Director-General/Executive Director
Distinguished Chair,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to address you today at this thematic discussion of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, as you continue your journey towards the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration.
When it was adopted in 2021, the Kyoto Declaration represented an important milestone on the international criminal justice agenda.
In a moment of crisis and turbulence, it was a strong statement by the international community to continue to strive for justice.
As the world now looks to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and the promise of Agenda 2030, the commitments contained in the Kyoto declaration are more relevant than ever.
I am very pleased to note your determination to follow up on those commitments, reflected in these thematic discussions.
This session of the discussions is dedicated to the third pillar of the Kyoto declaration on promoting the rule of law, a subject that lies at the very heart of our efforts to achieve the SDGs.
The rule of law is an essential foundation for human rights, justice, equality, security, and prosperity.
It stands as the basis for protecting people and planet, for helping the vulnerable and leaving no one behind.
The rule of law also empowers the kind of bold action that is needed to push for transformative change and truly accelerate our drive for the SDGs.
Excellencies,
During this thematic discussion, you will address the topic of access to justice, a key driver of Agenda 2030 and a fundamental principle of the international framework for human rights.
Across the globe, there remains an urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers to justice, to ensure that everyone is equal before the law, and to reduce pre-trial detention to the absolute minimum required.
We need fair and inclusive criminal justice institutions that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation, and every country has room for improvement.
This year, access to justice has taken center stage at many of our meetings and debates.
In May, the CCPCJ adopted an important resolution on equal access to justice for all.
In June, in New York, I was pleased to join the Chair of the Commission and the President of the General Assembly at the high-level debate of the GA on access to justice, where I called for greater use of new tech in justice systems, diversifying providers of legal aid, and better representation of women and minorities in justice institutions.
I seize this opportunity to call on Member States once again to be bold in pushing for improved access to justice, and to harness the power of innovation.
This thematic discussion will also take up the issue of anti-corruption and the integrity, accountability, and transparency of institutions.
Corruption continues to bleed countries of resources, undermine crisis recovery, from crisis recovery to sustainable development, and the review mechanism of the UN Convention against Corruption has helped identify major implementation and technical assistance gaps across countries and regions.
Capacity-building, data collection, and international cooperation are key.
We need to be agile and accurate in the face of complex transnational networks that move illicit financial flows across borders, foster safe havens for criminal gains, and provide avenues for organized crime to operate profitably.
Member States should also take a progressive and inclusive approach to preserve the rule of law and foster integrity.
Technology can improve transparency and inclusivity while eliminating many risks, but its uses must be assessed carefully and responsibly.
Non-governmental stakeholders such as investigative journalists and whistle-blowers should be empowered and protected, as a voice for truth and accountability.
And social and educational measures must be given due priority to prevent corruption and crime in the long run, whether by developing the resilience of families and children through social skills, equipping young people with the right mindsets through education and sport, or training prisoners to make sure they find a place in society upon their release.
UNODC stands with you in promoting the rule of law, including by enhancing access to justice and promoting a culture of integrity.
We are providing technical assistance to build fair, inclusive, and accountable institutions.
We are promoting a more diverse justice sector, including through our “women in justice/for justice” initiative.
We are supporting the effective implementation of the UN conventions on corruption and organized crime.
And we are assisting countries in harnessing the power of education and sport in building safer communities.
Ladies and gentlemen,
At this critical point in time, the United Nations needs to work in unity, solidarity, and partnership.
I am pleased to see that a wide range of partners and stakeholders will participate in the upcoming panel discussion, bringing important perspectives to the conversation.
And crucially, I am very happy to note that this thematic discussion will hear the contributions of the young people who participated in the ASEAN-Japan Special Youth Forum for Promoting the Rule of Law, which was held in Tokyo in July with the support of UNODC.
The younger generations have an important role to play and an important message when it comes to upholding the rule of law, achieving justice, and rejecting corruption. They deserve to be heard, and we would do well to listen to them, to the benefit of everyone.
In closing, I would like to assure all of you that UNODC stands with you, as together we strive to uphold the rule of law, implement the Kyoto Declaration, and realize the vision of Agenda 2030.
Thank you.