Welcome to the United Nations
Introduction
This paper is submitted on behalf of the H.E. Mr. Friedrich Däuble, Chair of the 25th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and has been prepared in close cooperation with the Extended Bureau of the Commission, in response to a letter from the President of the Economic and Social Council inviting the Commission to provide substantive inputs to the 2016 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which will convene under the auspices of ECOSOC at UN headquarters in New York from 11 to 20 July 2016, on the theme of the 2016 session “Ensuring that no one is left behind”.
An assessment of the situation regarding the principle of “ensuring that no one is left behind”
The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) has since its establishment been contributing to the commitments, focus and policy developments of successive international development agendas. CCPCJ’s work has become even more relevant with the 2030 Development Agenda, giving Member States an effective, proven, consensus- based forum to engage in discussions on gaps and lessons learned, providing thereby a platform to improve the coherence of policy and to ensure policy based on the rule of law and integrity, positively influences outcomes across the development agenda. The value of its policy dialogue and consensus-building is not limited to ensuring that “no one person, community or nation is left behind”, but helps also to make sure that the underlying factors for that inclusion – the rule of law, justice, and integrity in institutions – are in place to support that objective.
The 2030 Development Agenda clearly recognises that crime, weak rule of law, uneven access to justice, weak criminal justice systems, corruption and illicit financial flows are detrimental to development, peace and human security. The 2030 Development Agenda represents an opportunity for further cooperation and dialogue within the United Nations system in the areas of work that fall within the mandate of the CCPCJ.
In the outcome document (“Doha Declaration on Integrating Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice into the Wider United Nations Agenda to Address Social and Economic Challenges and to Promote the Rule of Law at the National and International Levels, and Public Participation”) of the 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, for which the CCPCJ acted as preparatory body, Member States voiced their support for the development and implementation of consultative and participatory processes in crime prevention and criminal justice in order to engage all members of society, including those at risk of crime and victimization, to make prevention efforts more effective and to galvanize public trust and confidence in criminal justice systems.
”Ensuring that no one is left behind” is considered a basic objective of justice. Through the gathering of expertise and its ability for consensus-building on the basis of data and evidence, the CCPCJ has consistently strengthened the international normative framework related to countering the destabilising effects of organized crime, corruption, violence, smuggling of migrants, trafficking of human beings, drugs and firearms, illicit financial flows, cybercrime, wildlife crime, terrorism and piracy in order to assist Member States in strengthening the foundations for sustainable development.
A basic tenant underlying the cross cutting sustainable development commitments of the 2030 Development Agenda is that a development agenda in which “No one is left behind” can only be predicated on the rule of law, an effective criminal justice system, protection of victims of crime, and prevention of transnational organised crime and corruption. In developing normative frameworks which prevent and mitigate corruption, transnational organised crime, the trafficking in persons, as well as protect victims, and address the impact of crime and violence on women and children – the Commission has worked to protect the most vulnerable individuals and improve development prospects across societies. This speaks to the universality of the work of the CCPCJ as well as one of the sustainable development agenda’s highest ambitions: to give every person the access to the safety and justice necessary to contribute to the growth, employment, health, education, institutional strengthening and integrity goals of their own societies – ultimately ensuring the centrality of justice and the rule of law in “Ensuring that no one is left behind”.
The CCPCJ also acts as the governing body of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Through the implementation of the United Nations Programme on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, UNODC supports Member States at the operational level by providing advisory services for the development and implementation of crime prevention national strategies and action plans, as well as by implementing sector-specific projects, including preventing youth crime and victimization, violence against women and children, and providing access to justice or social reintegration of offenders. UNODC also gathers and analyses comparable and reliable information on international crime trends and responses to crime with a view to supporting Member States to overcome the differences and complexities inherent in different legal frameworks and domestic approaches to crime statistics and data collection as well as to adequately spend national resources. In this context, UNODC provides technical advice to Member States and within the UN system on indicators and metrics in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice also in view of the national implementation of the 2030 Development Agenda. Upon the recommendation of the Commission, the Economic and Social Council adopted a resolution in 2015 , confirming UNODC as the custodian of the International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS). Also, both the CCPCJ and the UN Statistical Commission have agreed on a road map to strengthen the collection and quality of criminal justice statistics. The work of the CCPCJ and UNODC is informed by data systematically provided by Member States and reported on in parliamentary documentation prepared by the Secretariat and submitted to for consideration bythe CCPCJ.
