, thereby substantially reducing the number of incoming court cases. Iran has implemented the national program entitled Judge at School to enhance legal and judicial awareness among citizens. Through this initiative, nearly 275,000 students, parents, and educators have received legal and judicial training. Iran has also implemented programs aimed at preventing and reducing violence, including individual anger management counseling, group counseling, services, educational workshops in prisons, and awareness-raising activities. Furthermore, it has continued to strengthen its comprehensive public communication system, through which a significant number of citizens have registered to submit reports, requests, suggestions, and complaints. A specialized online dashboard has also been established facilitate the follow-up of public reports. Iran has successfully engaged civil society in the protection of public rights, the prevention of corruption, mediation, victim support, and efforts to reduce social harms affecting women, children, and adolescents. Moreover, Iran has expanded office dedicated to supporting women and children These offices provide the range— provided a range of services to women at risk, including case assessment, consulting marital disputes, visits to women's prison wards and correctional centers, and referrals to relevant support and judicial institutions. It's evident that combating crime requires a multilateral approach, one that addresses specific challenges while considering the socioeconomic, cultural, religious, legal, and societal condition and particularities of each region. In conclusion, we would like to reaffirm our determination to strengthen our joint efforts in preventing and combating crime. I thank you.


Chair [2:29:50]:

Thank you. And the next speaker is the delegation of Peru. You have the floor.


Peru [2:29:59]:

Thank you very much, Chairperson, and good afternoon, Your Excellencies and distinguished delegates present here today. Environment, including illegal mining, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, fisheries crimes, and trafficking in hazardous waste have evolved into one of the most profitable and adaptive forms of transnational organized crimes. These activities are no longer isolated environmental infractions. They are increasingly sophisticated criminal economies linked to corruption, illicit financial flows, money laundering, and other forms of organized criminality. Their consequences extend far beyond environmental degradation. They undermine governance, weaken the rule of law, fuel insecurity, affect indigenous peoples and local communities, and compromise sustainable development. In many regions, such as the Amazon Basin, they directly challenge state authority and institutional resilience. It is precisely this understanding that framed the discussions during the meetings of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Expert Group on Crimes That Affect the Environment under the UNTAD, held in Vienna during 2025 and 2026, and that Peru has the honor to chair. Mr. Chair, those discussions confirm an important political reality. There is now a broad recognition among member states that crimes that affect the environment constitute a major transnational organized crime challenge requiring strong and more coordinated international responses. At the same time, the process exposed significant limitations in the current international legal framework. Expert participants identified several legal and operational gaps, including the absence of commonly agreed definitions, fragmentation between environmental and criminal regimes, weaknesses in information sharing and traceability mechanisms, limitations regarding liability of legal persons, and the absence of international mechanisms allowing confiscated assets to support environmental restoration. A central issue concerns the relationship between multilateral environmental agreements and the UNCTAD. Environmental agreements provide important regulatory standards. However, they were not designed, not intended to be criminal justice instruments. And let me underline this part, Mr. Chair, because I think that has been one of the main important topics during the discussions we had within the IAG. Conversely, the UNTAD offers robust tools for international cooperation, yet many crimes affecting the environment continue to fall outside its practical scope because of its inconsistent criminalization and serious crime threshold required under the convention. Against this backdrop, discussions increasingly focus on possible solutions, including the possibility of an additional protocol to the Convention. Supporters of such an instrument, including Peru, argue that it could strengthen international cooperation, facilitate harmonization of criminal approaches, improve dual criminality requirements, enhance financial investigations and asset recovery, recovery and provide a more coherent global framework to address increasingly organized and transnational environmental crimes. At the same time, some member states expressed reservations regarding the scope, sovereignty considerations, overlap with existing frameworks, financial implications, and the feasibility of negotiating a new instrument in an already strained geopolitical multilateral environment. Mr. Chair, what emerged from the discussions was therefore not a disagreement on the existence and seriousness of the problem. The real debate concerns the political pathway forward. The question before us is therefore no longer whether crimes that affect the environment constitute a global threat. That debate is over. The real question is whether the international community is prepared to move from recognition to political action before criminal networks consolidate their influence faster than states can collectively respond. The 13th Conference of the Parties to the UNCTAD in October 2026 provides us an excellent opportunity to concrete that collective response and to transform a shared diagnosis into a shared and robust political response. Funds to tackle the scourge of environmental crimes. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Chair [2:35:13]:

Thank you for the statement. Next speaker is the delegation of Interpol. You have the floor.


