Antonio Maria Costa
Secretary-General of the 11th Crime Congress
Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Closing Remarks to the Crime Congress
Bangkok, Thailand
25 April 2005
First let me thank all of you for your contributions during this event . . . Delegates, Conference Officials, President of the Congress . . . without your skills and talents, this event could not have been the success it is.
When I opened this Conference, I expressed my wish that it would not be �long on language and short on deeds.� I did not need to worry. The 11th Crime Congress has been a model of efficiency, organization, and serious deliberation. These Crime Congresses are unique events in the larger galaxy of UN meetings: they are attended not only by Delegates and government representatives, but also by NGOS, representatives of civil society, researches, academics, advocates for the rights of victims, the welfare of prisoners, and groups working to spread the idea of restorative justice. So the same �checks and balances� that govern the operating procedures of countries are also present during these Congresses, a very good thing. �
Some people will say the results of this Congress are still too ambiguous. You know, I�m from Italy and we like to drink a glass of wine occasionally, so we are very familiar with the question that asks whether the glass is half-empty or half-full. I always say it depends on your perspective, but in Italy, we do not dwell too long on this problem, as we usually drink the remaining wine pretty quickly!
����������� Regarding the ratification process of existing Conventions, what many people don�t understand is that it can be very difficult, administratively and logistically, for a State to arrive at a point where its government has sufficiently �prepared the ground�� to ratify one of these instruments. That does not mean the glass is either half-full or half-empty . . . it is just a fact. A Government must have supporting legislation in place; there must be compatibility between existing laws, and the suggestions advanced by the Convention or Protocol.
What the key messages that have come out of this Congress?
- States want to work together to stop crime, to end corruption, to eliminate terrorism:
- They want speedy, universal ratification of the Convention against Terrorism.
- They want to closely consider if and how the Conventions against Crime, and Corruption, help them reach their goals in these areas.
- States need and appreciate technical assistance. They understand UNODC needs additional resources to provide such assistance.
- They acknowledge the Secretary General�s call for a shared definition of �terrorism,� and understand how important such a definition is to future efforts to eradicate this threat.
- And governments understand the connection between effective criminal justice systems, the rule of law, and global security.
- They know that the rule of law is a prerequisite to peace and security. �
- This meeting has brought real value added to the criminal justice system, to our ongoing discussion of standards and norms.
- �I was especially encouraged by the number of people who were here to talk about the other side of enforcement, prevention, and the issues linked to the dilemma of women and children trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation or forced labor. �
- I have already been asked whether there should have been a call for new Conventions on Cyber crime and money laundering.
- The answer to that does not belong to UNODC, but to Member States.
- Our office is not here to decide their recommendations, or to influence or draft a final report.
- Indeed, we are prohibited from even making drafting suggestions.
- Having said that, let me also say that I understand the hesitancy of some countries to embark on new Conventions at this time.
- Sixteen treaty actions undertaken during this event!
- And here is some more breaking news: Zambia became the 40th nation to ratify the Small Arms Control Protocol, and having gained that number of ratifications, the Protocol can now enter into force. Croatia also deposited instruments of ratification� . . . testimony to its commitment against corruption.
- Now, States recognize need to ratify a Comprehensive Terrorism Convention � only 1/3 have done so � there are 12 (soon to be 13) �instruments.
- We also need to do more in the area of terrorism prevention . . . education, economic development, dialogue between different religious and ethnic groups.
- The Convention against Corruption now has 25 ratifications, only 5 away from 30 required for entry into force.
- Countries are encouraged to complete domestic procedures so they can ratify the Convention against Corruption �in New York during the UN�s �60th Anniversary Celebration!
- The 60th Anniversary would be the perfect time to announce these ratifications!
- UNODC is proud of brokering 5 out of 5 new anti-crime instruments: Convention against TOC, 3 protocols and Convention against Corruption � the latter, as I said, is expected to enter into force by the end of 2005.
- We�ve accomplished these ratifications in record time, the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime in less than three years.
- And given the rate of ratifications for the Convention against Corruption, we might see it enter into force even faster.
- So all in all, I have to say this has been a wonderful opportunity . . . the hospitality and generosity of the Thai Royal Family, the Prime Minister, the �Government and people has been overwhelming.
- Let me close by thanking all of you again for your hard work and hospitality. We are losing an old friend, as you know, with the departure of Eduardo Vetere, who has been to many Crime Congresses, while I, who am older than Eduardo, have only been to one � this is my first!
- Eduardo Vetere has been the mastermind behind, and the inspiration for, untold number of accomplishments, agreements, and Conventions. We wish him well in his new endeavors, and Godspeed � Dio vi benedica! ������