HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF UN CRIME CONGRESS EMPHASIZES NEED FOR ACTION TO COMBAT TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME

Press Release
SOC/CP/226

HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF UN CRIME CONGRESS EMPHASIZES NEED FOR ACTION TO COMBAT TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME

(Received from a UN Information Officer.)

VIENNA, 14 April -- Twenty-two speakers addressed the High-Level Segment of the Tenth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders this afternoon.

The worldwide gathering of Justice Ministers and other high-ranking judicial officials addressed the root causes of transnational organized crime and shared experiences in search of a common means of combating the universal problem. They expressed concern over the growth and diversification of high-technology crime and stressed the need to better equip and train law enforcement officials to make them more competitive with organized crime groups. Many countries also made observations regarding the spread of corruption and offered proposals to overcome it.

Most speakers emphasized the importance of a speedy conclusion of the United Nations draft convention on transnational organized crime and its three protocols and made suggestions in that respect.

The Minister of Justice of Turkey said the completion of those instruments would constitute a very important step in the fight against transnational crime, provided they covered all forms of organized crime, including terrorism. There was ample evidence that a close link existed between organized crime and subversive terrorist activities. If the convention failed to reflect that obvious connection, many loopholes would remain for criminals in the instrument. Such a weakness could cause grave problems during the implementation phase.

The Minister of Justice of China said that the convention should fully reflect the principles of State sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit. It should take into account existing legal instruments and the principles of extradition and legal assistance. It was necessary to take into consideration the cultural and political backgrounds of different legal systems and include articles on the provision of technical assistance to developing countries, extradition and legal assistance.

The Justice Minister of Canada stressed the importance of meeting the agreed timetable in elaborating the three protocols to the main convention –- that is, protocols on the smuggling of migrants; the trafficking in persons, especially women and children; and the illicit firearms trade. The firearms protocol was

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essential to international security; and the two migrant-related protocols would provide the tools and international legal framework necessary to combat smuggling and trafficking in humans. Although much remained to be done, it was necessary to remain committed to meeting the established deadline of the end of year 2000 for the conclusion of negotiations on all four instruments.

“We have to recognize that transnational crime is constantly evolving and growing, like a virus”, the Minister for Justice and Customs of Australia said. International cooperation should occur on a number of levels: through formal international cooperation arrangements, allowing for extradition and exchange of information; through law enforcement liaison networks; and through sharing skills and capabilities. That required greater harmony between the legal systems of particular countries. Like charity, however, cooperation should begin at home. National law enforcement agencies must work together to provide a coordinated national response to international organized crime.

Also speaking this afternoon were Ministers from South Africa, Argentina, Bolivia, Malta, Hungary, Benin, Colombia and Guatemala.

Deputy Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Croatia, Uzbekistan and Peru also made statements. The Prosecutor General of Japan, the Deputy Prosecutor-General of Mexico, a representative of Burkina Faso, as well as a judge from Spain, also spoke.

The High-level Segment of the Congress will resume at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday 15 April.

High-Level Segment Statements

STEPHEN VUKILE TSHWETE, Minister of Safety and Security of South Africa: The various regional instruments and initiatives on corruption, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Convention on Bribery of Public Officials, is welcomed by South Africa. It also welcomes the recent initiative in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to develop regional arrangements and instruments on corruption, extradition and mutual legal assistance.

While cooperation needs to be strengthened at the level of extradition and mutual legal assistance, the strengthening of other forms of cooperation needs equal emphasis. The exchange of intelligence on organized crime is of crucial importance and should include the exchange of technical know-how in the fields of communications, electronic surveillance and building of intelligence databases.

In the context of the SADC, regional police cooperation has already benefited 11 countries, in joint investigation and operations. In addition to the SADC Protocol on the Control of Illicit Drug Trafficking, initiatives are under way to develop a regional instrument to combat the illicit flow of firearms. We have also entered into a number of bilateral agreements, some of which are beginning to yield results, especially in the fields of trafficking in firearms and judicial cooperation.

