Statement of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic at the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice:

“Your Highness, Emir of the State of Qatar,
Mr. Chairman,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me to begin by expressing my satisfaction and gratitude to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar for personally inviting me to participate in the biggest international forum on crime prevention and criminal justice. Over the course of the last six decades, through exchange of experiences and promotion of new solutions to complex issues that the national criminal justice systems and security structures are faced with, this forum has contributed significantly to shaping international and national strategies in this domain.

Please let me welcome in particular the initiative of the host State to present the younger generation with an opportunity, within the Youth Forum, to exchange opinions on the significance of the rule of law and their own impact on the promotion of quality of life and their future. The Republic of Serbia has been particularly dedicated to the national approach regarding the participation of the public in crime prevention, and has strongly encouraged youth partnership, social and economic inclusion and respect of cultural and religious pluralism. We believe these instruments are also important for sustainable crime prevention.

The results of what we have agreed on during this year’s Congress, in the form of new recommendations and policies, will contribute to our common fight against crime and strengthening cooperation in this area, forming a basis for building societies of higher level of justice and development, and better prospects for younger generations. We aim to improve their safety and quality of life, and that their judgment of our accomplishments inspires them to move forward.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It was full fifteen years ago that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted two key documents – the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Millennium Declaration. These documents are key international instruments for a common response of Member States with regard to sustainable development and combating all types of organized crime.

Organized crime directly jeopardizes and undermines the authority of states, therefore preventing their development. As state representatives, we have the role of leaders in creating and preserving institutional framework for a vigorous crime prevention in all its aspects. On the same note, we have an obligation and responsibility to cooperate, and to share this responsibility with the private sector, civil society and the media.

One of the key priorities of Serbia within the UN system is to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and adopt the new post-2015 Global Development Agenda created with our active participation. Discrimination, injustice and poverty are directly related to the emergence and increase of crime. I sincerely believe that once we provide education, employment and personal development rights to everyone, as well as the right to humane treatment and holistic justice system, crime will no longer be rooted in society in such a way, and pose only a minor threat to the prosperity of our countries. We believe that an international consensus exists on the rule of law and justice being main elements of sustainable social and economic advancement.

The scale of crime today is such that it requires continuing efforts in the promotion of international, and regional cooperation in particular. The Republic of Serbia devotes special attention to strengthening regional cooperation in order to support international crime prevention. Promoting international and regional cooperation and aiming for an integrated approach to these issues within the UN system, Serbia endeavors, in cooperation with the Member States, to contribute to the creation of technical expertise and mechanisms for assistance, as part of the efforts of building capacities of national legislation in this domain.

Serbia has been active in corruption prevention and anti-corruption, especially regarding the introduction of measures for increased transparency in the work of state authorities and promotion of integrity and responsibility of the criminal justice system. Battling corruption is, at the same time, one of the priorities of the OSCE Chairmanship we assumed at the beginning of this year.

Respecting the principles of the relevant UN conventions, Serbia has also been taking necessary measures in the fields of fighting cybercrime and money laundering, as well as cooperative measures in combating illicit drug trafficking.
Serbia is one of the countries participating in the Promotion of Justice and Security in South Eastern Europe UNODC Regional Programme. Implementation of specific projects within the Programme that are compatible with Serbia’s strategic priorities, has brought significant results in this area. In the process of drafting the new Regional Programme for the next three-year period, by joining efforts with the countries from the region, the Republic of Serbia continues to actively advocate the respect of the rule of law and greater security in the region, to which the country will make a special contribution as the host of the first of the three sessions to be held in Belgrade in the following few days (16 and 17 April 2015).

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Organized crime has taken on a transnational dimension, it knows no state boundaries, and does not differentiate between countries according to the level of economic development. All countries are equally threatened by terrorism as the most severe kind of politically and ideologically motivated violence, as well as by human trafficking, irregular migration, exploitation of women and children. We are witnessing the emergence of new crime forms - cybercrime, illegal trafficking in cultural property, hazardous waste, etc. The success achieved thus far in crime prevention and joint fight to counter modern forms of crime, reflects our continuous effort and strong political will in that regard, but also the need for a greater level of coordination, aiming to achieve best possible results.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year is important for all of us, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the UN Charter, as well as the 60th anniversary of the first UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. With this in mind, we must continue, persistently and in constant search for new options, to respond to today’s challenges and contribute together to the fulfillment of aspirations for a better world of greater justice and development level. The Republic of Serbia will continue to be an active member of the UN and a constructive partner to everyone who believes their actions can support our joint combat to achieve results in our struggle for a safer, more just and prosperous society.

In this context, as I conclude, I would like to underline my great satisfaction with the support received from the Member States in the elections for members of the ECOSOC Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held on 8 April this year. During our three-year mandate, starting from 1 January next year, I can assure you that Serbia will endeavor to contribute to combating crime within the UN system in the best possible way, showing readiness equal to the one the Government of the Republic of Serbia has displayed at the national level in that regard”.