INTERPOL [2:35:21]:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, online fraud has officially evolved from a peripheral crime into one of the most rapid rapidly expanding transnational security threats of our time. Recognizing the scale and cross-border nature of this threat, Interpol, in partnership with the UNODC, co-hosted the Global Fraud Summit here in Vienna. This landmark event delivered critical political and operational pledges from member states, prioritizing robust partnerships between law enforcement, financial intelligence units, and private sector partners in a fight against online fraud. At the summit, Interpol, with the support from the UK, launched the 2nd edition of the Interpol Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment, revealing a highly industrialized criminal landscape. Fraud operations have escalated through the global expansion of physical scam centers and a polycriminal model that forces human trafficking victims to execute online scams to fund corruption and terrorism. In response, Interpol has ramped up support for law enforcement Resulting in a 54% increase in fraud-related notices and diffusions since 2024 to track fugitives and illicit assets. Further, Interpol launched its comprehensive guidelines on the establishment and operation of a national anti-scam center, as well as Operation Shadow Storm, A specialized global task force aimed to disrupt financial flows, strengthen investigative capacity, and build a coordinated framework linking law enforcement, financial intelligence units, and private sector partners to more effectively detect and dismantle transnational fraud networks. Interpol has provided daily support in over 1,500 transnational fraud cases, having intercepted and recovered $1.1 billion in stolen assets. A primary mechanism for these rapid interventions is our iGrip global stop payment system. In a recent operational success, after an Australian company was targeted in a multimillion Euro fraud scheme, a rapid e-grip request facilitated by Interpol enabled authorities in Hong Kong to swiftly intercept and freeze 2.61 million euro within the very same day. Crucially, Interpol ensures that operational execution is sustained by targeted capacity building funded by the Japan International Cooperation. Cooperation Agency, our project to strengthen capacity against financial crimes across Central America and Africa has trained 385 practitioners since 2024. The impact of this initiative was recently demonstrated when leveraging intelligence from the Japanese National Police Agency, Nigerian police successfully arrested suspects and dismantled a major romance baiting ring under the Operation Jackal framework. This marked a historic first for overseas apprehensions based on Japanese domestic fraud data. Isolated national responses are no longer enough to combat this transnational threat, and Interpol remains fully committed to working alongside UNODC and our global partners to turn the commitments made at the Global Fraud Summit into definitive action to protect financial integrity and safeguard human lives. Thank you.


Chair [2:39:38]:

Thank you. And the next speaker is the organization Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light. You have the floor.


HWPL [2:39:47]:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Crime does not begin with the act. It begins with the absence of identity, of belonging, of a reason to choose otherwise. By the time enforcement responds, the conditions that made crime possible have long been in place. Peacebuilding addresses precisely those conditions, not as a response to war only, but as a proactive instrument for prevention, building the values and relationships that make violence unnecessary before it takes root. Peacebuilding and crime prevention are not separate fields. They are the same work. The United Nations itself has long affirmed this. HWPL commends and builds upon the 1999 Declaration on a Culture of Peace and the Kyoto Declaration, which recognizes peace as a positive participatory process built through dialogue, education, and human dignity. More recently, the General Assembly dedicated a year to peace and trust, and this session's agenda affirms that crime prevention is integral to social and economic development. All point to the same truth: security must be built from within communities, not imposed upon them. Evidence from communities on every continent bears this out. Peace education and youth empowerment programs have reached young people before criminal networks could fill the void that identity, belonging, and purpose leave behind. The DPCW, the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War, offers a concrete multilateral framework for institutionalizing exactly this approach. We therefore appeal to this Commission: embrace peacebuilding as an essential instrument of crime prevention. Let us build that architecture together with member states and civil society as partners in this shared endeavor. We thank you, Mr. Chair.


Chair [2:42:11]:

Thank you for this statement, and last speaker on this— last speaker on this sub-item is the delegation of Sudan, and with this I close the speakers' list for this sub-item, so no last-minute applications for this speakers' list on this sub-item anymore. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor.


Sudan [2:42:32]:

