Vienna 18 October 2022
President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
Norway recognizes transnational organized crime as a major global threat to peace, security, development, and the rule of law. It undermines democratic governance and justice, and violates human rights worldwide.
War and armed conflict increase vulnerabilities and are breeding grounds for transnational organized crime. In this context, Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine has led to massive suffering, large-scale humanitarian needs and destruction of civilian infrastructure. We condemn Russia’s attack against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The Russian aggression is a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia must end the war in Ukraine and withdraw all troops immediately. Ukraine and its people have Norway’s unwavering support.
President,
Organized crime is closely linked to terrorism, corruption, financial and environmental crime and other forms of serious crime. In order to fight organized crime Norway emphasizes the importance of international cooperation. The ability of states to assist each other quickly and efficiently is an absolute necessity if we are to combat organized crime effectively. The provisions on international cooperation in the UNTOC convention provide an important legal basis for such cooperation. Nevertheless, the potential of these provisions depends on proper national implementation.
President,
Environmental crime is one of the most profitable enterprises in the world and generates between 110 and 281 billion USD annually, primarily from forest, fisheries, and waste. The proceeds from environmental crime flow through tax havens and secrecy jurisdictions undetected. Norway seeks to counteract the intersection between environmental crime, corruption, and illicit financial flows and build more strategic partnerships for improved legislation, transparency, and law enforcement.
Norway is a proud supporter of several UNODC-initiatives, including their partnerships with Interpol and Worlds Customs Organization, and we welcome more countries to support these important efforts.
President,
A number of proceed-generating crimes and illicit financial flows are interconnected, and we need to take a holistic approach to ensure that national and international efforts are effective. At the national level, my government has decided to prepare a white paper to step up the fight against economic crime in all its form. The white paper will be presented to the Parliament at the end of next year and will address a number of challenges, including organized financial crime and the use of technology to commit crime.
Norway recognizes and supports the important ongoing work of the Ad Hoc Committee negotiating a new UN Convention on cybercrime, which will further complement and strengthen the UN instruments targeting serious crimes.
Furthermore, Norway is committed to continue our support and contribution to strengthening the use of global norms and standards. We are similarly committed to continue our support to UNODC and other stakeholders for training, investigation, law making and building strong institutions.
President,
Norway strongly believes that the participation of civil society, including media and academia, is essential to prevent and combat all forms of crime. They have important roles to play, to monitor that rules and regulations are followed, to push for better rules and regulations and to promote responsibility and accountability. The participation of civil society is essential in democratic processes, protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
Norway remains committed to doing its part in the global effort to combat transnational organized crime.
Thank you for your attention.