UNITED NATIONS, Dec 08 (APP):Adopting a presidential statement, the UN Security Council recognized the importance of enhancing international and regional cooperation to counter transnational organized crime during a day-long open debate on Thursday.
\nBy the text, the 15-nation Council expressed concern over the serious, growing threats posed by transnational organized crime and acknowledged that \u2014 in specific contexts and regions \u2014 terrorists may benefit from organized crime, whether domestic or transnational.<\/p>\n
The debate took place days after Canada and the US accused the Indian government of being involved in targeting Sikh activists on the soils of the North American neighbours.
\nIn this regard, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistan leader, went on to accuse India of \u2018transnational terrorism\u2019 after the US foiled a plot to kill him.
\nThe US said that the plot to kill Pannun, an American and Canadian citizen who is a lawyer with the Sikhs for Justice (SfJ) , an advocacy group, was thwarted, after the June murder of another Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver, Canada.
\n\u201cThe foiled attempt on my life on American soil by the Indian agents is transnational terrorism which is a threat to the US sovereignty, freedom of speech and democracy, so I will let the US government respond to this threat,\u201d said Pannun in an interview with The Financial Times.<\/p>\n
India, he added, was \u201cusing mercenaries\u201d to target and kill Sikh activists who support calls for the establishment of Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland.
\nThe statement that the Security Council adopted expressed concern that transnational crimes may threaten the security of countries on its agenda.
\nThe Council also called on all member states to improve border management and international cooperation to effectively constrain the spread of transnational threats.
\nIt further urged member states to strengthen their judicial, law enforcement and border-control capacities and to develop their capabilities to investigate arms-trafficking networks.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the Council recognized the importance of enhanced political and conflict-related analysis, including on criminal networks that support transnational organized crime and terrorism.
\nFollowing the adoption, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres observed that transnational organized crime \u2014 \u201coften invisible, but always insidious\u201d \u2014 is a vicious threat to peace, security and sustainable development. \u201c
\nAmidst a world in crisis, illicit economies find fertile ground to grow,\u201d he said, highlighting the effects of such crime in countries like Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti, Myanmar and Somalia.
\nWhile transnational criminal activities can take many forms, their ramifications are the same \u2014 weakened governance, corruption, lawlessness, death and destruction.<\/p>\n
Guterres said the links between organized crime and terrorism is another concern. In the Sahel region in Africa, for example, illicit trade in fuel, drugs, arms and natural resources, provides resources for armed groups, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions.
\nAlthough the Security Council has long recognized the danger posed by transnational organized crime to international peace and security \u201cwe must do more to strengthen our defences,\u201d he said, urging action in three priority areas.<\/p>\n
As multilateral cooperation is \u201cthe only credible path to target the criminal dynamics that fuel violence and prolong cycles of conflict,\u201d it must be strengthened, he said.
\nThe Secretary-General urged Member States to fully implement the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its three additional protocols, and to work together on investigations and prosecutions.
\nHe also expressed hope that countries would reach consensus on a new treaty on cybercrime, and that they would share and exchange data, noting that crime groups have been quick to exploit cryptocurrencies and digital tools.<\/p>\n
His second point highlighted the critical need to strengthen the rule of law which is \u201cfoundational to our efforts to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, and tackle the multifaceted threats posed by transnational organized crime.\u201d
\nEffective rule of law builds trust in institutions, creates a level playing field, and contributes to reducing corruption. It also underpins human rights and enables sustainable social, political, and economic development.
\nHowever, \u201cmany countries are at grave risk of the Rule of Lawlessness,\u201d he warned. \u201cFrom unconstitutional seizures of power to the trampling of human rights, governments themselves are contributing to disorder and a lack of accountability.\u201d
\n Guterres appealed for countries to strengthen prevention and foster inclusion, which includes stepping up efforts to achieve sustainable development for all.<\/p>\n
Action required includes ensuring respect for human rights, tackling cybercrime more effectively, and advancing gender equality.
\nThe head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghada Waly, echoed the Secretary-General\u2019s call for collective global action.
\nShe previewed a report, to be published on Friday, which reveals that organized criminal groups or gangs are responsible for almost a quarter of all homicides worldwide.
\nThe impact of organized crime is also manifesting in alarming new ways, she said, \u201cfrom shocking forms of violence in European port cities connected with the drug trade, to political assassinations and infiltration of prisons in parts of Latin America.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 08 (APP):Adopting a presidential statement, the UN Security Council recognized the importance of enhancing international and regional cooperation to counter transnational organized crime during a day-long open debate on Thursday. By the text, the 15-nation Council expressed concern over the serious, growing […]<\/p>\n
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