UNIS/INF/98
30 August 2005
Media advisory
Round Table Spotlights African Initiative in Fight against Crime and Corruption
New Programme of Action a Blueprint for Genuine Change
VIENNA, 30 August (UN Information Service) -- In a recent report, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified crime and corruption as fundamental impediments to development in Africa, and many inside the African nations agree.
Justice officials from more than 40 African countries will join development partners in Abuja, Nigeria, from 5-6 September, to hammer out a roadmap designed to end crime and corruption across the continent. The new Programme of Action targets corruption as well as domestic and organized crime, urban violence, post-conflict breakdown, trafficking in drugs and in human beings, arms smuggling, child militias and the looting of natural resources.
Round Table participants will focus on a wide range of remedies, including asset recovery and the need to place the rule of law at the heart of development and post-conflict programmes.
Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director, UNODC, and Chief Bayo Ojo San, Nigeria's Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, will open the event and welcome participants.
"Africa is at a tipping point," said UNODC Executive Director Costa. "The prospects for change in Africa are real, but we need to act fast. Countries who donate resources want them to reach intended beneficiaries. African States must be ready to offer donors evidence that the rule of law is in place, that enforcement and judicial systems work, and that aid is administered properly."
What: Press Conference - Africa Round Table
Who: Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director, UNODC
and
Chief Bayo Ojo San, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Nigeria
When: 6 September, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria
***
For information, contact:
Paul
Salay, UNODC Nigeria
Telephone: +234 803 402 2076
Kathleen
Millar, Deputy Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: +431 26060 5629
E-mail:
kathleen.millar@unodc.org
