Mr. Chairman,
I wish to congratulate you on your election to the Presidency of the Third Committee and to pledge my Delegation’s co-operation.
My delegation endorses the statement by Costa Rica this morning on behalf of the Rio Group.
Brazil welcomes the Secretary General’s report A/57/153, which highlights the progress made with regard to the promotion of the entry into force of the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its three protocols. The Convention and the protocols have been submitted to the National Congress of Brazil for approval.
The report also mentions the negotiation of the draft UN convention against corruption, to be completed by the end of 2003. We closely follow and support the work done by the ad hoc Committee, specially its comprehensive and balanced approach between prevention and law enforcement.
Mr. Chairman,
The fight against transnational organised crime and the promotion of international co-operation in this field constitute top priorities for Brazil. Our action aiming at crime prevention and criminal justice has benefited from studies and documents made by the UN, particularly proposals by the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
Brazil has taken advantage of many of its recommendations for the drafting and implementation of our Public Security Plan, which over the last two years has produced results regarding, inter alia, the protection of crime witnesses and victims, the adoption of legislation against money laundering, improvements in the effectiveness of punishment and the control of trade and possession of firearms.
At the regional level, in March 2002 we discussed with our Mercosur partners the adjustment of our legislation and policies aiming at the restriction of firearms and ammunitions. I also wish to highlight that, with relation to the efforts against money laundering, Brazil joined the Financial Action Task Force of OECD in 2000, and has been ranked by that institution as one of the ten countries to fully implement its legal, financial and international co-operation recommendations.
Mr. Chairman,
Brazil is committed to the fight against illicit drug consumption and trafficking, as well as connected crimes. To do so more effectively, we have been working closely with our neighbours. Drugs and connected crimes were one of the five main issues of the agenda of the first Meeting of South American Presidents held in Brazil two years ago. We have also taken initiatives under the aegis of the Zone of Peace and Co-operation in the South Atlantic and the Commonwealth of Portuguese Speaking Countries. Last March we had a fruitful meeting of the mechanism of co-ordination and co-operation in the field of drugs between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean.
At the national level, our legislation has been updated in order to conform to many of the UN documents in the field. We have also rationalised our administrative structures towards increasing our abilities to address the problem of drugs. One important result of this process is the creation of the National Anti-Drugs Bureau, which co-ordinates the activities of prevention and rehabilitation, whereas the agency responsible for repression is the police department.
Our National Anti-Drugs Policy, launched in December 2001, reflects our grave concern with the illegal use of drugs. The growing awareness of the issue in Brazilian society has lead to an increased participation of non-governmental actors in the fight against drugs. Local communities are encouraged to deal with the question in a comprehensive way. Private associations dedicated to efforts of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are also called to intensify their activities.
Mr. Chairman,
The demand for, production of and trafficking of illicit drugs remains a problem of a global magnitude albeit the efforts made at all levels to eliminate it. We welcome the growing international consensus on the guidelines and principles that should orient international cooperation in dealing with the world drug problem. We appreciate the recognition that the international struggle against the scourge of drugs is a common and shared responsibility; that it must be addressed in a multilateral setting; that it requires and integrated and balanced approach; that it must be carried out in full conformity with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the international law; and that it must also be carried out with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of states and all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Progress has been achieved on the supply side of the drug problem, by some programmes in the eradication of illicit crops, but much remains to be done.
In order to increase the struggle against drug trafficking and consumption, it is necessary to strengthen a multidimensional strategy that takes into account the aspects of prevention and rehabilitation, besides all repressive activities, including against related crimes. We are convinced that continued and enhanced support to international cooperation programmes based on these strategies will lead us to further achievements. The challenge ahead of us is overwhelming, but we must persevere in our efforts to strengthen our common action.
Thank you.