RICARDO GIL LAVEDRA, Minister of Justice of Argentina: A growing flow of individuals and the development of technology make it easier for organized groups of criminals to participate in transnational crime. Criminals for their advantage use the loopholes and discrepancies in various legislations. Organized crime creates a serious threat to peace and undermines the principles of equality of people under law, for criminals often get away with crime, having escaped from the country where they have committed a criminal act. The rule of law must be emphasized throughout the world. Unanimous agreement is needed to combat this phenomenon; the international community needs “blueprints” for common action.

The only way to stand up to transnational crime is to create universal rules and common procedural regulations. International cooperative mechanisms are needed to ensure that criminals are brought to justice. Flexible and streamlined methods of investigation and criminal procedure must be ensured. The law enforcement bodies must have the same technology as the criminal groups and be well equipped to solve the problem. The elaboration of the draft convention on transnational crime is a step in the right direction.

Such crimes as corruption and money laundering need a major intellectual effort on the part of the international community. Research and exchange of information are indispensable to the international efforts. A lack of resources would have a decisive influence on individual countries’ ability to implement international instruments. Not all countries are equal in terms of available funds; international solidarity should play an important role in this respect. A general and comprehensive text should be elaborated to cover all aspects of transnational crime.

An important aspect of the problem is safety of a country’s informational systems. The advance of technology has an impact on all aspects of life, but there is no appropriate response to new kinds of Internet and other technological crimes in conventional legal instruments. The United Nations cannot remain indifferent to these crimes, which require urgent attention. Argentina fully supports the negotiations on the draft convention and its protocols. The convention will be global in nature, and it will be able to defend our societies against such crimes as corruption and money laundering. Yesterday, my country adopted measures to punish money laundering. That problem has also been discussed within the framework of MERCOSUR. It is reassuring that in just a few hours we will adopt a declaration on crime and the administration of justice, which testifies to our determination to combat international crime.

TONIO BORG, Minister for Home Affairs of Malta: The envisaged protocol against trafficking in persons, especially women and children, is a step in the right direction. Malta will agree to cooperate in seeking out traffickers and victims, as well as in identifying trafficking methods, including recruitment routes and links between individuals and trafficking groups. In this respect, international cooperation can only take place through the prompt and proper exchange of intelligence and information. In the European sphere, the first contacts have been made between Malta and the newly founded Europol; bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries have been signed, relating to organized crime, drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

As an applicant country to join the European Union, Malta has committed itself to adopt provisions on matters relating to justice and home affairs, including the creation of an area of security freedom and justice. This means ensuring security of borders while respecting the rights and freedoms of others, including refugees. For that reason, a law on asylum has, for the first time, been presented to the Maltese Parliament and will be on the statute book by the end of June.

The draft declaration stresses the importance of taking steps to prevent and combat crimes associated with racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance. Following the criminal prohibition of spreading and fomenting racial hatred through the media, it is intended to introduce in the Criminal Code the specific general crime of racial hatred or behaviour manifested by whatever means.

GAO CHANGLI, Minister of Justice of China: Transnational crime has been on the increase. Both the developed and the developing countries are paying a price. The reasons for transnational organized crime are complicated, involving economic, political, cultural and social aspects of countries concerned. Since transnational crime has been getting more and more serious, it has become a common understanding that, without international cooperation, we will not be able to cope with this challenge.

In recent years, China has made many amendments to its criminal legislation. The new criminal law, which was revised in 1997, explicitly defines as criminal acts such common offences as organizing and participating in a criminal group or a money-laundering scheme. This makes the law on organized crime more specific, more applicable and more effective. The key to successful control and prevention of transnational organized crime lies with effective law enforcement. China has already established special agencies responsible for control and prevention of organized crime. An anti-smuggling police unit was established in 1998. Chinese law enforcement agencies have also begun a series of efforts against organized criminal groups involved in smuggling, economic crime and violent acts. China has signed 33 bilateral legal assistance treaties, of which 23 involve criminal matters. It has also signed extradition treaties with 11 countries and acceded to over 20 multilateral conventions.

