Secretariat of the Governing Bodies: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission decided to organize an extraordinary session 20-24 September 2022 with. In total, 660 participants from 99 countries and 40 observers from 11 organizations participated in the extra ordinary online sessions. The UNODC executive director made an opening statement at those sessions. Each of the subsidiary bodies at those meetings discussed the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic and its region with regard to the topics discussed by the Commission at its thematic discussions in October 2021, namely COVID-19 and the increasing links between drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime. The second topic was COVID-19 and the proceeds of crime related to money laundering arising from drug trafficking. And the third topic was COVID-19 and a criminal misuse of information technologies for illicit drug related activities. The individual sessions for each of the meetings were chaired by the representatives from each of the regions. The sessions are planned again for 2022 as hybrid sets in the region. We are looking forward to welcoming deputy host countries that are already identified and we hope that we will welcome everybody again in person.
Thailand: It has been more than two years since the emergence of COVID-19. during these pandemic, drug traffickers have adapted themselves to the changing landscape and shifted to using various new means of transportation, logistics facilities for activities. This has become a great challenge for narcotics law enforcement agencies. It is my pleasure to share with you our successes. In Thailand, there is a system which is very helpful: 70% of drug interdiction and arrest of alleged drug offenders has resulted from using data gathered from these instruments. The Public Private Partnership Project has also proved fruitful, as we have two separate flows via postal and delivery service and achieved a large number of seizures. In addition, we continually focus on financial investigation which leads to major drug traffickers and asset forfeiture. Thailand´s drug policy has emphasized the disruption of financial cycles of drug trafficking networks for this year. Our goal is to seize up to 10 billion Thai baht worth of assets from drug offenders. It is important to note that we have observed a significant increase illegal importation of chemical substances and precursors into third countries via Thailand. We therefore place a priority in our operations to address destination countries.
Kenya: (…)
I take this opportunity to thank the Secretary for facilitating regional coordinated work. Together we can make a difference!
Spain: We want to stress the importance of the heads of national organizations´ meeting to exchange relevant information (…) I could not finish my speech without talking about the horrible situation in Ukraine and condemn Russia´s military operation – this, without a doubt, distorts international cooperation.
United States: With over 660 participants from over 100 countries meeting virtually over 5 days, this meeting facilitates sharing information about drug trafficking trends in the convent of covid 19. We welcome the contributions to the subsidiary bodies for offering practical, regional specific suggestions that connect with our actions nationally, and regionally and internationally. This year, the CND thematic session’s focus on money laundering, misuse of information technology highlighted the impact of CND. The report provides ideas of challenges and how to combat them. Subsidiary bodies reported that criminal organisations become more organised during the pandemic with better access to information technology. The common thread of conversations was a need for capacity building. Importance of financial investigations and drug seizures. Money is in every drug transaction so investigators must be trained to ‘follow the money’. This requires access to financial and nonfinancial information, some in control of private sector actors, which highlights the importance of innovative, practical solutions responding to priorities identified by experts. We look forward to participating in future HONLEAs to share constructively.
Republic of Korea: We attended HONLEA virtually. Among other recommendations, I’d comment on the agenda on enhancing cooperation between governments and private companies to counter trafficking and money laundering. The use of the dark web and crypto currency continues to grow. To address these issues, the police has established specialised online courses to provide an opportunity to exchange information with Customs, Forensic Services and Coast Guard. We analyse financial information on proceeds of crime in cooperation with financial businesses. The Police share these activities at regional meetings, discussing cases and concerns with different countries. Many global conferences have been delayed or retracted due to COVID but we hope cooperation will continue as expected. We welcome the recommendations of the relevant resolution before the commission to be adopted on CND65.
Mexico: I want to acknowledge the willingness of Member States to collaborate in the new circumstances imposed by the pandemic. My country established a comprehensive group to strengthen ways to protect health and security and develop vulnerable communities to prevent criminal organisations harming our people and ensure they’re brought to justice and protect human rights. My government carries out sanctions to reduce abuse of substances and the damage of addiction, through the availability of recovery and treatment programmes, alternatives to jailing people in cases of abuse of substances, reducing supply through the dismantlement of illegal criminal networks, building capacities of those working in security and justice to prosecute crime in all spheres cooperating with police, prosecutors and analysts. Providing support to victims and respecting their rights. Policies based on prohibition and criminalisation of users have not been effective. We need to look at the root causes of drug issues. For three years, we have implemented our national strategy with the whole of society. Ensuring the protection of human rights, particularly of young people. With a focus on health, economic inclusion, involvement of all Mexicans. We are committed to sharing practices on how to respond to challenges during COVID pandemic.
Tripla Difesa Onlus Guardie – Sicurezza Sociale ed Eco Zoofila: (technical difficulties)
Association Nationale des Partenaires Migrants: (technical difficulties)
Ugonma Foundation: (technical difficulties)
Grupo Mujeres de la Argentina (GMAF): (technical difficulties)