Mr. Chair, this statement draws the urgent attention of this august Commission to the trafficking in persons for the purpose of mercenary activities, its nexus with trafficking in firearms and their ammunition, and its contribution to grave human rights violations and international crimes in Sudan in violation of international law. Mr. Chair, this intervention synthesizes The key findings from major investigative reports, including the Human Rights Watch report entitled From Bogotá to Al-Fajr: The UAE's Role in the Deployment of Colombian Fighters and Other Backing of the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, and the BBC report on analysis by— and the analysis by the SWB entitled UAE Destabilizing Role in Africa. Mr. Chair, The evidence points to the systematic operation involving the recruitment, deception, transit, and deployment of hundreds of Colombian former military personnel to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces terrorist militia in Sudan. Key findings of this report, Mr. Chair, refer to a high scale and nature of the operation. Hundreds of the Colombian private military contractors, often referred to as the Desert Wolves, have been deployed to Sudan since the last— since at least mid to late 2024. They have served as infantry, artillery personnel, drone operators, vehicle operators, and instructors to RSF terrorist militia forces. Their involvement has been particularly noted during operations around al-Fashir in North Darfur and the fall of the city at the hands of the RSF after more than 500 days of siege. siege, despite a clear UN Security Council resolution to lift the siege, but it was not— it was not lifted, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, an Abu Dhabi-based security company called Global Security Services Group, GSSG, with documented close links to senior UAE officials and the ruling family, has played a central role in hiring and facilitating the deployment of these contractors. Contractors transited through UAE territory, including military facilities such as Hayasi and Al Wasbah in Abu Dhabi Emirate, where some received training. Routes such as included complex air and land bridges via locations such as Libya Benghazi, Buntland, Busaso Somalia, Chad N'Djamena, Omjaras Airport, military airport, and direct flights into Sudan, directly to Nyala and al-Fashir, those 2 cities under the occupation of the RSF. Mr. Chair, recruitment began with Colombian agencies offering contracts for security duties in the UAE or elsewhere. Upon arrival in the UAE, passports were often confiscated and recruits were redirected to combat roles in Sudan. Testimonies of these mercenaries describes coercion fear of desertion consequences and financial pressures if they refuse to serve as mercenaries along the, along the lines of the RSF. Mr. Chair, Colombian contractors have been present during RSF operations involving serious violations, including during the capture of al-Fashir in October 2025, where mass killings, rape, and other abuse against civilians occurred. Witness— witnesses describe foreign Spanish-language fighters in uniform participating in, in or standing by during these events. Some contractors reported trained RSF recruits, including children, young children, in combat tactics. Mr. Chair, these actions occur in the context of broader UAE-facilitated RSF abuse documented by UN Human Rights Watch organization and others, including war crimes and crimes against Mr. Chair, this situation exemplifies the trafficking in persons for the mercenary activities linked to arms flows and exacerbating conflict-related crimes. It undermines the rule of law, exploits vulnerable former soldiers, and contributes to devastating humanitarian crises. We therefore urge the UNODC, in coordination with the UN Security Council and the Special Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, the Human Rights Council to prioritize investigation into trafficking in persons for mercenary purposes, including associated financial flows, deception, coercion, and transit networks, and to promote— Mr. Chair, to support enhanced international cooperation to prevent this emerging crime, which is trafficking in persons for the purpose of mercenary activities. Thank you. Mr. Chair, we kindly request that this statement to be reflected under the official records of this meeting.


Chair [2:47:15]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Just say that they asked for the right of reply, that you will give it at the end. There is a request for a right of reply. We will come to it at the end of this agenda item, and we continue now with the sub-item F of agenda item 6. Under sub-item F, other activities in support of the work of UNODC, in particular activities of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network, the Commission has before it the following documentation: the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the institutes of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network; the note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, and the note by the Secretary-General on the nomination of a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute. I give the floor now to Leif Willemsen of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute. Institute. Mr. Willitsen,


UNICRI · Leif Willemsen [2:48:29]:

you have the floor. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, Your Excellencies. It's a pleasure to address you today on behalf of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, UNICRIM. For over 5 decades, proudly hosted by and in strong partnership with Italy, UNICRIM is serving as the United Nations' dedicated, action-oriented hub for research, knowledge sharing, and specialized training in crime prevention and criminal justice. Today, I'm pleased to introduce the 2025 report of the Board of Trustees of UNICRIM, a reflection of a year defined by innovation, strong partnership, and tangible impact. In 2025, UNICRIM delivered more than 40 operational research products, conducted more than 150 targeted specialized training activities, developed and tested practical tools, provided direct technical assistance to practitioners worldwide, and supported evidence-based decision-making across key priority areas, including transnational threats, emerging technologies, violent extremism, and the rule of law. Allow me to highlight just a few key outcomes from the report that demonstrate how UNICRI's research is effectively translated into action. First, in addressing transnational threats, UNICRI reinforced member states' ability to prevent and respond to terrorism, organized crime, and risk associated with major events. This led to improved national risk assessment system, stronger interagency coordination, and enhanced preparedness, especially in the protection of public spaces and critical infrastructure. In the area of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear CBRN risk, UNICRI continued to expand its partnership in more than 60 countries within the framework of the European Union CBN Centers of Excellence, strengthening national preparedness, enhancing crisis communication systems, and supporting the development of more comprehensive and resilient policy frameworks. Building on this longstanding engagement, UNICRI is organizing its CBN Academy at the United Nations Campus in Turin as a platform for sustained collaboration and knowledge exchange, bringing together more than 250 participants from the partner countries alongside key strategic partners including the governments of Canada, the United States, Italy, and other member states. Second, in tackling illicit financial flows and organized crime, UNICRER advanced asset recovery efforts and strengthened cross-border cooperation, including among project prosecutors and financial intelligence authorities. At the same time, we promoted practical approaches to ensure that recovered assets are transparently reinvested in support of the public good. Third, in response to rapid technological change, we enforced the capacity of law enforcement and judicial authorities to tackle cybercrime and online harms. This includes, for example, an ongoing resource study To examine scam center-style ecosystems, we'll focus on victim profiles, recruitment pathways, and emerging operational models. Through the AI for Safer Children initiative, implemented in partnership with the United Arab Emirates and now linking more than 1,200 investigators in 128 countries, we also strengthen global capacity to protect children. I think this is a clear example of how artificial intelligence, AI, when grounded in human rights and accountability, can deliver real-world impact, accelerating investigation and most importantly helping save victims. Fourth, in preventing violent extremism, UNICRI helps shape more targeted prevention approaches placing youth and community resilience at the center. We strengthened the role of local actors, including women and religious leaders, and produced new evidence to guide policy, including on the growing nexus between climate security and radicalization. Finally, in advancing the rule of law, UNICRI continued to strengthen justice institutions and supported rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, including research and technical support for the responsible use of digital technologies in custodial settings. These efforts were further sustained through the continued expansion of our Master of Laws programs in Transnational Crime and Justice and in Cybercrime, Cybersecurity, and International Law. In conclusion, UNICRIM remains committed to delivering practical, evidence-based solutions and specialized technical training with measurable impact. We stand ready to further deepen our support to member states and to continue working with you to translate shared priorities into concrete results on the ground. I


