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Statement by Mr. Naoto Hisajima
Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
On Item105: Crime prevention and criminal justice
And Item106: International drug control
Third Committee
69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York
9 October 2014
Madam Chair,
At the outset, I would like to emphasize that transnational organized crimes, including illicit drug trafficking, cybercrime, trafficking in persons, money laundering and corruption are all challenges that the international community as a whole must work together to tackle.
Crime prevention and criminal justice forms the basis of the rule of law. Achieving a society in which everyone can live with a sense of safety is not only a security agenda, but also one of the most important agendas for economic and social development. In this connection, Japan has been actively working as a member of both the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) to confront transnational organized crime and promote criminal justice around the world.
Moreover, Japan also attaches great importance to the role of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the areas of illicit drugs, crime prevention and criminal justice. Last year the Government of Japan and the UNODC launched the Strategic Policy Dialogue. Japan will continue to enhance its close cooperative relationship with the UNODC, including through this dialogue.
Madam Chair,
Combating trafficking in persons is one of the most important policy agendas for the Government of Japan. To this end, the Government of Japan has been working on the "four P's", namely: prevention, prosecution, protection and partnership. We also continue to directly and indirectly support a range of technical assistance projects, particularly in South East Asia. Additionally, we are now undertaking the process of once again revising the Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which was last revised in 2009.
Furthermore, Japan is planning to considerably improve our "Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)". Through the implementation of these measures, Japan will enhance its policies and work on new challenges.
When it comes to the issue of illicit drugs, Japan places particular importance on measures against synthetic drugs including methamphetamine and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). In this regard, we have recently begun to witness new trends in the manufacture and trade of synthetic drugs such as the expansion of illicit production of methamphetamine in West Africa, and the recognition of NPS as an emerging threat to the world.
In order to respond to these new trends, further international cooperation and information sharing among related member states are crucial. Japan, therefore, continues to contribute our knowledge and experience to the global efforts to counter the manufacture, trafficking and abuse of synthetic drugs in the framework of integrated and balanced approach. In this regard, Japan has decided to present its candidature to the CND at the elections to be held in 2015. As a member state of the CND, Japan hopes to actively and constructively engage in the preparatory process for the UN General Assembly Special Session on the world drug problem to be held in 2016 on the basis of the principle of common and shared responsibility.
With regard to measures against the growing threat of cybercrime, Japan attaches a great value to building the national capacities of each member state as well as advancing international cooperation based on existing international frameworks. Japan also promotes regional cooperation, and in this context we held the first ASEAN-Japan Cybercrime Dialogue in Singapore in May this year.
Madam Chair,
Japan welcomes the theme of the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to be held next year in Qatar; "Integrating crime prevention and criminal justice into the wider United Nations agenda to address social and economic challenges". We hope that during the Congress progress will be made in the discussions, particularly on effective measures against transnational and organized crimes and on the role of the rule of law in sustainable development. We also support the retention of those elements which comprise the basis of sustainable development, such as the rule of law and good governance, through the elaboration process of the post-2015 development agenda.
Japan stresses the importance, from the aspect of the crime prevention and criminal justice, of the prevalence of a culture of lawfulness as well. In order to achieve a society in which everyone can live with a sense of safety, it is important to foster in the minds of people respect, trust and observance of the law, as well as to develop just and effective legal and judicial systems. When a culture of lawfulness prevails in a society, individuals are empowered and the rule of law are enhanced from the bottom up. We would like to emphasize that this viewpoint conforms to the concept of human security.
Madam Chair,
In conclusion, Japan is committed to continuing its efforts to counter the world drug problem, prevent crime and enhance criminal justice both at the international and domestic levels, in close cooperation with Member States, the UNODC and other relevant stakeholders.
I thank you, Madam Chair.
