Qatar Affirms UNODC Role in Enhancing Countries' Capacities in Preventing Crime

New York, October 31 (QNA) - The State of Qatar emphasized the vital role played by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in enhancing countries' capacities for crime prevention, criminal justice, and combating drug trafficking, as well as in supporting efforts toward achieving peace, security, and promoting human rights. This was stated by Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Maha bint Mubarak Al-Thani, in Qatar’s statement before the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly during its 79th session, addressing agenda items (107), (108), (109) on crime prevention and criminal justice, countering the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes, and international drug control at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Sheikha Maha highlighted the distinguished partnership between Qatar and UNODC, which led to the establishment of the UNODC Regional Cybercrime Center in Doha. She noted that the center operates as part of the UNODC’s Global Programme on Cybercrime, covering the Middle East and North Africa. Its aim is to strengthen global responses to combat and prevent cybercrime through innovative, integrated, and tailored solutions, supporting countries through activities focused on capacity building, cooperation, and prevention. She further explained that the launch of the UNODC Regional Centre for Combatting Cybercrime in Doha is an added achievement to the work of numerous international organization offices housed in the United Nations House in Doha, symbolizing Qatar's commitment to multilateral international cooperation and a long-standing strategic partnership with the UN to address global challenges. She pointed out that Qatar has played a leading role, hosting the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2015, which culminated in the adoption of the Doha Declaration. This event took place at a pivotal moment that saw the emergence of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and provided an essential opportunity to support efforts for good governance, rule of law, and sustainable development. She also said that Qatar is looking forward to hosting the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, scheduled for 2025. She noted that this hosting reflects Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts to combat corruption. Furthermore, she affirmed Qatar’s dedication to close cooperation with all countries and stakeholders to build on the successes of previous sessions and accelerate joint international efforts in this field. She expressed appreciation to the United States for successfully hosting the 10th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, held in Atlanta in December 2023. She viewed the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Convention against Corruption as a critical milestone, five years before the target date for implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to making every effort to ensure a successful conference. (QNA)