STATEMENT BY MR JOSHUA E JESUDASON, DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE 78TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEMS 107 AND 108: ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE, AND COUNTERING THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATOINS TECHNOLOGIES FOR CRIMINAL PURPOSES, THIRD COMMITTEE, 2 OCTOBER 2023

Thank you, Mr Chair,

1 My intervention today concerns the three pressing and evolving challenges of cybercrime, radicalization, and the world drug problem. These challenges transcend borders and afflict all regardless of nationality.  This means all countries should collaborate closely to tackle them effectively.

2 First, cybercrime. Cyber-enabled scams have risen in scale, complexity and pervasiveness across many jurisdictions in recent years. The increasing digitalization of the economy has created new platforms and opportunities for criminals to siphon funds and data. More than 50% of respondents whom the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) surveyed in Southeast Asia reported that they had money stolen online, and 72% said that they had experienced at least one form of online scam.

3 As an open and connected economy, Singapore is especially vulnerable. The number of scams reported in Singapore rose by about 50% year-on-year from 2018 to 2021, and in 2022, approximately $477 million US dollars was lost to online scams. To address these challenges, Singapore organized a Regional Anti-Scam Conference, bringing together 15 countries and international law enforcement stakeholders. The conference discussed steps to improve coordination on cross-border enforcement operations and facilitate information-sharing. In addition, we have established strong public-private partnerships with banks, digital platforms, and other private stakeholders of the digital economy, to strengthen safety nets against online fraud.

4 As the ASEAN Lead Shepherd for Cybercrime, Singapore also works closely with ASEAN partners to enhance our joint response to cybercrime through tight coordination, information sharing and joint enforcement. Together with our ASEAN partners, we will continue close cooperation under the ASEAN Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and redouble efforts to see through the full implementation of ASEAN’s broader cybercrime strategy. Singapore is also actively involved in ongoing discussions at the Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes. We will continue our efforts to foster closer global cooperation against cybercrime. 

Mr Chair,

5 My second point concerns radicalization, especially through online content. In its 32^nd session this year, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) expressed strong concern at the global dissemination of terrorist content through the internet. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the sway of extremist ideologies, which are peddled through seemingly innocuous online spaces such as gaming platforms.

6 Singapore takes the threat of internet-driven radicalization seriously and collaborates closely with civil society to effectively address these risks. We work closely with technology companies, and other private sector actors to ensure that egregiously harmful online content is flagged and removed in a timely manner. We have also engaged schools, community stakeholders, and civil society to articulate a robust counter-extremist narrative through education, engagement, and dialogue. Singapore also updated our Online Safety Bill in 2022 to effectively police platforms that extremists use to radicalize citizens.

7 Singapore will continue to work closely with ASEAN, UNODC, INTERPOL and other international organizations to counter the use of technology to promote violent extremism.

Mr Chair,

8 Third but not least important, my delegation notes that the world drug problem continues to afflict the lives of people around the world. According to the 2023 World Drug report, 296 million people were using drugs in 2021. This is one in every 17 people on Earth. The world drug problem does not exist in a vacuum and fuels a host of other harms. The same report showed that the illicit drug market provides financial resources that exacerbate armed conflicts, illegal resource extraction, and deforestation.

9 Singapore recognizes that global efforts are required to combat the international drug trade and its attendant harms. We reaffirm our support for the international drug control regime, including the three conventions on the world drug problem. We will continue to work with the UNODC, as well as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), in implementing the 2019 Ministerial Declaration on strengthening actions at all levels to address the world drug programme. As a newly elected member of the CND, Singapore also looks forward to the mid-term review of the CND in 2024.

Mr Chair,

10 Singapore remains resolute in our efforts to tackle established and emerging trends in transnational crime. We welcome and support global efforts to effectively counter them through international organs and institutions like the UNODC. Let us work together to protect our people in the face of these challenges and continue moving toward a safe and secure future for all.

11 Thank you, Mr Chair.

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