Seizing the Opportunity for the UNTOC Implementation of the Review Mechanism: Partnership Between States and Civil Society
Vienna, 22 May 2019 - The role of civil society in the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) for a comprehensive and wholistic approach in addressing transnational organized crime was reiterated at a joint side event during the 28th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ). To discuss this and how civil society can be actively engaged in the newly adopted UNTOC Review Mechanism, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime together with the governments of the United States and Norway organized a side event entitled Partnership for the Implementation of the Review Mechanism of the UN Convention against Transnational organized Crime (UNTOC): The Role of Civil Society.
The side event showcased views on how civil society can contribute to the Review Mechanism, and Member States' perspectives on the role of civil society therein.
Chairing the event, Ms Christine Cline from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) stressed the importance of building capacity for civil society to allow them to actively contribute to the Review Mechanism.
Ms. Julia Stanyard from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime said "We see the role of civil society in the Review Mechanism as most useful in contextualising the implementation of UNTOC, supplying independent analysis and expert opinion on organized crime trends and bringing the experience of communities affected by organized crime to the fore through the constructive dialogues and dialogues with states."
Edmond Yakani, Founder and Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress and Organization-CEPO in South Sudan spoke about the situation in his country with regard to the trafficking of illegal arms, and how he has contributed to the Review Mechanism of the UN Convention against Corruption through initiating national working groups.
Ms. Linda Drazdiak, Policy Director from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security of Norway stressed the importance of working together to improve capacity because combating organized crime cannot be left to the governments alone. "By working together, we can make a bigger impact", she said.
The event showed a strong willingness from civil society representatives and Government alike to seize the opportunity presented by the UNTOC Review Mechanism to address organized crime. All speakers realized and agreed that work will need to be done at the national and regional level to prepare all stakeholders involved for an effective and inclusive Review Mechanism.
United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)