The draft convention against transnational crime will play a very important role in international cooperation to combat and prevent crime more effectively. The scope of application of the convention should be defined in a reasonable manner. The Chinese delegation holds that the convention is applicable only to crimes with elements of both a transnational and an organized nature. The convention should fully reflect the principles of State sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit. It should take into account existing conventions and the principles of extradition and legal assistance.

It is necessary to further strengthen relevant stipulations of existing international instruments to make the convention more effective and to take into consideration the cultural and political backgrounds of different legal systems. The convention should include articles on the provision of technical assistance to developing countries. When finalized, it should become the basis for extradition and legal assistance among all signatory countries.

SAAD AL-NASIR AL-SADIRI, Deputy Minister of the Interior of Saudi Arabia: Despite the many United Nations efforts, crime is still increasing in terms of complexity and methodology. This is because efforts should be focused on an examination of the root causes. It is more useful to seriously consider that aspect and bear it in mind in the context of a United Nations plan to combat crime.

Ignorance, the breakdown of the family, the shift away from spiritual values, and the impact of sex and violent films have had an impact. The world will have to come to grips with new challenges. Crime is an international issue, especially organized crime, drug trafficking, exploitation of women and children, trafficking in weapons of mass destruction, forgery and counterfeit money.

One of the factors boosting crime is the ability of criminal organizations to use computers and the Internet. All this requires a firm response on our part because it is a challenge to the values and moral principles of our societies. So far, Saudi Arabia has been protected from these activities. It has one of the world’s lowest crime rates, thanks to the enshrinement of sharia, which rejects crime. We have modernized our laws in conformity with Islamic law.

EDUARDO IBARROLA NICOLIN, Deputy Prosecutor for Juridical and International Affairs, Office of the Prosecutor General of Mexico: Mexico is a country producing certain narcotics, and it is also a transit country for the trafficking of cocaine. Drug consumption is increasing in the country. For this reason, the Government has defined drug trafficking as one of the main threats to national security and is taking every measure to overcome the problem. Violent crime is increasing in the country. Many of the offences have links to organized crime. The new administration has instituted a constitutional reform, which includes measures towards modernization of public safety authorities and creation of a scientific database for offences. Police work is being improved, and allocations for public safety are growing. Criminal legislation has been enacted in the area of computer crime and organized criminal groups.

It is obvious that organized crime is transnational in nature. In many cases, it is better equipped than the law enforcement structures. Sophisticated financial structures are at the criminals’ disposal, and that makes it very difficult to trace the proceeds of crime. Corruption is an important aspect of organized crime. In March 1997, a confidence control centre was established in Mexico, which created a polygraph system for checking public officials. Mexico is closely monitoring anti-corruption projects within the Council of Europe, where it has observer status.

A comprehensive instrument is needed to combat international organized crime through new cooperation efforts. Mexico has actively participated in the work on the transnational crime convention and its protocols. It believes that the Congress is an effective tool for finding common means of combating the scourge of crime. Mexico would like to act as host for the next Congress.

BALTASAR GARZON REAL, Justice of the First Court of Appeals of Spain: The concept of cooperation must be the subject of deep-seated reform, not just in the European Union, where great progress has been made, but in other more open areas, as well. Regarding the concept of extradition, sovereignty must be yielded so that universal justice can be applied. That principle must be applied to organized crime.

Terrorism has a particular impact in Spain because terrorist groups are active there as they are elsewhere. Terrorism is becoming increasingly similar to organized crime, using similar structures and financial operations. The proper time has come to define the terms of universal justice.

