UN meeting to spotlight effects of crime on sustainable development

The UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will meet in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, highlighting effects of crime on sustainable development, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Friday.

"This year's Congress will have a strong focus on integrating crime prevention and criminal justice into the wider work of the United Nations," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "In particular, it will highlight the effects of crime on sustainable development."

The Vienna-based UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the leading force for this event.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be in Qatar Sunday to deliver an opening address at the Congress and will also hold a news conference there, according to the spokesman.

Criminal activities undermine state authority by fueling corruption and damaging the legitimate economy. This has an impact on the quality of life of citizens, most particularly the poor, women and children. Effective criminal justice systems and respect for the rule of law are crucial for achieving sustainable development, UN officials said.

In a globalized inter-connected world the transnational nature of crime is one of the key challenges countries face, said the officials.

On April 12-19, Qatar will be hosting the 13th UN Crime Congress in Doha, where government officials, policy-makers and experts will exchange their experiences and intensify international cooperation in tackling the threat of transnational organized crime.

As the international community continues to discuss the post- 2015 development agenda, so the 13th Crime Congress will consider how best to integrate crime prevention and criminal justice into the wider UN agenda, the officials said.

It will focus on links between security, justice and the rule of law, and the attainment of a better, more equitable world, they added. Endite