CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Statement By Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, First Secretary, Pakistan Mission to the United Nations on agenda items Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and International Drug Control 10 OCTOBER 2008 at the Third Committee of the 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly New York 10 October 2008

Distinguished delegates,

We wish to thank the Secretary General for his comprehensive reports under these important agenda items. The reports reinforce that crime transcends national boundaries, the interconnectivity between transnational organized crime and its implications for security, stability and development of our world. The reports also sum up the appreciable work done by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes. The efforts of UNODC are commendable.

  1. In this age of globalization, the world is full of challenges and opportunities. The opportunities provided by the information revolution, swift communication and transportation while serving towards betterment of humanity, play a destructive role when exploited by transnational crime. The negative impact of narcotics, money laundering, human trafficking and terrorism are a cause of concern for all of us including the civil society and international organizations.

Mr. Chairman,

  1. While human trafficking originates in poorer, less developed areas of the world and move across destinations to rich and developed countries, the problem of drug trafficking is a symbiotic one that stretches from the developing to developed world and vice versa. The challenges for us of poverty and weak socio-economic conditions are taken as an opportunity by transnational crime. Evidence has proven that alternate development, improving livelihood and poverty eradication programmes help in greatly curbing the menace of local and international crime.
  2. Apart from obligations, under relevant treaties at national level, Member states need to strengthen partnership and pursue collaborative action against drugs, transnational crime, human trafficking and terrorism. The challenge for the international community, therefore, lies in promoting cooperation to curb these menaces by adopting a multifaceted approach.

Mr. Chairman,

  1. Pakistan on its part has been playing its role in sensitizing the international community to the drug problem in our region. In our own country, we have succeeded in the elimination of illicit crop through a multi-pronged strategy consisting of strict law enforcement measures and socio-economic development plans. At the same time, we have been actively contributing to the regional and international efforts to stop the outflow of drugs from the neighbouring region and inflow of precursor chemicals for prevention of the drug production. Pakistan has signed several Memorandums of Understanding and Extradition Treaties to enhance our international cooperation across the world.

Mr. Chairman,

  1. Being fully cognizant of the complex nature of legal, social and economic dimension of transnational crime, particularly trafficking in persons, corruption and money laundering, the Government of Pakistan has taken the following measures:
    • The Government of Pakistan promulgated the Prevention & Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance (P&CHTO) in 2002 in order to meet the national and international requirements and obligations under this transnational crime. The Ordinance addresses the problem of trafficking in persons in a comprehensive manner and designed to overcome the menace of trafficking in all it forms and manifestations.
    • A National Action Plan against human trafficking is also under consideration by the Ministry of Interior in consultation with various stakeholders.
    • A special Anti-Human Trafficking Unit has been set up in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to get the traffickers out of business. An Anti-Cyber crime unit also deals with information technology related dimensions of human trafficking.
    • The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in Pakistan has played a critical role in curbing menace of drugs and its movement.
    • In collaboration with Asian Development Bank, the Access to Justice Programme is reforming the criminal justice system, particularly prosecutorial, judicial and prison system and transformation of Police force into an accountable and responsive force.
    • The “Personal Identification Secure Comparison and Evaluation System” (PISCES) is successfully in practice. PISCES provides immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies in Pakistan systematic documentation and information to easily identify travellers moving across our borders and to efficiently handle immigration work. This is an example of how through international cooperation and assistance we can achieve mutually beneficial results.
    • The government of Pakistan has promulgated the Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance. The Ordinance provides a comprehensive structure to curb illegal financial transactions. It institutionalizes a Financial Intelligence Unit in the State Bank of Pakistan which coordinates and streamlines the efforts of the Central Bank and private banking system in tracking down terrorist financing.

Mr. Chairman,

  1. . Terrorism is one of the most serious threats facing mankind in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan is both a victim of terrorism and the frontline state in the global fight against this menace. We appreciate the capacity building role of UNODC especially its efforts aimed at enhancing member states capacity vis-ŕ-vis sectoral Counter-terrorism conventions.

Mr. Chairman,

  1. The solutions to the complex issues being addressed under these agenda items need sustained and a multi-pronged strategy both at the national and international levels. Pakistan remains committed to forging effective partnerships at the international level, to curb the threats posed by the menace of drugs, transnational crime, human trafficking and terrorism.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.