ANNE McLELLAN, Minister of Justice of Canada: It is critical that all work together to strengthen the security, economic and political systems in all countries, so that the conditions which give rise to organized crime do not emerge. Nations cannot be expected to deal effectively with these growing problems on their own.

It is in our collective interest to have the draft convention, and particularly its core mutual legal assistance and extradition provisions, which deal broadly with organized crime. Such international cooperation is essential to tackle organized crime. Canada acknowledged this by enacting new legislation in 1999, allowing for the surrender of persons to a variety of extradition partners and for a variety of offences.

We must maintain our momentum and meet our agreed timetable in elaborating the three protocols to the main Convention –- that is, protocols on the smuggling of migrants; the trafficking in persons, especially women and children; and the illicit firearms trade. The firearms protocol is essential to human security; the two migrant-related protocols will provide the tools and international legal framework necessary to combat smuggling and trafficking in humans. There is still important work to be done. Nevertheless, we must remain committed to meeting our established deadline of the year 2000 for the conclusion of negotiations on all four instruments.

Canada is pleased with the progress achieved in transborder computer crime. However, education, training and information exchange regarding high-tech crimes should be an early priority for the United Nations. Corruption is a challenge that no country can ignore. We must address it, taking its many facets into account. In addition, Canada would also encourage the criminalization of corruption as a predicate offence in the context of the proceeds of crime.

KEISUKE KITAJIMA, Prosecutor General of Japan: In Japan, traditional organized criminal groups called Borykudan, as well as new groups of domestic and foreign origin, are becoming increasingly bolder. In 1999, Japan introduced new legislation in order to control the illegal activities of these groups. Three new laws were adopted, which introduced new offences of organized murder and unlawful control of enterprises through the proceeds of crime. They also entrusted the financial supervisory agency with the function of a financial intelligence unit and introduced provisions to enhance international cooperation and victim protection. A new law was also adopted as a measure against Aum-Shinuikyo –- a cult group, which committed a poison gas attack on the Tokyo underground just before the Ninth Congress.

There is a need for consolidated international action against organized criminal groups. Japan has been actively participating in the elaboration of the draft convention on transnational crime and making financial contributions to assist international efforts in that respect. The meetings hosted by Japan include a series of workshops and seminars on firearms control, immigration control, and techniques to detect forged travel documents. The United Nations- affiliated Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, which is based in Japan, has played an important role in the organization and preparation of one of the workshops at the Congress.

HIKMET SAMI TURK, Minister of Justice of Turkey: Criminality, particularly in the form of criminal organization, corruption, trafficking in illicit drugs and firearms, sexual exploitation of children and women, has reached an alarming level. Criminal organizations are increasingly utilizing sophisticated methods and transnational means that require very effective and determined national and international countermeasures. The spread of xenophobia and racial discrimination, as it appears particularly in the Western countries, can also be included among the negative impacts of globalization. Full implementation of the rule of law in all countries is the principal remedy against such threats.

Turkey is located on the so-called Balkan route, along which a significant proportion of heroin is sent to the West. It is also a transit country for the movement of cocaine, synthetic drugs and other substances. The country has been waging a resolute battle against drug trafficking. It has also introduced a considerable number of measures against money laundering and corruption. In order to combat criminal organizations, the country has empowered investigators with special procedural techniques, such as tapping or intercepting telecommunications, clandestine surveillance, reviewing records and data and employing secret agents. Yet, to safeguard human rights, such measures can only be implemented according to decisions by judges. Some protective measures are also provided for witnesses and officers of the law.

International cooperation is absolutely necessary to make domestic measures more effective in order to combat transnational crime. In this respect, the completion of the United Nations convention on transnational crime and its protocols will constitute an important step in the fight against organized crime if they cover all forms of organized crime, including terrorism. There is ample evidence that a close link exists between organized crime and subversive terrorist activities. If we do not reflect this evident link, we will have an international instrument with many loopholes for criminals. Such a weakness may raise grave problems during the implementation phase.

