Austria calls for strengthened global cooperation in combating organized crime

Austria on Monday called for strengthened global cooperation in combating organized crime, urging the world body to implement the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).

"Transnational organized crime constitutes an increasing threat to peace and security," said Christian Ebner, Austria's deputy ambassador to the United Nations, here in a high-level meeting of the General Assembly on transnational organized crime.

"It is of utmost importance that all states sign and ratify the UNTOC-Convention and the protocols thereto and adopt laws at national and local level to implement these international instruments," said Ebner.

The 10-year-old UNTOC and its three additional Protocols aim to suppress trafficking in persons, especially women and children, the smuggling of migrants, and the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms and ammunition. Widely known as the Palermo Convention, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the document's adoption.

"One third of the UN member states has still not become party to the Convention and its protocols," Ebner noted.

He also called for the establishment of a strong and effective review mechanism for UNTOC where it would help raise the awareness of the Convention and strengthen international cooperation.

Ebner outlined many driving points of transnational organized crime, including human trafficking, where he said despite its international ban, "this modern form of slavery persists," calling for increased global cooperation for the prosecution in human trafficking.

Terrorism has become increasingly interlinked with transnational organized crime and can only be effectively countered through a more coordinated, global approach, Ebner highlighted.

Source: Xinhua