Chair [2:53:20]:

thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Wellitz. And I now open the floor, and the first speaker is the delegation of Kenya.


Kenya [2:53:28]:

You have the floor. Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates, honored again to join you in this important forum of the 35th session of the CCPJ. We stand before this esteemed assembly to— on behalf of the people of Kenya, eager to contribute to this agenda on other activities— Agenda 6.7. On other activities of the work of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime discussion taking place during this session. Kenya reaffirms its strong commitment to the integration and coordination efforts in crime prevention and criminal justice in close partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and fellow member states. Kenya views effective implementation of international legal instruments as central to addressing contemporary and emerging crime threats in coherent— in a coherent and sustainable manner. Kenya commends the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for its central role in supporting member states through technical assistance, capacity building, research, and normative guidance in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. Kenya values UNODC's continued engagement at the national, regional, and global levels in strengthening criminal justice institutions and promoting international cooperation. We acknowledge the vital contribution of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Crime Justice Programme Network. also on Plead 1 and Plead 2, where UNODC has supported criminal justice actors in Kenya on advancing access to justice and the rule of law, notably legislative and policy reforms, infrastructure reforms, and capacity-building initiatives supposed to Kenya justice actors. Equally as well as a non-governmental organization, civil society— to the non-governmental organization, civil society, academia, and other relevant stakeholders. Have supported Kenya in advancing innovative solutions, sharing best practices, and complementing government efforts. Kenya reaffirms its commitment to inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships and looks forward to deepening collaboration with UNODC and its partners to achieve sustainable resilience— resilient and effective criminal justice systems for all. In conclusion, Kenya underscores the importance of policy coherence, coordination, and partnership in the implementation of these instruments. Kenya remains committed to working with UNODC and Member States to ensure a holistic, people-centered, and effective global response to crime and criminal justice challenges.


Chair [2:56:05]:

Thank you, Chair. Thank you. Next speaker is the United States. You


United States of America [2:56:08]:

have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Chair. As we have stated previously in this forum and others, the United States does not support activities that promote the Sustainable Development Goals or 2030 Agenda, gender ideologies, false claims about climate change, and discriminatory access to justice, DEI narratives. UNICRRI's expansion into peripheral and divisive areas has diluted already limited resources, distracted from priorities, and undermined the organization's credibility. The United States has concerns that UNICRI's research mandate is duplicative of the research arm of the UNODC and questions the overall value of the organization and efficiency of this structure. The United States urges mandate discipline and system-wide reforms to streamline the UN so it can focus on core mandates and eliminate wasteful distraction, duplication, and redundancy. Thank


Chair [2:57:23]:

you, Chair. Thank you for this statement, and next speaker is the delegation of Italy. You have


Italy [2:57:31]:

the floor. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We would like to highlight the important contribution of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, networking and supporting the work of UNODC and Member States through research, capacity building, innovation and knowledge sharing. In this regard, we express our appreciation for the work carried out by UNICRIM, which continues to provide valuable support to Member States through its combination of research, strategic foresight, specialized expertise, and operational assistance. This contribution is reflected in Unicris' work to strengthen investigative and prosecutorial responses, including through tools supporting specialized know-how across digital and traditional markets. We particularly value Unicris' unique contribution in professional training, academic cooperation, and master programs, which help bridge research and practice while strengthening criminal justice capacity across regions and institutions. Italy supports the proposed process of integration between UNODC and UNICRIM, which we believe can unlock new synergies and economies of scale while strengthening the effectiveness and coherence of the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice architecture by bringing together UNODC's global presence with UNICRI's expertise in research and training, this process can generate clearly added value for the system as a whole. As strong supporters of the UNAID agenda, we see this as an important opportunity to advance reform in an effective and constructive way without duplicative effects. To this regard, we have no concerns. We urge UNODC and UNICRI to continue their work to identify the best modalities to realize this integration in practice while preserving UNICRIS' distinctive identity and added value is through research independence, innovative capacity, and operational flexibility. The United Nations Campus in Turin continues to provide a valuable platform for knowledge generation, capacity building, and international cooperation in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. As this is our first intervention under Agenda Item 6, allow me to briefly touch upon another important aspect of this item, namely the effective implementation of the international instruments that underpin international cooperation against organized crime. In this context, we reiterate our strong commitment to the implementation of the Palermo Convention and its review mechanism, to which we have consistently contributed through voluntary funding. At the same time, we believe that mechanisms established by Member States to support implementation and accountability should progressively rely on adequate and predictable regular budget resources. Accountability and transparency are the cornerstone of any organization, and all the more so at this complex juncture in the multilateral system. If we believe, as we do, In these principles, then, mechanisms for the effective delivery must be strengthened. They cannot be left solely to the generosity of some member states.