In Turkey, provisions of bilateral and multilateral agreements generally govern the issues relating to international cooperation in criminal matters. According to the Turkish Constitution, international treaties become part of national law after they are put into effect. In practice, we are facing profound problems stemming from the interpretation of conventions and their implementation by States. The differences of interpretation might totally nullify conventions. Therefore, a common understanding of their content and harmonization of practices by the law enforcement agencies are as important as the negotiation of those instruments themselves.

JUAN ANTONIO CHAHIN LUPO, Minister of Justice of Bolivia: One way to underpin the democratic process is to institute judicial reform as a fundamental policy line of the State. This is not just to develop our system, but to change a stifling atmosphere for a new shining future with justice for all.

The Bolivian State is playing a new role through democratic dialogue aimed at combating injustice and poverty. It aims at achieving more respect for human rights. We would like to bring about full respect for those who are different and ensure full justice for all.

We have created new links with civil society, private enterprise, non- governmental organizations and foundations. We have training programmes for all judicial officials, and we have included legal management programmes in universities.

Bolivia is implementing a new criminal procedure code and intends to launch a new criminal justice system. We are adapting the old institutions to the new situation and hope that, by May 2001, all Bolivians will be ready for it.

Legal aid is provided for low-income defendants throughout the country, not just in the towns. There has been a new effort to eliminate corruption with the support of the World Bank and the non-governmental organization Transparency International.

IBOLYA DAVID, Minister of Justice of Hungary: Although not yet a member of the European Union, Hungary fully shares that organization’s views on the need to combat transnational organized crime. Legal instruments have been developed for the task, but the country must increase the efficiency of its intellectual and physical assets.

The State must not only be capable of taking action in the war against crime; it must also be able to protect itself. We need to establish strong crime prevention and criminal justice systems, as well as to develop away from traditional models of fighting crime. Innovative measures are necessary. Hungary is always ready to take part in joint actions.

AMANDA ELOISE VANSTONE, Minister for Justice and Customs of Australia: The problem of international crime is huge. Transnational crime is constantly evolving and growing, like a virus. International cooperation needs to occur on a number of levels: through formal international cooperation arrangements that allow for extradition and exchange of information; through law enforcement liaison networks; and through sharing skills and capabilities. For that, we need greater harmony between the legal systems of the countries with which we cooperate. Like charity, however, cooperation begins at home. We must ensure that our national law enforcement agencies work together to provide a coordinated national response to international organized crime.

Australia has taken steps to seriously increase the penalties for people smuggling, augmenting penalties fivefold. We look forward to the conclusion of the proposed protocols to the draft convention on transnational crime, which deal with these issues. In addition to making trafficking of people a criminal offence, we have criminalized the behaviour of Australians overseas who engage in child sex tourism. Australia is proud of its record in implementing measures to counter money-laundering activities.

The convention on transnational crime represents a defining moment in overcoming differences in the legal traditions of various States for combating crime. There is no time for prolonged negotiations on the convention. We urge all countries to contribute fully and constructively to the negotiations on the draft, with a view to early finalization of an effective agreement. Australia believes the proposed declaration on crime and justice offers great potential to all States in reaching agreement on long-term plans against transnational crime.

PETR IBL, Vice-Minister of the Interior of the Czech Republic: A number of issues, particularly violence against women and children and trafficking in them, have a direct bearing on human rights. Many delegations have underlined the interconnection between crime and human rights. It is, therefore, fully justified that both the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and the Commission on Human Rights deal with some topics. Their cooperation and exchange of information are of vital importance.

The Crime Congress will adopt the Declaration on Crime and Justice, a complex document of major importance addressing the most urgent issues. It is the balance between high quality legislation, on the one hand, and social and economic development, on the other, that forms a precondition for successful crime prevention. Experience from the past has taught us that both sides are irreplaceable.