The identification of gaps, areas requiring urgent attention, risks and challenges and valuable lessons learned on ensuring that no one is left behind and emerging issues likely to affect the realization of this:
On inherently global problems, such as illicit financial flows, illicit trade and transnational organised crime, capacity gaps between Member States will increasingly lead to crime having a greater impact on countries and regions where organized crime perceives vulnerabilities in enforcement and regulation. Economic factors, particularly unemployment, corruption impacting the ability of the government to collect necessary revenue, and to finance health, education, sanitation, security and other elements of sustainable development, will need to be increasingly addressed through the prevention of corruption and robust criminal justice systems.
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), whose elaboration has been initiated through the work of the CCPCJ, have additionally given all Member States a normative framework to address one of the most important lessons learned throughout the Millennium Development Decade, and that is the drain that corruption, transnational organised crime, illicit financial flows, money laundering and the financing of terrorism have on Member States’ ability to raise and effectively allocate resources to ensure that “No one is left behind”. Corruption and transnational organized crime can have a devastating impact on many aspects of the economy including the ability to finance a budget and to create a safe and sound private sector capable of stimulating domestic demand and employment.
The CCPCJ provides Member States with a platform to distil valuable lessons learned through its well-established analytical and research tools. The CCPCJ has, in numerous resolutions, guidelines and its preparatory work leading to the adoption of major policy documents, such as the Doha Declaration on integrating crime prevention and criminal justice into the wider United Nations agenda to address social and economic challenges and to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels, and public participation, highlighted the need for Member States to uphold human dignity, all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, in particular for those affected by crime and those who may be in contact with the criminal justice system, including vulnerable members of society, regardless of their status, who may be subject to multiple and aggravated forms of discrimination, and to prevent and counter crime motivated by intolerance or discrimination of any kind . To “Ensure that no one is left behind”, the Commission devotes particular attention to the specific needs of these vulnerable members of society in the context of corruption-free and inclusive societies for sustainable development, with a focus on a people-centred approach that provides access to justice for all and builds effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Access to justice for all is a focus area in UNODC’s work in supporting Member States in the establishment of effective, fair and humane criminal justice systems.
In addressing the specific needs of children, the General Assembly adopted in 2014, upon the recommendation of the CCPCJ, resolution 69/194, entitled “United Nations Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination of Violence against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice”, emphasizing that children in contact with the justice system as victims, witnesses or alleged or recognized offenders must be treated in a child-sensitive manner and with respect for their rights, dignity and needs . In addressing the specific needs of juveniles, Member States adopted, upon the recommendation of the CCPCJ, the “United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (Riyadh Rules)” .
The need to address the specific needs of women in crime prevention and criminal justice, being victims of gender-based violence or in prison settings, has been highlighted in a number of resolutions as well as in the 2015 Doha Declaration, which underlines the endeavour of Member States to mainstream a gender perspective into criminal justice systems by developing and implementing national strategies and plans, in order to promote the full protection of women and girls from all acts of violence, including gender-related killing of women and girls. At its 24th session in 2015, the Commission approved a resolution on “Taking action against gender-related killing of women and girls”, which was adopted by the General Assembly in December 2015 (GA Resolution 70/176) and which encourages Member States to promote integrated and comprehensive strategies to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls, including gender-related killing of women and girls, including early and continuous educational programmes, community mobilization and awareness-raising, in order to counter attitudes and social factors that foster, justify or tolerate any violence against women and girls. With a view to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls, UNODC supports Member States, among others, in promoting access to justice for women and girls; supporting the development of legislation and policies that protect their rights and that prevent as well as respond to violence against women and girls.