Chair [3:00:52]:

Thank you. Thank you. And the next speaker is Canada. You have the floor,


Canada [3:00:57]:

please. Monsieur le Président. Chairperson, Canada promotes a prevention-based approach to crime based on evidence and early interventions. In addressing the risk factors and underlying protection factors, particularly amongst young people who are at risk, this approach remains profitable and reduces the probability of reoffending. To prevent crime, Canada is particularly implementing the National Crime Prevention Strategy, which supports community projects. This strategy has 4 financing programs: the Fund to Prevent Youth Gangs, the Action Fund for Crime Prevention, the Fund for Crime Prevention in the North and Amongst First Nations, and the Canada Community Security Program. These programs cover a large— a broad range of local initiatives throughout the country, in particular those which use sports to connect young people to positive models and favor their social and personal development. I'm now going to continue with my I will make my comments in English. Chair, Canada is active in preventing gun and gang violence. This spring, we announced $157.5 million over 3 years for municipalities and Indigenous communities to support organizations working with children, youth, and young adults involved in or at risk of joining gangs. Canada is also advancing legislation to address public safety challenges, including intimate partner violence and femicide. Hate crimes, and youth victimization. International cooperation remains a priority for Canada, and we strongly value the contributions of UNODC-affiliated institutes, including the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime in Montreal and the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform in Vancouver. They provide critically needed expertise and greatly contribute to strengthening community safety in in Canada and abroad. We were in particular pleased to see the leadership role that the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform assumed within the PNI network this year, taking over the role of coordinating the activities of the 18 PNIs. At home and abroad, Canada will continue to promote a holistic approach to crime prevention, one that ensures a balance between law enforcement, early intervention, addressing the root causes of crime, all while upholding human rights. This is the most effective approach to achieving our shared objectives. Thank


Chair [3:03:24]:

you. Thank you. And the next speaker is the delegation of the United Republic of Tanzania. You have the floor.


United Republic of Tanzania [3:03:41]:

Mr. Chair, Tanzania appreciates an effective, accessible criminal justice system as fundamental to the promotion of rule of law, protection of human rights, inclusive society, and sustainable development. Addressing challenges to criminal justice such as case backlog, prolonged pretrial detention, and limited access to legal representation has been a great priority of the government of the United Republic of Tanzania. In the quest to ensure criminal justice, the government of Tanzania has implemented a range of reforms, both legal and police, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing access to justice, and improving the quality and efficiency of criminal justice services delivered. Some of the initiatives are enhancing case disposition via judicial coordination. By enhancing systematic coordination across law enforcement prosecution services, and correctional departments. Digital integration and access. To overcome geographical and financial barriers, the country has supported the deployment to secure teleconferencing infrastructure connecting high-level operating and criminal court directory to the correctional centers across Tanzania. This measure reduces transport overheads, eliminates administrative charges, and respect the dignity of the accused. Strengthening criminal justice system through partnership. Tanzania recognizes that sustainable criminal justice reforms require collaboration among government institutions, development partners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. Such partnership contributes not only financial and technical resources, but also facilitate knowledge exchange, innovation, and adoption of international best practice. The government has also continued to work closely with the Legal Aid Services Facility in strengthening community-based legal aid structure. Through this partnership, the local capacities have been enhanced through the expansion and professionalization of community paralegal network, ensuring that legal assistance remain accessible at the grassroots level, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Through modernization alternative dispute resolution frameworks, the country has created a reliable alternative pathway that bypasses the formal court system, allowing courts to focus on high-impact litigation. Last year, 2025, the government of Tanzania integrated Tanzania Network Development 2050, which among others establishes a clear link between a predictable legal framework and sustainable socioeconomic development. Mr. Chair, we thank UNODC and other development partners such as European Union, UK, and US, whose support contributed to reaching this milestone. Tanzania experience demonstrates the strategic partnership with development partners in the sense of among advancing criminal justice reform and improving access to justice. Through support for police development, institutional strengthening, capacity building, research, and legal aid services delivered, development partners have complemented national efforts to build more efficient, accountable, and people-centered justice systems. System. Moving forward, the government of United Republic of Tanzania remains committed to work with all member states and development partners towards ensuring national ownership, sustainability, and alignment with national priorities. Continued partnership will be essential in addressing emerging challenges, promoting innovation, and accelerating progress towards an inclusive criminal justice system that uphold the rule of law, protects human rights, and leaves no one behind. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


Chair [3:07:51]:

Thank you. And the next speaker is the delegation of Thailand. You have the floor.


