VIENNA, 27 April (UN Information Service) - Speaking at the closure of the 21st Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Yury Fedotov, congratulated the Commission and delegates on the strength of the resolutions on migrants, piracy, and private security services, amongst others.
Mr. Fedotov closed by saying: "For one week, we have discussed crime….However, this is not the end. It is only the beginning. The Commission has been the source of mandates….we must now become the source of practical action."
The Executive Director noted the inter-agency approach rooted in the Commission's work. In particular, he highlighted the side event on human trafficking within the context of tourism, which followed the signing on 23 April of a memorandum of understanding between UNODC and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Another side event, on the same day, the Integrity IPO, showed UNODC working with the World Economic Forum to encourage the private sector to support anti-corruption efforts.
Overall, the Executive Director stressed the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to protect the human rights of migrants, migrant workers and their families. "The United Nations, and in particular, UNODC, is uniquely placed to help promote this coordination and cooperation," said Mr. Fedotov.
Mr. Fedotov thanked Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand for chairing the Commission, as well as the many UN staff who worked so hard. He pointed out that, over the previous five days, the Commission had discussed 11 agenda items and held 27 major side events. The 21st Session was attended by 824 people, 116 states, and some 43 NGOs.
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For further information on the Commission go to: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/commissions/CCPCJ/session/21.html
For the Speech of the UNODC Executive Director, please go to:
http://bit.ly/IabUf8
For further information please contact:
David
Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
