Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMANAKA Osamu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the High-Level Presentation of the “2023 UNODC Global Study on Homicide”

2023/12/8
Thank you, Madam Chair,
 
I would like to start by thanking the Executive Director of UNODC, Madam Ghada Waly, for her insightful opening remarks and congratulating UNODC on the publication of the report and its timely presentation by Ms. Angela Me to the New York audience.
 
Japan is concerned that globally, there is a clear gender dimension to homicidal violence at home as women and girls are disproportionately affected according to the report.
 
We also find it important that the report covers the impact of organized criminal groups on homicide.
 
It is further concerning that the world is witnessing a series of changes surrounding transnational organized crimes. Widespread use of the internet and new technologies have resulted in organized crimes abusing cyberspace with more crimes utilizing and targeting crypto assets. We must take this into account when tackling homicide, in addition to this valuable report.
 
Furthermore, organized criminal groups are often transnational. Thus, the implementation of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime is becoming more and more important, alongside other related treaties towards further international cooperation.

Japan has long supported the fight against organized crime from the perspectives of ensuring respect for fundamental human rights and the promotion of the rule of law. In this regard, we have been working closely with UNODC to strengthen law enforcement capacity, including capacity building in developing countries. Japan and UNODC signed a 6 million USD funding agreement to address maritime crime in the Pacific this May.
 
Japan will continue to work with UNODC and the international community to promote crime control measures with a particular focus on homicide, under the leadership of our Foreign Minister, Ms. Yoko Kamikawa, who met with Madam Ghada Waly, only a week after she assumed the post.
 
I thank you, Madam Chair.