Thailand [3:07:59]:

Mr. Chair, Thailand appreciates the technical assistance provided by the institutes of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Program Network. In the past year, Thai criminal justice agencies have benefited from a wide range of capacity-building activities, including international conferences and professional exchanges. In the area of treatment of offenders, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration, Thailand appreciates its cooperation with the United Nations, Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute in strengthening the capacity of correctional personnel on digital rehabilitation approaches. The Thailand Institute of Justice, through a range of initiatives, contributes to the implementation of the United Nations standards and norms, including the Bangkok Rules. on women prisoners and non-custodial measures. It also promotes the rule of law and access to justice by helping bridge global standards with local practices. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Chair [3:09:16]:

Thank you. And I give now the floor to the delegation of the United Arab Emirates in the understanding that this is your statement, not the right of live. We will come to it at the end of the agenda item. You have the floor.


United Arab Emirates [3:09:34]:

Mr. Chair, the delegation of the UAE would like to recognize and takes note of the statement of UNICRIM regarding the efforts made to prevent crime and to protect children. In this context, my country would like to reiterate its full support to those efforts, especially when it comes to child sextortion and sexual abuse online. The Ministry of the Interior in the UAE leads initiatives that contribute to building capacities of law enforcement agencies. Chief amongst those is the strategic partnership with the Institute since 2020, which was a quantum leap in the mechanisms of investigation in child sexual abuse online. We take pride in the fact that this project has enabled law enforcement agencies in more than 100 countries to reduce the time limit and the period between collecting evidence and investigation to, uh, to only a couple of minutes. Meanwhile, the UAE looks forward to taking— to optimizing ICT and artificial intelligence in all tracks of life. And, and we have— the Ministry of the Interior has hosted a side event entitled The Importance of Keeping Pace by the Law Enforcement Agencies of the Evolving Developments in AI, as we believe in the importance importance of AI in organized crime prevention. Having said that, we reiterate that the protection of persons and the maintenance of their dignity and rights is one of the mainstays of our security and human approaches, and we will continue to cooperate with international partners to strengthen international cooperation to find solutions that contribute to our safety and security.


Chair [3:12:09]:

Mexico, you have the floor.


Mexico [3:12:14]:

Thank you very much, Chairperson. I would like to request that this statement be recorded as the Chairpersonship of Fingovitch Mexico holds this year, and it is to do with various delegations who have spoken with regard to UNICRI and with regard to UNODC. So I'd just like to recall that in the Geneva Agenda there are various elements and points to do with Expressing points of view of delegations from Vienna on the development and implementation of the UN 80 Agenda Programme. So, just with regard to UNICRI, I'd like to say that— Chairing Fingov, I've taken note of the fact that there are diverging positions amongst members of the Commission. And I would like to say that within Fingolf, we can go into greater detail with exchange of views, and we can address the topics to do with UNICRI, with its inclusion in the UN80 programmes, and how it is to do with UNODC as well. So I'm putting that on the table so that delegations can take into account that there is a forum in Vienna where we can exchange points of view and go into greater detail on our differences with regard to this. Thank you very much.


Chair [3:14:08]:

Thank you for this statement. And the next speaker is the Thailand Institute of Justice, you have the floor.


Thailand Institute of Justice [3:14:18]:

Mr. Chair, I thank you for the opportunity to address the Commission under this agenda item. This year is particularly meaningful for the Thailand Institute of Justice as it marks the 10th anniversary of its membership in the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network, or the PNI. Reflecting on these 10 years, we are reminded of how much has been made possible through collective efforts. Together with UNODC and our fellow Institutes across the Network, THA has contributed to advancing United Nations standards and norms across a wide range of areas. Over the years, THA has also had the privilege of working closely with regional frameworks in particular the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its member states. Through research, capacity building, and platforms for dialogue, we have sought to support practitioners and policymakers both within and beyond the criminal justice system. We are living in a time marked by uncertainty, profound change, and the rapid emergence of new technologies. As we mark the 10th anniversary of our membership in the PNI, we also look ahead to the work before us. An opportunity we see to further enhance our work lies in strengthening the link between accelerating the implementation of international standards and norms and promoting people-centered approaches that bring justice closer to those it serves. As part of this effort, the THA has supported the launch of the Bangkok Rules Accelerator, a joint initiative with the UNODC. This initiative will be instrumental in translating the global commitments into practical actions with measurable outcomes, helping to close existing gaps and bring justice closer to the needs of individuals, families, and communities. We also firmly believe that the future of effective crime prevention and criminal justice lies in stronger partnerships across sectors and in expanding engagement beyond traditional justice actors to broader development and the rule of law communities. We also see opportunities in innovation and in the role of younger generations. Their energy and creativity help shape more responsive and forward-looking justice systems. Mr. Chair, in the coming months, the 15th Crime Congress will provide an important platform for policy dialogue, helping to shape the way forward. THA, as part of the PNI, is honored to contribute to this dialogue through the co-organization of workshops that support and enrich its thematic discussions. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with our partners as we work together to shape the future of crime prevention and criminal justice. Thank you very much for your kind attention.


