Statement by Mr. Jun Saito
Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations

On Item 106: Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
And Item 107: International Drug Control

Seventy-first Session of the Third Committee
Of the General Assembly of the United Nations
6 October 2016

 

Madame Chair,

 

          The rule of law, good governance and a culture of lawfulness are essential from the perspectives of crime prevention and criminal justice. Furthermore, only in a just society can economic and social development be achieved. Japan will make its utmost effort to improve the legal system and promote a culture of lawfulness globally.

 

          Japan will proudly host the fourteenth UN Crime Congress in 2020. We are committed to continue the preparations based on the outcome of the Doha Congress last year. Inclusion of the perspectives of crime prevention and criminal justice in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was an important achievement in Doha. The next session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, to be held in May 2017, will be our first step. Japan looks forward to discussing the overall theme and agenda items of the next Congress with Member States, UNODC and stakeholders.

 

Madame Chair,

 

          Japan welcomes the successful conclusion of the UN General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS) held last April. The Joint commitment adopted during the session will serve as a critical guiding principle to combat the world drug problem. The Government of Japan continues to take an active role in the implementation of the Joint commitment.

 

          Japan attaches much importance to countering the spread of synthetic drugs; namely, new psychoactive substances (NPS) and methamphetamine, which are a grave concern to international society. We continue to support the principal role of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) as the policymaking body of the UN with prime responsibility for drug control issues.

 

Madame Chair,

 

          Countering organized crime and terrorism is another urgent subject, on which the international community must work together. To address this issue, Japan, as this year’s Chair of the G7, has committed to take leadership to implement the action plan on countering terrorism and violent extremism released at the Ise-Shima Summit last May. It will be through providing assistance for capacity building as well as empowering moderate voices in society by promoting pluralism and tolerance.

 

          Corruption adversely affects the rule of law and facilitates terrorism and crime. In this regard, Japan has taken action to promote transparency and strengthen law enforcement cooperation. Through these efforts, we hope to increase momentum in the global fight against corruption.

 

          Increasing incidence of cybercrime is yet another challenge to the international community. Japan would hope to see further strengthening of capacity building in each country and enhancement of international cooperation through existing frameworks.

 

          Last but not least, taking measures against money-laundering and terrorist financing is extremely crucial in order to suppress terrorism at its roots. In this regard, Japan follows the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) and continues to improve its national legal system as well as contribute to international cooperation.

 

I thank you.