The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice also pays special attention to the situation and needs of migrants. As noted in General Assembly resolution 67/185, entitled “Promoting efforts to eliminate violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families”, adopted upon the recommendation of the Commission at its 21st session, migrants often experience impediments to accessing livelihoods, schooling, as well as other services, which, in turn, contributes to their vulnerability to crime and violence. Upon the recommendation of the CCPCJ, ECOSOC adopted in 2014 a resolution on “Strengthening international cooperation in addressing the smuggling of migrants”, in which Member States highlighted the need to promote or strengthen, as appropriate, development programmes and cooperation at the national, regional and international levels, taking into account the socioeconomic realities of migration and paying special attention to economically and socially depressed areas, in order to combat the root socioeconomic causes of the smuggling of migrants, especially those related to poverty . At its 21st session, the Commission devoted a thematic discussion to violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families. UNODC assists Member States in expanding their capacity to prevent and combat the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons and to promote cooperation between Member States.
The fight against trafficking in persons, a crime disproportionally affecting poor countries and vulnerable members of society , has been another priority for the CCPCJ and also features prominently in the 2030 Development Agenda. Analysis of data on the victims of trafficking in persons detected by national authorities around the world also shows that child trafficking has been increasingly detected. According to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2014, the share of children among total detected victims increased 5 per cent, from 27 per cent recorded in 2009 to 33 per cent in 2011, while in 2004 the same value had been about 13 per cent . While the total number of victims of trafficking remains unknown, in cases detected by authorities the share of girls - often victimized for sexual exploitation, forced marriage and/or domestic servitude – is increasing. The share of boys being trafficked is also rising with most of them trafficked for forced armed combat, begging or forms of labour exploitation . Upon the recommendation of the CCPCJ, the Economic and Social Council adopted in July 2015 resolution 2015/23, entitled “Implementation of the United Nations Global Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons” reiterating Member States’ strong condemnation of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, which constitutes an offence and a serious threat to human dignity and physical integrity, human rights and development, highlighting the importance of the full implementation of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 64/293 in 2010. UNODC supports Member States in drafting laws and creating comprehensive national anti-trafficking strategies and in developing local capacity and expertise to implement these, including by providing practical tools to encourage cross-border cooperation in investigations and prosecutions.
Another important element of access to justice and the rule of law is the treatment of prisoners – pretrial (non-sentenced) detainees as well as sentenced persons. On the recommendation of the Commission, the General Assembly adopted in 2015 with resolution 70/175 the “United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules)” a further crucial step towards “Ensuring that no one is left behind”, with Member States committing to ensure that there shall be no discrimination on grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, highlighting the need to take account of the individual needs of prisoners, in particular the most vulnerable categories in prison settings and to protect and promote the rights of prisoners . Upon the recommendation of the CCPCJ the General Assembly , also adopted the “United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules)”, inviting Member States to take into consideration the specific needs and realities of women as prisoners , in particular in light of the fact that female prison population is increasing faster than male prison population.
The existence of corruption in public service, in particular in the criminal justice system, can be a serious obstacle to the equitable, efficient and fair dispensing of justice – and to “ensuring that no one is left behind”. With “justice for all” as a premises for living up to this commitment, Member States, in the Doha Declaration, underlined the importance of making every effort to prevent and counter corruption, and to implement measures aimed at enhancing transparency in public administration and promoting the integrity and accountability of criminal justice systems, in accordance with the UNCAC . As guardian of the UNCAC, UNODC also serves as the secretariat to the Conference of the States parties to the Convention, which at its sixth session in November 2015 in St. Petersburg adopted an unprecedented number of resolutions to further strengthen States parties’ efforts and capacity to combat corruption and bribery in all its forms.