Chair [3:17:29]:

Thank you for this statement. Next speaker is the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders. You have the floor.


UNAFEI [3:17:43]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Sorry for the long name. UNAFE highly commends UNODC's tireless effort to advance the international crime prevention and criminal justice agenda. We firmly believe that the PNI, in close cooperation with UNODC, plays an important role in sustaining and further strengthening these global efforts. And as one of the oldest PNI, UNFA has been providing training courses and seminars for criminal justice practitioners for over 60 years since its establishment in 1962. Our activities are designed to respond to the evolving needs of participating countries and are closely aligned with the priority areas of the United Nations. Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Program, and we are proud to announce that the total number of UNIFAY alumni has reached 6,800. Now, since the previous CCP CJ, UNIFAY has conducted a series of training courses on criminal justice, offender treatment, anti-corruption, and a seminar for senior practitioners and policymakers. Now, each of these courses are 4 weeks long, in-person training in Tokyo, through which we have trained approximately 70 selected practitioners since last CCP CJ from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. UNIFAE has also provided technical assistance on offender treatment in Southeast Asia in cooperation with UNODC. DC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, known as the ROSEAC. In addition, UNFA expanded its collaboration with ROSEAC and through the first Pacific Island Countries and Territories Training Program, we have contributed to strengthen the capacity of 78 police officers and prosecutors in the region. using to address transnational organized crime. Furthermore, in collaboration with the UNA headquarters in Vienna, UNFA organized a study visit for 25 Ukrainian anti-corruption officials under the UNODC's Anti-Corruption Technical Assistance Program for Ukraine. This initiative offered valuable opportunities to learn about Japan's financial techniques. INTERPOL reaffirms its commitment to continuing technical assistance to member states in close cooperation with UNODC. So in closing, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to— once again, to UNODC, our fellow P&Is, and the Asia Crime Prevention Foundation, and all the other organizations that support INTERPOL's activities. Thank you very much for your attention.


Chair [3:20:40]:

Thank you. Thank you for this statement. And now we move on to the Korean Institute, Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice. The floor is yours.


Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice [3:20:54]:

Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates, we are living in a time when artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of our societies at an unprecedented pace. While AI presents immense opportunities for innovation and human advancement, it also introduced a new and increasingly complex risk in the field of crime prevention and crime— criminal justice. These challenges transcend national borders. No single government or institution can effectively respond to them alone. For this reason, international cooperation on AI governance is no longer optional. It is imperative. At the same time, there is a growing need for a credible and inclusive platform through which governments international organizations, academia, and private sector can collectively discuss principles, standards, and practical cooperation for reasonable AI governance. In recognition of this need, the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice has recently established a strategic research group on AI Justice, dedicated to advancing research and international cooperation on AI governance and criminal justice. Furthermore, in the Republic of Korea, the government and international organizations have come together to launch the Global AI Hub initiative. In May 2026, the government of the Republic of Korea officially hosted in the Global AI Hub Vision Declaration Ceremony with the vision of AI for All, AI to Serve Global Changes— Challenges. This initiative aims to provide an open and collaborative platform to support international cooperation Value sharing and the responsible use of AI technologies in addressing complex global challenges. In this context, we believe the UNODC is uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to this evolving global discourse. In particular, we hope that UNODC will actively engage in and support international efforts to develop effective governance framework in areas related to crime prevention and criminal justice. Thank you.


Chair [3:23:54]:

Thank you for the statement, and I'd like to inform you that we break for lunch at 1:15 because we started a bit later today in the morning, and the next speaker is the Action Lab for Development. You have the floor.


Action Lab for Development [3:24:21]:

