Statement by Minister Naoto Hisajima
Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
on
items 103 and 104: Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice
and International Drug Control
Third Committee
67th Session of the General Assembly
New York
10 October 2012
Mr. Chairman,
We welcome that the Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Rule of Law, adopted this September, stressed the importance of strengthened international cooperation, based on the principles of shared responsibility and in accordance with international law, in order to counter the world drug problem and transnational organized crime. It is essential to adhere to the international legal framework in combating these problems.
The Declaration also emphasized that the rights of women, children and other people of vulnerable groups should be protected. Indeed, from the perspective of human security, violent crime and corruption tend to target these vulnerable people and deprive them of their livelihood, thushindering economic growth. Vulnerable people should be guaranteed equal opportunity to enjoy all their rights and fully develop their human potential.
Mr. Chairman,
Each State has the individual responsibility to strengthen their judicial system to combat crime, though the international community has a shared responsibility. A loophole created in one State affects the neighbouring States and consequently undermines the effectiveness of the international legal framework.
In this regard, Japan has adopted zero-tolerance policy against the abuse of narcotic drugs. We especially need to be cautious about arguments to decriminalize or even legalize drug-related activities.
In order to implement the rule of law domestically in an effective manner, it is critical to empower law enforcement personnel such as police and customs officers through conducting capacity building and preventing corruption. Japan has provided financial and technical assistance through the UNODC to countries in Southeast Asia, Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries to that aim. For example, Japan is engaged in the counter-narcotic training programme for Afghan police officers in cooperation with the UNODC and the Russian Federation this year. This programme is taking place at the training center in Russia, making use of Japanese contribution to the UNODC, and we are further supporting this programme by dispatching experts.
Mr. Chairman,
When we turn our eyes to women and children, we are especially concerned about trafficking in persons targeting them because the perpetrators’ techniques are growing more sophisticated and invisible. Japan has been taking measures to protect victims of trafficking in accordance with its 2009 Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons. Recognizing that it is important to share information between countries of origin of victims and those of destination, Japan has taken steps including despatching Government Delegations to several countries, establishing the Joint Task Force with Thailand, and sharing information with Asian countries through seminars. The Government of Japan is sincerely considering the conclusion of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol against Trafficking in Persons.
We are also concerned about the increase of cases of child pornography and illicit drugs through theutilization of the Internet. As for child pornography, Japan adopted the Comprehensive Measures to Eliminate Child Pornography in 2010, and has made various efforts such as the promotion of cyber patrol, education, support activities for child victims, and active cooperation for Internet service providers to implement blocking of child pornography images on the Internet.
In conclusion, Japan is committed to continuing its efforts to prevent and combat crimes both at the international level and the domestic level, in close cooperation with Member States, the UNODC and other related stakeholders.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
|
