UNODC Chief expresses support for China's recent justice reforms, agrees to expand partnership



Beijing (China), 15 December 2016
- UNODC is committed to supporting China's efforts to expand access to legal aid in its criminal justice system, UNODC's Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, told the Chinese Minister of Justice, Wu Aiying, at a meeting.

"Justice is an integral element of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNODC stands ready to work closely with China to share experiences and good practices to enhance legal aid and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies," said Mr. Fedotov during a visit to Beijing this week.

He stressed that UNODC fully supported China's work to promote the use of the UN Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems.

Mr. Fedotov also praised the country for its support of UNODC's global efforts against transnational organized crime and welcomed China's interest in the creation of regional networks of law enforcement, prosecutors and central authorities to share information and develop interlinked responses to illicit drugs and crime.

UNODC's Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific and Liaison to China, Jeremy Douglas, accompanying Mr. Fedotov, commented: "We are ready to support China's access to justice efforts, as well as engagement with the region to address transnational organized crime, corruption and terrorism."

Mr. Douglas added, "there are strategies and solutions China and its neighbours can consider to get ahead of the challenges."

The 13 December meeting with the Justice Minister was part of a mission to China to meet with key partners in the Chinese government and to enhance the essential partnership between UNODC and China.



During the mission, Mr. Fedotov held talks with Liu Yuejin, the Counter-terrorism Commissioner, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Zhenmin and Wang Lingjun, Vice Minister of Supervision, Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, among other senior officials.

He also met Rashid Alimov, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to discuss closer cooperation on drug and crime issues.

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