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, Excellencies, Action Lab for Development welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this distinguished In this work in Cameroon, the organization has delivered structured training programs in innovation and vocational skills for young people, women, and economically disadvantaged community members. This experience has reinforced the importance of preventive approaches that expand access to learning opportunities. Communities, practical skills, and local support networks before individuals face heightened exposure to exploitation, violence, or recruitment by criminal networks. Acción Lab for Development wishes to underscore that crime prevention strategies should not be approached exclusively through punitive or reactive framework. Communities affected by poverty, marginalization, weak institutional protection, free force displacement, and unequal access to education and digital tools are often more exposed to violence, trafficking in persons, exploitation, corruption, and recruitment by criminal networks. In this regard, meaningful youth participation innovation and community-based educational initiatives should be regarded not merely as symbolic components of international discussions but as substantive contributions to public policy development, prevention initiatives, community resilience, and advocacy efforts. At the same time, digital transformation is reshaping both opportunity and risk. Emerging technologies can support education, reporting mechanisms, service delivery, and access to information. But they can also intensify exploitation, misinformation, privacy concerns, and other cyber-enabled harm. In this context, Action Lab for Development encourages the Commission and member states States to continue promoting the integration of community-based education and vocational pathway into national crime prevention strategies, particularly for young people at risk of recruitment, trafficking, violence, and online exploitation. Structured mechanisms for the participation of civil society organizations and youth representative in the design, implementation, and follow-up of crime prevention policies at the local, national, and multilateral levels. A stronger referral pathway, victim support service, and access to justice for women, children, migrants, and refugees, and international displaced persons affected by trafficking, exploitation, and violence. Right and respecting capacity building on cyber-enabled crime, including prevention, digital safety, evidence handling, and awareness raising at the community level. Action Lab for Development reaffirms its commitment to constructive international dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and community-centered advocacy efforts that contribute to more inclusive inclusive, equitable, and human rights-oriented approach to contribute to crime prevention and criminal justice. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Chair [3:28:13]:

Thank you. And we will use the next minutes to come to the requested right of reply. Right of reply was requested by the Delegation of the UAE, do you have the floor?


United Arab Emirates [3:28:32]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we have listened yet again to the representative of Port Sudan who is trying to use this international platform to lay down accusations, to divert our attention from the tragedy that is currently suffered by the Sudanese people. And as in spite of the collapsing infrastructure in Port Sudan, still the authorities of Port Sudan are very much engrossed in accusing others. And instead of this, on 31st of May, they have killed 10 civilians, including 8 children, by a drone that targeted 2 civilian vehicles west of Kordofan. And a lot of Sudanese civilians continue to pay the price for this war on a daily basis. Mr. Chair, we would like to reiterate the importance of sticking to the purpose of this session and to focus on our agenda items and not to distract our attention Thank you very much.


Chair [3:29:47]:

And I see that also the delegation of Sudan is asking for the floor for exercising a right of reply. The floor is yours, and please, I'd like to remind you that the first right of reply is 2 minutes, second one 1 minute. Please observe these time limits. Thank you.


Sudan [3:30:07]:

Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor to express our right of reply. I would like to exercise my right of reply in response to the representative of the Sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi. My delegation has not invented any accusations to the authorities of the Sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi. We have only mentioned and referred to international reports published in all media outlets and online, as well as all social media. On the involvement by this state in an— in a very serious crime with very serious repercussions on international peace and security, as they are involved in the crime of financing, deployment, and transporting of mercenaries. That's why I'm so astounded and surprised at the allegations of the representative of the Sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi that the Sudanese only invented accusations against their country. We, we have not, we have not brought any piece of information on our part. We merely have reported what was reported by credible media outlets and international organizations of proven credibility, including Human Rights Watch and other prominent and very well-known and well-established newspapers like New York Times and The Guardian, as well as other institutes and, uh, and prestigious research academic centers. And for all those who might question this information, you can see simply consult any search engine on internet and use these— and I will give you the sentences or the phrases to use to search for these, uh, for these reports, which is the crime of recruitment of mercenaries. So if you would like to get the right information, you can use those phrases. UAE support of RSF, and you will find a wealth, a treasure trove of information. And this is the compelling truth for all those who seek it. Thank you.


Chair [3:33:09]:

Thank you. Now give the floor for a second right of reply to the delegation of the UAE. It's 1 minute.


United Arab Emirates [3:33:16]:

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Sudanese do not need more accusations. They only need brave decisions to put an end to this war and the continuing suffering. Also, we cannot turn a blind eye to the attack that was launched by Port Sudan on the, uh, on a cargo of the Food Programme the World Food Programme in the Sudan that have jeopardized the lives of millions of the Sudanese. Again, we would like to reiterate that it's very important to stick to the main purpose for which this session has been held and to focus on the topic at hand without trying to distract our attention, uh, to other issues.


Chair [3:34:04]:

Request for a second round of applause by Sudan. The floor is yours.


Sudan [3:34:11]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. For the second time, I would like to reaffirm that all that we have mentioned is not accusations. These are documented facts and published facts, and according to, according to those facts, the Security Council has decided a number of sanctions against 3 Colombians and 4 Colombian institutions, in addition to a Sudanese citizen who lives on the territories of the Sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi. That's why all that we have mentioned is but facts that we wanted to lay bare in front of you. Also, we want to speak about a very serious emerging crime that will have very serious repercussions on international peace and security. Thank you, Mr. Chair.


Chair [3:35:11]:

Thank you. I don't see any further requests for right of replies, and with this we come to the end of this morning session. We will meet here again at 3 sharp to continue our session and start the afternoon session. Thank you very much. Thank you.