14 May 2018 - On his first official visit to Vienna, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today outlined priorities and highlighted the urgent need to tackle human trafficking, cybercrime and other global threats in an address on the opening day of the 27th Session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ).
"My overriding priorities since taking office are preventing conflicts and crises, and mobilizing efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and this Commission, have a crucial role to play," the Secretary-General told CCPCJ participants from Member States, inter-governmental organizations and civil society gathered at the Vienna International Centre.
"I welcome the three resolutions on human trafficking tabled at this Commission. This heinous crime is flourishing, as a result of protracted conflicts, growing inequality and the absence of an organized international response to migration," he said during a ceremonial segment of the CCPCJ, also addressed by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl.
The theme of this year's discussion at the CCPCJ, which runs from 14-18 May, is on criminal justice responses to prevent and counter cybercrime, and Mr Guterres highlighted that more needed to be done at the global level.
"Cybercrime is an area in which there is much work to do and no time to waste…The online sexual exploitation and abuse of children is proliferating, and women and girls are disproportionately harmed. I commend the work of this Commission, and of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, to raise awareness, and to provide vital training for police, prosecutors and judges in more than 50 countries."
UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov thanked the Secretary-General for outlining his priorities and for highlighting the importance of the Office's work as it relates to the broader goals of the United Nations.
"The visit of the Secretary-General to the United Nations in Vienna is a welcome opportunity to hear his vision and priorities as they relate to the work of the Crime Commission and UNODC," said Mr Fedotov.
"It is an important reminder of the links between our work to address challenges of crime, corruption and terrorism, and the greater goals of the UN to strengthen prevention and promote peace and security, human rights and sustainable development."
Twenty-seventh session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