In its efforts to “Ensuring that no one is left behind” the Commission also addresses wildlife crime, targeting selected wildlife species most affected by illicit trafficking. Several resolutions negotiated within the CCPCJ, including ECOSOC resolution 2013/40 , have urged Member States to adopt legislative or other measures necessary for establishing illicit trafficking in protected species of wild fauna and flora as a criminal offence in their domestic legislation; to cooperate with UNODC with a view to preventing, combating and eradicating trafficking in protected species of wild fauna and flora; to promote international cooperation in preventing and combating illicit international trafficking in forest and wildlife resources; and to consider making illicit trafficking in endangered species of wild fauna and flora a "serious crime".
Areas where political guidance by the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is required:
The High–Level Political Forum could be very effective in advocating for the strengthening of the mechanisms for data collection and programme development within the CCPCJ. In doing so, the High-Level Political Forum can explain the value and relevance of the CCPCJ to the sustainable development agenda in its entirety and the support that can be provided to Member States by UNODC, working in close cooperation with all other relevant stakeholders, in that regard.
Policy recommendations by the Commission on ways to accelerate progress for those at risk of being left behind:
“Ensuring that no one is left behind” implies inclusion which can only be based on the rule of law and an effective and transparent criminal justice system, the partnering with and supporting of community initiatives as well as the fostering of active participation of citizens in ensuring access to justice for all, including awareness of their rights, as well as their involvement in the prevention of crime and the treatment of offenders and the prevention and mitigation of corruption which ultimately erodes transparency, equity, fairness and integrity.
In that regard:
- Member States are encouraged to strengthen implementing international classification for crime statistics ;
- Member States are encouraged to ensure that policy is based on evidence by strengthening the quality and availability of crime and criminal justice statistics through population-based and business-based surveys and the implementation of the International Classification of crime for statistical purposes ;
- Member States are encouraged to develop and implement consultative and participatory processes in crime prevention and criminal justice in order to engage all members of society, including those at risk of crime and victimization, to make prevention efforts more effective and to galvanize public trust and confidence in criminal justice systems ;
- Member States are encouraged to partner with and support community initiatives as well as foster the active participation of citizens in ensuring access to justice for all, including awareness of their rights, as well as their involvement in the prevention of crime and the treatment of offenders ;
- Member States are encouraged to promote peaceful, corruption-free and inclusive societies for sustainable development, with a focus on a people-centred approach that provides access to justice for all and builds effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels ;
- Member States are encouraged to ensure that children in contact with the justice system as victims, witnesses or alleged or recognized offenders are treated in a child-sensitive manner and with respect for their rights, dignity and needs and are encouraged to apply the United Nations Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination of Violence against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice ;
- Member States are encouraged to promote integrated and comprehensive strategies to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls ;
- Member States are encouraged to promote or strengthen, as appropriate, development programmes and cooperation at the national, regional and international levels, taking into account the socioeconomic realities of migration and paying special attention to economically and socially depressed areas, in order to combat the root socioeconomic causes of the smuggling of migrants, especially those related to poverty ;
- Member States are encouraged to ensure the full implementation of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons ;
- Member States are encouraged to implement the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules) , the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) , and other relevant international instruments;
- Member States are encouraged to implement the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and to make efforts to prevent and counter corruption, and to implement measures aimed at enhancing transparency in public administration and promoting the integrity and accountability of criminal justice systems ;
- Member States are encouraged to adopt legislative or other measures necessary for establishing illicit trafficking in protected species of wild fauna and flora as a criminal offence in their domestic legislation, to cooperate with UNODC with a view to preventing, combating and eradicating trafficking in protected species of wild fauna and flora, to promote international cooperation in preventing and combating illicit international trafficking in forest and wildlife resources, and to consider making illicit trafficking in endangered species of wild fauna and flora a "serious crime" ;
