Statement by the Cuban delegation at the Twelfth Conference of the States Parties to UNTOC
Mr. Chairman:
We congratulate you on your election to preside over the work of the Commission and wish you success in the performance of your duties. Congratulations are also extended to the other members of the Bureau. We offer our full willingness to collaborate in order to contribute to the success of the Conference.
The Cuban delegation thanks the Secretariat for the organization of this meeting and for the documents circulated.
Mr. Chairman,
Dear Delegates,
The current crisis scenario provides opportunities for the organization of international crime and its criminal groups. Despite the efforts made by many of our governments, in recent years criminal organizations have grown stronger and have expanded their activities.
We note with concern how the threats posed by the various manifestations of transnational organized crime persist in Latin America and the Caribbean, despite the policies implemented by many countries in the region.
Today, as never before, it is necessary to retake and demand compliance with the international principles of absolute respect for sovereignty, equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of States.
Transnational organized crime is a global problem that hinders economic and social development, promotes corruption and undermines the values of human coexistence. It fosters violence and affects the governability of countries and, consequently, must be confronted in a collective, coherent manner, assuming a common, shared and coordinated responsibility.
Human trafficking is a top priority for the Cuban State and civil society. The policy of “Zero Tolerance” to this crime is materialized through actions and measures aimed at increasing prevention, strengthening the fight against it, severely punishing the perpetrators and providing protection to the victims.
Illicit trafficking in arms, their parts, components and ammunition is also a sensitive issue at the global level. It is increasingly evident that the prevention, confrontation and eradication of this global phenomenon cannot be the task of a single State, but rather the sum of joint efforts of the international community, under the auspices of the United Nations.
That is why, in this context, international cooperation in criminal matters is an essential element in confronting these scourges. Effectively and efficiently combating transnational crime in all its forms and manifestations must be an essential objective of the Member States and international cooperation is indispensable for this purpose.
Mr. President,
Cuba defends the leading role of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and recognizes the work of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols.
Our delegation highlights the validity and usefulness of the Palermo Convention and its three Protocols as effective instruments to combat all forms of transnational organized crime. Likewise, Cuba reiterates its commitment to continue contributing, to the extent possible, to the effective application of the international legal regime created by these international instruments.
Mr. Chairman,
In the fight against transnational organized crime, it is necessary to make the principle of common and shared responsibility of all States a reality, with strict adherence to International Law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
To this end, it is vital to renounce the policy of double standards and the use of unilateral coercive measures, motivated by political and hegemonic interests that must cease. Cuba is a victim of policies of this type, materialized in the unjust and inhumane economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States and the unjust inclusion of Cuba in the unilateral List of Sponsors of Terrorism. This causes limitations in the access to equipment and supplies for the effective fight against crimes associated with transnational organized crime.
Cuba, based on its national experience and the results achieved in more than half a century, considers that the broadest social prevention, zero tolerance before criminal manifestations and attention to victims, through the voluntary and joint action of government bodies and civil society, can allow us to efficiently address the fight against transnational organized crime.
Our delegation wishes to conclude by reiterating the commitment of the Cuban Government and State to the implementation of the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols. Primary prevention and the confrontation of any manifestation of transnational organized crime are the pillars of the global fight against transnational organized crime.
Thank you very much