Morocco's Ambitious Bid for the UN Crime Prevention Conference
The Kingdom of Morocco recently announced its intention to nominate itself as the host for an upcoming session of the United Nations 15th Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, currently taking place in Abu Dhabi. In a statement from the Ministry of Justice, Morocco expressed its desire to bring this significant international conference closer to the realities and priorities of the African continent, ensuring that Africa's voice resonates in the face of intertwined security and developmental challenges that transcend borders.
During its address at the high-level segment of the conference, which commenced on Saturday, Morocco emphasized its deep commitment to the spirit of the Abu Dhabi Declaration. The country underscored that justice should not solely be measured by its punitive capabilities but also by its ability to prevent crime, protect victims, provide restitution, and foster reintegration while building trust within communities. Furthermore, Morocco called for the initiation of a United Nations dynamic aimed at enhancing integration and coordination among various UN bodies and entities involved in combating transnational organized crime and terrorism, asserting that although threats may intersect, our responses should not remain fragmented.
Global Unity in Addressing Crime and Justice
In the opening session of the conference, themed "Accelerating Action on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law: Protecting People and the Planet and Achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda in the Digital Age," UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed remarked that the crime prevention conference is convening during a period of profound changes. In a video message addressed to the conference, she stated that justice should not be a privilege but must protect every individual, safeguard everyone's rights, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Monica Juma, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, also spoke at the conference, emphasizing that the world is gathering in Abu Dhabi to reaffirm that the rule of law and criminal justice are fundamental components for the safety and security of people and the planet. The opening session concluded with the adoption of the "Abu Dhabi Declaration," a forward-looking global framework aimed at enhancing international cooperation in criminal justice to address the rapidly evolving challenges of crime and the exploitation of digital technologies. Member states of the declaration, which was adopted by acclamation, expressed their concerns regarding emerging trends in a complex criminal landscape, including "crime as a service" and "violence as a service," as well as the exploitation of infrastructure and cyber technologies.
Representing Morocco at this international forum is a high-level delegation comprising officials such as the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, the Secretary General of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Head of the Criminal Justice Pole at the Council, the Secretary General of the Public Prosecution, representatives from the security sector, and various other dignitaries. This conference, which runs until October 1st, has gathered ministers, government officials, experts, and academics from 119 countries worldwide.
It is noteworthy that the United Nations Congresses on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held every five years since 1955, play a crucial role in establishing international standards and shaping policies for crime prevention and criminal justice.
As reported by alyaoum24.com.
