77^th United Nations General Assembly

Third Committee

Agenda Items 109, 110 & 111: Crime prevention and criminal justice; Countering the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes and international drug control

India Statement

by

Mr. Ashish Sharma, Counsellor

3 October 2022

Mr. Chairman

India is a strong votary of international cooperation in meeting the challenge of transnational organised crime, being a Party to the relevant Conventions on transnational organised crime, drug control system and corruption. 

Despite the development of an expanding body of international treaties and conventions, designed to address the entire range of trans-border crimes, the challenges remain and in fact growing. 

Transnational organized crimes continue to undermine efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals. 

The security challenges that we face today are not constrained by physical or political boundaries. The veritable nexus between terrorism, transnational organized crime, drug and trafficking is now well established. 

Terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational crime and the security implications of new technologies are transnational challenges which cannot be viewed in compartmentalized terms.

We need coordinated cross-sectoral global response to address these issues comprehensively. We need urgent progress in these areas. 

We cannot afford to create barriers through political boundaries or bureaucracy when criminal and terror networks are increasingly interconnected.

Mr. Chairman

Today, the terrorists’ use of ICT and emerging technologies such as new digital payment methods, encrypted messaging services, cryptocurrencies, crowdfunding platforms, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, etc. pose a dynamic threat for which most of the member states do not have adequate response capabilities. 

Therefore, enhancing the capacity of countries in dealing with the ICT related issues and Financing of terrorism is crucial in the fight against terrorism and must be continued to be prioritized. 

We appreciate the ongoing discussions in the Ad Hoc Committee to elaborate an international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes. India is actively engaged in these discussions.

The UN needs to increase cooperation with other bodies such as Financial Action Task Force, which is playing a significant role in setting global standards for preventing and combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Mr. Chairman, 

India recognizes that human trafficking is a serious crime and accords high priority to combating trafficking. 

With amendment of our Criminal Law in 2013, trafficking has been defined comprehensively and provisions have been made for stringent punishment for traffickers. Anti-human trafficking cells have been set up across the country.  

The Government of India in association with UNODC had initiated a multi-year project training for Law Enforcement Officers on human trafficking.

The Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 addresses illicit traffic and abuse of drugs, while allowing promotion of their use for medical and scientific purposes. 

We have accelerated action to provide health and rehabilitation services, generate greater awareness in schools and colleges to protect young people and stringent law enforcement measures against narcotics trafficking.

‘Drug Free India Campaign’, launched in 2020, has been instrumental in creating mass awareness and reaching out to identified stakeholders with vibrant participation of youth & women.

India is also working closely with neighboring countries to address drug problem.

Mr. Chairman

India reiterates the call for a greater international cooperation in criminal justice responses to address the challenges from transnational organized crimes, terrorism and drugs.

India continues to share its skills and expertise in various crime prevention areas, including law enforcement, forensic science, cyber security with partners.  

India remains committed to work together with Member States and the UN system as key partner to achieve a world free from these menaces. 

Thank you