"Justice": Combating crime is a complementary international responsibility based on legislation and agreements - Sarmad
(KUNA) — Awatif Al-Sand, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Justice, affirmed on Saturday that international efforts to prevent and combat crime constitute a complementary responsibility among states, grounded in international agreements and supportive national legislation.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the State of Kuwait at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Abu Dhabi, Al-Sand stated that the Congress is convening under exceptional circumstances, amid Iran’s aggression against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and certain Arab countries, and the targeting of vital facilities, airports, infrastructure, and residential areas in violation of international laws and norms, as well as the principles of good neighborliness.
She expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for hosting the Congress, its excellent organization, and the hospitality extended. She also commended Japan’s efforts in supporting the principles and strategies established by the Kyoto Declaration over the past five years.
Al-Sand welcomed the Republic of Uzbekistan’s announcement that it will host the 16th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
She emphasized that the Congress serves as a crucial pillar for shaping international policies and determining their direction in the field of crime prevention and mitigating its impacts on the international community, particularly in light of the emergence of new types of crimes and the evolution of their forms and methods of commission.
She explained that, within the framework of its “Kuwait 2035” vision, Kuwait has adopted policies to combat crime and enacted several laws in this area, including legislation on drug and psychotropic substance control, domestic violence, beneficial ownership, and commercial fronting.
She added that Kuwait has given special attention to combating cybercrime as part of its efforts to address transnational crimes, through the enactment of the Law on Combating Information Technology Crimes and supporting international trends aimed at countering illicit electronic uses, alongside regulating digital trade and protecting consumer rights.
She noted that Kuwait has strengthened its legislative framework in the areas of mutual legal assistance, counter-terrorism, anti-money laundering, and the financing of terrorism, through specialized national legislation and mechanisms, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation at both the local and international levels.
Al-Sand also expressed hope that the Congress will contribute to reaching understandings and decisions that strengthen avenues for international cooperation in preventing and combating crime and achieving criminal justice, thereby ensuring security and safety for peoples.
