Statement by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the 34th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ)

19 May, 2025

Distinguished Chair,

Excellences, Delegates,

I would like to start by congratulating H.E. Ambassador José Antonio ZABALGOITIA of Mexico on his election as the Chair of the CCPCJ at its 34^th session and assure of my delegation’s full support. Let me also thank the Bureau and the Secretariat for their hard work in preparation of the session.

Mr. Chair,

Armenia emphasizes the vital role of the Commission in shaping international standards in crime prevention and criminal justice and in fostering relevant cooperation to ensure effective criminal justice systems.

The Commission's work attracts more attention in the current international landscape of rapidly deteriorating geopolitical and security environments, which shakes the foundations of effective justice systems, increases the vulnerability of societies and serves as a breeding ground for the spread of transnational crimes, including in their new and emerging manifestations. Twist of organized crime and terrorism, smuggling of migrants and human trafficking, corruption and money laundering are among menaces, which no country can counter alone.

Today as never before, enhanced international cooperation, including technical assistance, capacity building and information sharing are necessary to develop and implement effective responses to those crimes. In this regard, Armenia emphasizes the critical role of the UNODC and makes the best use of its knowledge and expertise for strengthening our national crime response capabilities. Most recent examples include capacity building of law enforcement practitioners on Cybercrime prevention, a needs assessment mission on penal and prison reform, the drafting of new strategy on countering drug trafficking, enhanced cooperation within the Passenger and Cargo Control Program.

Distinguished Delegates,

Ensuring a safe and secure social environment goes beyond combating crime. Crime prevention and equal access to justice are crucial for building safer and more vibrant communities. With this understanding, the Government of Armenia currently develops a new comprehensive strategy on crime prevention, fosters culture of lawfulness and continues to ensure equal access to justice for all consistent with the overarching objective of the 2030 Agenda: to leave no one behind.

Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, including in our immediate neighborhood, we still witness abuse of the judicial system for mock trials and political prosecutions paired with ill-treatment, denial of access to proper legal representation, aid and advice in blatant violation of the international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Ensuring a criminal justice system that safeguards the rights of all people is the primary obligation of Member States.

Armenia emphasizes also the importance of addressing hate speech, including in cyberspace, which is recognized as a precursor to atrocity crimes and other forms of violence. We are deeply concerned that among the victims of these crimes are women, girls and children. We firmly believe that the ambiguity of the legal status of hate speech should not serve as a justification for an inadequate legal response.

Mr. Chair,

In less than a year we will gather in Abu Dhabi for the Fifteenth Crime Congress, which represents a significant opportunity to summarize on the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration and further advance global efforts in crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law. We would like to thank the UAE for hosting the Congress and look forward to actively participating in its work towards a successful outcome.

Finally, as the host country of the 17^th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Armenia welcomes the growing interest in addressing the crimes that affect the environment to protect biodiversity loss․ Today, we held a side event on this subject together with the UNODC, France, Interpol and GI-TOC and express our readiness to further cooperate with all interested parties on this matter.

I thank you.

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