For information only - not an official document
UNIS/CP/669
17 April 2012
Global Crime under spotlight at United Nations Meeting in Vienna
21st Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to be held in Vienna from 23-27 April 2012
VIENNA, 17 April (UN Information Service) - Transnational organized crime is a global threat and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that the proceeds of all crimes amounts to some US$2.1 trillion dollars or 3.6 per cent of GDP (2009).
International efforts to tackle this threat will be discussed during the 21st session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), which takes place in Vienna from 23 - 27 April 2012.
The media are invited to a press briefing on
Monday 23 April at 1.30 p.m. in Room M2 with
Yury Fedotov, Executive Director, UNODC,
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand Chairperson of the Commission and the
President of the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Miloš Koterec.
Among those addressing the Opening Session at 10 a.m. on Monday 23 April are: Mr. Fedotov, the President of ECOSOC Miloš Koterec, the chef de cabinet of the President of the General Assembly Mutlaq Al-Qahtani, the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai, Minister of Interior of Pakistan A. Rehman Malik, Vice Minister of Justice of China, Zhao Dacheng and Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Korea, Min-soo Kook (tbc).
There will be a special discussion on preventing violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families on Tuesday 24 April which will be addressed by several distinguished panellists, as well as the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, François Crépeau. Other issues which will be discussed include strengthening State oversight in civilian private security services, countering maritime piracy, and the treatment of prisoners.
The Crime Commission will also consider the implementation of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) as well as the international instruments to prevent and combat terrorism.
There are two side events during the Commission that have extended a special invite to the media:
Buying a share in a better tomorrow: Briefing on the Integrity Initial Public Offering (IPO) - an initiative of the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch of UNODC in partnership with other organizations, notably the World Economic Forum. The IPO offers the opportunity for companies to fund anti-corruption initiatives that will help develop a level playing field for everyone in business. When: Tuesday 24 April at 1.15 p.m. in Board Room B, M-Building.
Building Better Responses: Human Trafficking in the context of Tourism. An event with the Executive Director of UNODC Yury Fedotov and the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Taleb Rifai, on building better responses to human trafficking in the context of tourism. With 1 billion tourists expected to travel internationally in 2012, tourism is a major global phenomenon. Tourism contributes greatly to economic growth and jobs. However, there is evidence that it is also used for the exploitation of and trafficking in persons. Children are especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation in the context of tourism. The event will address ways for both organizations to promote ethical tourism jointly. When: Tuesday 24 April at 2.15 p.m. in Room M3.
Other side events will focus on the crime-terror nexus, the dignity and safety of migrants smuggled at sea, femicide, HIV prevention, treatment and care for prisoners, corruption surveys in the Western Balkans and countering illicit firearms trafficking. For a full programme of side events go to: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/commissions/CCPCJ/session/21.html
The Opening Session of the Plenary Session and side events are open to the press.
For further information on the Commission go to: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/commissions/CCPCJ/session/21.html
Or contact: David Dadge, Spokesperson, Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-5629; Mobile: (+43) 699 1459-5629, or email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
For media accreditation:
Media are encouraged to seek accreditation before the briefing; forms and criteria are available on http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/media_accreditation.html or by writing to press[at]unvienna.org. Journalists already accredited to the VIC do not need re-accreditation.
Please register for the press briefing by Friday 20 April by writing to press[at]unvienna.org. For information on facilities and general information for the media, contact anne.thomas[at]unvienna.org or call + 43 1 26060 5588.
Access to the M-building is via Checkpoint One of the Vienna International Centre. Camera crews should confirm their participation in advance in writing. Media are advised to come to the venue at least half an hour before the briefing to avoid delays at security.
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