Statement by Mark Shaw at the 33rd Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Summary

The speaker, representing the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, highlights the growing threat of transnational organized crime and calls for a more strategic global response. Despite recent efforts by international bodies like Interpol and the UN, the current approach remains stagnant, with rising criminality rates and illicit markets. The speaker urges for transparent, rule-of-law-based governance and more effective international cooperation and technical assistance. They criticize the lack of progress in reviewing country commitments under the UN convention and advocate for turning declarations and resolutions into concrete actions.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Transnational organized crime (TOC) is a growing global threat, affecting security, human rights, and the environment.
• 📈 In 2023, 83% of the global population lived in countries with high criminality, a significant increase from 2021's 79%.
• 🛑 Current efforts against TOC, including international cooperation and technical assistance, are inadequate and need a more strategic approach.
• 🔗 The link between criminality, conflict, and instability is clear, as TOC contributes to arms flows and violence.
• 🔍 There is a lack of transparency in reviewing countries' efforts to address TOC, as discussions remain behind closed doors and no reviews have been published since 2020.
• 📅 The UN recently recognized the severity of TOC by adopting a new International Day on Transnational Organized Crime.
• 📜 While declarations and resolutions are important, they are not enough; action and implementation are crucial to counter TOC effectively.
• ⚖️ Good governance practices that are open, transparent, and rooted in the rule of law are essential for combatting TOC.
• 🤝 Effective international cooperation and technical assistance are key to addressing TOC, but current approaches need to be reevaluated and strengthened.
• 🚨 The international community must act urgently to turn statements into tangible actions to mitigate the growing threat of TOC.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the statement made in the transcript?

The statement focuses on the pervasive threat of transnational organized crime (TOC) and emphasizes the need for more strategic responses, including enhanced international cooperation and technical assistance.

What recent global recognition is mentioned regarding the threat of transnational organized crime?

The recognition of the threat posed by transnational organized crime has been acknowledged by the INTERPOL General Assembly, the UN Security Council, and the UN General Assembly, which recently adopted a new international day on TOC.

What is the speaker’s view on the current approach to preventing and countering transnational organized crime?

The speaker describes the current approach to international cooperation and technical assistance as 'business as usual,' highlighting the lack of effective measures despite the growing threat of transnational organized crime.

What is the significance of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)?

The UNTOC, adopted decades ago, was a key international response to TOC. However, the speaker argues that the threats have evolved, becoming more pervasive and harmful, requiring renewed global action.

What alarming statistic is shared from the Global Organized Crime Index 2023?

The Global Organized Crime Index 2023 shows that 83% of the global population now lives in countries with high criminality, up from 79% in 2021, indicating that criminality and illicit markets are expanding rapidly.

How does the Global Organized Crime Index link criminality to other global issues?

The index links high criminality to conditions of conflict and instability, which contribute to arms flows and associated violence, highlighting the interconnectedness of TOC with broader security challenges.

What positive insights does the Global Organized Crime Index provide?

The index highlights that good governance practices, characterized by transparency, adherence to the rule of law, and active citizen engagement, form the basis for more effective responses to organized crime.

What challenges are highlighted regarding the UNTOC review mechanism?

Since the review mechanism began in 2020, no country reviews have been published, and discussions are held behind closed doors, making it difficult to assess whether states are fulfilling their commitments.

What does the speaker suggest is needed to address the issues with the current approach to TOC?

The speaker calls for turning the declarations, statements, and resolutions into concrete actions that will have a greater impact in addressing transnational organized crime.

What is the speaker’s conclusion regarding the international community’s response to TOC?

The speaker concludes that it is time for the international community to move beyond statements and adopt more effective measures to counter the increasing global threat of transnational organized crime.