STATEMENT BY MR JUSTIN ONG, DELEGATE TO THE 71ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ON AGENDA ITEM 106, ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE THIRD COMMITTEE, 6 OCTOBER 2016

Madam Chair,

1        Globalisation has brought untold benefits to countries worldwide. But it has also created some difficult challenges.  With technological advancement and increased mobility of people across borders, crime has also become global.  Criminals can move around more easily and can run transnational operations. Our status as a major transport nexus and transshipment hub has made us particularly susceptible to transnational criminal activity, such as trafficking in persons, drugs, and cyber crime.

2        Singapore has therefore taken strong measures to curb the proliferation of criminal activities, with an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, which have been pivotal to our efforts to foster a peaceful, safe and harmonious society. 

3        We have put in place policies to tackle challenging transnational crimes such as trafficking in persons.  Singapore’s Prevention of Human Trafficking Act serves to deter trafficking in persons and support the rehabilitation of trafficked victims, especially vulnerable individuals.  The Act also provides measures for the welfare of trafficked victims and encourages the reporting of trafficking or suspected trafficking activity.   We also recently strengthened our ability to deal with Organised Criminal Groups through the passage of the Organised Crime Act 2015.  This Act allows us to target syndicates that operate across jurisdictions, and to confiscate assets obtained through benefits derived from organised crime activities.

4        Another challenging transnational crime we face is drug trafficking. Singapore is situated in a region with major drug production and trafficking centres, putting us at the forefront of the struggle against drugs.  Drugs have a devastating impact on individuals, families and on societies. We have therefore taken a comprehensive, balanced, sustained and tough approach to tackling drug supply and demand, including comprehensive rehabilitation.  This is the best solution for Singapore given our unique circumstances and norms.  As each country has its own unique set of challenges, there is no one-size-fits-all approach towards addressing the drug issue.  The overall objective of our efforts is to protect individuals and families from the dangers of drugs, wean abusers off their addiction and protect the security of our region.  We therefore strongly support the centrality of the three international drug control conventions which serve as the cornerstone of global drug policy.  We will implement the recommendations in the outcome document of the UN General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem, as we continue our efforts to achieve a drug-free society.

Madam Chair,

5        In addition to fighting traditional forms of crime, Singapore is strengthening our response to new forms of crime. Cyber space is a new frontier for transnational and organised crime.          To improve our response to this growing threat, Singapore launched the Cyber Security Agency in 2015 to oversee our cybersecurity strategy, public education and industry liaison. Singapore has also signed Memoranda of Understanding with many countries including India, France, the Netherlands, the UK and the US to improve our cooperation on cybersecurity. 

6        Singapore also hosted the 4^th INTERPOL-Europol Cybercrime Conference last month, where experts from around the world examined the latest solutions to enhance our global response to cybercrime. Next week, Singapore will host the inaugural Singapore International Cyber Week, where our Prime Minister will launch our cyber security strategy. These events are part of our efforts to facilitate discussions with key stakeholders on potential areas of partnership, strategy and technical collaboration.  We hope that the outcome of these discussions will feed into the work of the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security.  Given the transnational nature of cyber-attacks, we hope that the GGE will take a more inclusive approach in its work and make greater efforts to engage the views and inputs of the wider UN membership.

Madam Chair,

7        Each country can take measures to curb the proliferation of criminal activities within their borders, and keep their country safe and secure for its citizens.  But it is equally important to strengthen cooperation between countries to combat transnational crime, and ensure an overall environment which is stable, where the rule of law prevails, where basic conditions exist for safe and inclusive societies to thrive peacefully. Singapore pledges to work with the international community to combat transnational crime.  We are an active participant in international processes such as the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime. Singapore has also acceded to key UN Conventions aimed at addressing transnational crime. We are also working to build stronger cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.  We host the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI).  I am pleased to report that the IGCI has strengthened INTERPOL’s global presence as well as enhanced its partnerships in Asia. 

Madam Chair,

8        Singapore has made great efforts to combat transnational crime, but more work remains to be done. We will continue to find ways to enhance and deepen our cooperation with our regional and international partners, including with international organisations such as INTERPOL, to combat transnational criminal activity and to provide a safe and secure home for our people.  I thank you.

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