The Declaration opens up a comparatively new subject –- that of xenophobia, racism and racist criminal acts. Despite the fact that racist criminal acts represent only one tenth of a per cent out of the total crimes in the Czech Republic, they exist and are registered with concern by both the domestic and international communities. Increasing attention has been paid to the prevention of such crimes and to the promotion of inter-cultural and inter-ethnic understanding.

JOSEPH H. GNONLONFOUN, Minister of Justice of Benin: Modern society often views children as goods to be traded. National criminal legislation needs to be changed to increase protection of children. However, no domestic provision can thrive without international mobilization against this shameful form of slavery. Other manifestations of people trafficking concern women and poor migrants.

Corruption is “a tentacled hydra”, and it needs to be effectively controlled. A basic social minimum needs to be ensured for all citizens; Benin is waging war against corruption to ensure loyal service of its public officials. The media are called upon to help in this struggle. International support is essential in the fight against corruption, which is tantamount to genocide and should be considered as a crime against mankind. Benin has confidence in international community. A popular saying states that a river may well run wide, but it always needs yet another drop of rain. In the fight against transnational crime, the international community needs small countries, too.

ISAN MUSTAFAEV, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan: One of the most acute problems faced by the international community is that of terrorism. It long ago transcended national borders and presently constitutes one of the main threats to international security. Terrorist groups are involved in drug trafficking in order to finance their operations.

Special attention should be paid to the outcome of the regional meetings held to prepare for this Congress. Calls were made at those meetings for the consolidation of findings on terrorism. There were expressions of concern about the growing threat of terrorism and the need for greater international cooperation against it.

One of the hallmarks of international terrorism is the new method used by terrorist groups. A centre against terrorism should be set up to coordinate international action and to target its sources of funding and support. Such a centre should also extend meaningful support to anti-terrorism efforts. States must achieve a decisive breakthrough against this evil. Such an effort can only succeed if all countries pool their resources together.

CHOR CHEE HEUNG, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia: Globalization is an omnibus concept; its political, economic and social impact is tremendous and irreversible. Transnational crime is taking advantage of new opportunities, and today we are confronted with types of crimes which are not only diversified, but also more complex and extensive in their scope. It is clear that current efforts are inadequate to meet the new challenges posed by the new operational methods of the criminal groups. Despite the cooperation on various international levels, the ability of criminals to evade the reaches of the law has baffled even the best- equipped enforcement agencies.

International organizations and members of civil society should take part in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. Effective communication and exchange of information are the essence of sound cooperation and assistance. Treaties and agreements are no doubt indispensable, but cooperation among law enforcement officials based on mutual assistance is a prerequisite to the successful investigation and prevention of many types of crime. At the national level, laws need to be updated and reviewed. Due to the low economic and social development of some countries, the resources needed for effective action against criminals often have to give way to other priorities.

A global will to address the global cancer of crime needs to be reaffirmed. At the heart of sustainable economic and social development is the commitment of governments to ensure an enabling environment to promote equitable growth and social integration. The rule of law must be respected by all. Corruption costs governments untold millions of dollars, while criminal groups exploit their weaknesses to execute their illegal activities. We encourage a closer cooperation between enforcement agencies and members of civil society to create greater awareness among people of their legal rights. The public should also be constantly sensitized to the plight of victims of crimes, particularly women and children. Transnational crime cannot be effectively countered if countries are not forthcoming in responding to inquiries. Latest information on crime activities and analysis of the prevalent trends are important in devising new strategies. The role of the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention is commendable in this respect. We look forward to the adoption of the draft convention on transnational crime.

RANKO MARIJAN, Deputy Minister of Justice of Croatia: Three key issues are international cooperation, the harmonization of the instruments under negotiation and their implementation. Croatia’s position on transnational organized crime is like that of all other United Nations Member States; Croatia must draft legislative standards to put the rule of law into practice.

