Vienna, 22 May 2023 (TDI): In a powerful address at the 32nd Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Ambassador of Pakistan, Aftab Ahmad Khokher, emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of crime and ensure equal access to justice for all.
Against the backdrop of global political, social, and economic transformations, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and advancing the cause of justice.
Ambassador Khokher acknowledged the persistent challenges posed by crime and stressed the importance of holistic measures in addressing its underlying causes. He called upon the international community to adopt comprehensive strategies for effectively combating crime.
Additionally, he expressed concern over the negative impact of misinformation and the misuse of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes, urging the responsible exercise of the right to freedom of expression.
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against crime, Ambassador Khokher underscored the significant progress made through a multifaceted approach, including the country’s accession to the additional international Protocol on Trafficking in Persons (TIP).
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He also drew attention to the detrimental effects of corruption on developing nations and called for enhanced international cooperation in addressing challenges related to asset recovery, ensuring that ill-gotten assets are returned to their rightful owners and used for socio-economic development.
Earlier in his capacity as the Chair of the Group of 77 and China, Ambassador Khokher addressed the session, highlighting the priorities of developing countries.
He emphasized the need for adequate and sustainable technical and material assistance, including equipment and technology transfer, from the international community.
Furthermore, he reiterated the importance of international cooperation in preventing and combating transnational organized crime, corruption, and terrorism in all its forms.
The CCPCJ, a leading policymaking body of the United Nations in crime prevention and criminal justice, convenes its annual regular sessions in May.
With 40 member states, the Commission serves as a platform for discussing contemporary issues and challenges related to transnational organized crime, developing policy recommendations.
Pakistan was elected as a member of the CCPCJ for the term from 2023-2025, furthering its commitment to global crime prevention and justice.
