For information only - not an official document

UNIS/CP/841
15 May 2015

Doha Declaration can catalyse world's efforts against crime, says UNODC Chief

VIENNA, 15 May (UN Information Service) - The Doha Declaration is the standard bearer for the world's aspirations for fair, effective, humane and accountable crime prevention and criminal justice systems, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Yury Fedotov, said today.    

"Confronting the impact of crime is part of the UN's overall work of building sustainable development and promoting institutions that uphold people's dignity, and protects their fundamental freedoms," he said.  

The UNODC Chief made his comments ahead of next week's 24th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice - the Crime Commission - which opens on Monday 18 May. Through a series of draft resolutions, the 24th Session of the Crime Commission will begin the essential work of translating the words of the Doha Declaration into firm action.

Expanding on crime's impact, Mr. Fedotov said: "Crime causes misery, violence and desperation for millions of women, children and men. The declaration, if fully implemented, can offer a protective shield for the victims of crime and for those experiencing criminal justice systems." 

Adopted in April in Doha during the 13th Crime Congress, the declaration comes at  a pivotal moment in the United Nations' work. The UN is currently working to agree on the new development agenda and it is hoped the  declaration will assist in this process. 

The Crime Commission regularly brings together as many as 1,000 delegates from Member States, non-governmental organizations, and civil society. This year there are currently 9 draft resolutions, over 30 side-events, a special event on foreign terrorist fighters, and numerous exhibitions. 

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For further information, please contact:

David Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Phone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org

or

Reka Furtos
Public Information Officer, UNIS Vienna
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-83019
Mobile: (+43-699) 1458-3019
Email: reka.furtos[at]unvienna.org