Croatia fully agrees that every State has the responsibility to establish its own ethical and just criminal justice system. It advocates an immediate completion of the draft convention and its three protocols and will try to contribute to that end. After the adoption, Croatia will do everything possible to ensure that it signs and ratifies the instruments. Croatia will continue to be in the forefront of the fight against transnational organized crime.

ANA REATEGUI NAPURI, Vice-Minister of Justice of Peru: The Government has established the fight against drug trafficking as one of its priorities and devised a national programme to that effect. However, it is also necessary to strengthen international cooperation to overcome this criminal phenomenon. Peru coordinates its efforts with other States and the international community.

An international instrument needs to make such mutual assistance mandatory. For this reason, we are looking forward to the completion of work on the United Nations convention on transnational crime and its three protocols. A more expedient process of extradition must be devised; Peru suggests including in the convention relevant provisions which would allow extradition through a centralized international authority. The final political declaration of the Congress should ensure international commitment to peace and development, as well as a united fight against crime.

ROMULO GONZALEZ TRUJILLO, Minister of Justice of Colombia: National populations are aware that hand in hand with the rise of globalization have risen transnational crime, violence and insecurity. Prospects for many nations, especially developing ones, are not particularly encouraging. But at a meeting such as this, they must make some commitment to the rule of law and the safeguarding of human rights.

Combating transnational organized crime is a major challenge for the new century. Colombia, in keeping with domestic realities and needs, is carrying our specific actions. First, the Government has put forward a dynamic anti-criminal policy, which is constantly being revised and updated to keep pace with money laundering, kidnapping and drug-trafficking schemes. The “Plan Colombia” policy directly attacks the financial structures of the criminal organizations.

Administrative corruption in Colombia warrants the closest attention at the highest level, to the extent that the Vice-President is in charge of anti- corruption efforts. Colombia supports the initiative for broad-ranging instruments to fight organized crime, especially trafficking in human beings, which has spread around the world. Since 1996, Colombia has undertaken enormous efforts in establishing national instruments to combat money laundering as a stand-alone offence.

THOMAS SANON (Burkina Faso): At the national level, each State must take the necessary measures to reform judicial systems and formulate crime prevention strategies. The patience of citizens is critical in the fight against crime. In most African countries, where tradition is heavy, civic duty sometimes fails.

At the subregional and regional level, the situation is aggravated by factors such as economic depression, trafficking in arms, refugees and others. In parallel with the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention and other similar bodies, African governments should harmonize their crime prevention systems.

Regional programmes have been set up thanks to the United Nations and national drug control programmes. Unfortunately, these are often short of funds and outpaced by increasingly sophisticated criminal operations. The Government supports the idea of creating a special fund to help developing countries to shoulder their obligations in the fight against transnational crime.

MARIO GUILLERMO RUIZ WONG, of the Ministry of Governance of Guatemala: The peace agreements signed by Guatemala allow for normalization of the situation in the country. Fundamental changes were introduced to the legal and legislative branches in the country, which are yet to be fully implemented. The criminal code is being updated, and police reforms are under way to ensure the enjoyment of human rights and liberty by the population. The United Nations Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) was playing an important role in the rebuilding of the country. The problems encountered by the country included the prevalence of the culture of violence and widespread poverty, as well as lack of confidence in authorities and institutional weakness.

Three months after the new Government was set up, the country started looking for solutions to the prevalent problems. The authorities also started

programmes of crime prevention and deterrence. Guatemala is receiving assistance from many international organizations and individual countries. The penitentiary system of the country is in need of total rehabilitation. A bill on the reform of the penitentiary system will be submitted in the near future. It is also necessary to increase the number of law enforcement personnel and to strengthen the police force of Guatemala. Citizens’ participation is being emphasized in crime prevention. Local safety boards are being set up for this purpose. Coordination and collaboration between the ministries and civil society are being emphasized. Relevant laws on migration are being revised, and a programme of multilateral cooperation for the return of migrants is being devised within the region. Reforms of the national civil police law have begun.

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