The President of the conference
Distinguished delegates
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on having been appointed to preside over this, the 12th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and to assure you of South Africa’s full support. The congress takes place during the same week that Presidents Zuma and Lula and Prime Minister Singh met in Brasilia in the context of India, Brazil and South Africa tri-lateral Forum (IBSA), a forum which represents a concrete mechanism for South�"South dialogue in which our three countries have identified areas of cooperation in a vast range of sectors including the fight against crime.
I also take this opportunity to join other countries in expressing condolences to the government and the people of Poland for the tragedy which happened in their country which resulted in the loss of life of the President, his wife and many senior government officials. I would also want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of China on the recent earthquake. The earthquake in China follows on the equally devastating events in Haiti and Chile.
Mr President,
South Africa associates itself with statements made by Algeria, on behalf of the Group 77 and China and by Zimbabwe on behalf of the African group.
This year marks 15 years since the attainment of democracy in South Africa and 20 years since the release of Mr Nelson Mandela from prison. As we celebrate these milestones, we also take stock of the progress we have made towards achieving the goals we have set for ourselves. Key amongst these goals is our determination to build a better life for all, including that our people should live in conditions of safety, peace and stability.
It is this obligation and commitment that informed our ratification of the various United Nations (UN) Conventions on Terrorism, Corruption and Organised Crime. Our Constitution further commits us to put in place all the necessary instruments to achieve this ideal, including when necessary, enabling legislation and capacity for the state to fulfil this obligation.
The theme of the 12th congress clearly shows that despite celebrating 55 years since the establishment of the congress in 1955, the world is still facing enormous challenges with regard to crime prevention. It is our hope that this Salvador Congress will also leave its own important legacy in the global fight against crime.
Crime, especially organised crime and corruption, poses a great threat to the social, economic and moral of our societies. It weakens development and poverty reduction, and undermines economic growth and stability. South Africa places a high priority on countering the challenges posed by crime in all its forms, whilst recognising that it must be done with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and in accordance with human rights law. South Africa continues to strengthen partnerships with business and civil society.
The South African government has identified the re-generation of the moral fibre of our society as one of its priorities. In this regard, we put emphasis on the strengthening of social cohesion and the promotion of social justice.
In his 2010 State of the Nation Address, our president declared this year as “the year of action”. Among the high level objectives that have been identified is the need to address the overall levels of crime.
To address the issue of children and youth crime, South Africa has introduced a range of new laws, programmes and policies regarding the management of children in conflict with the law, including the Child Justice Act, 2008, which came into effect on 1 April 2010.
South Africa is also proud to announce that a Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities was established whose mandate is to monitor programmes designed for the advancement and protection of women, children and people living with disabilities.
Mr President,
South Africa has made major advances in complying with its international obligations relating to terrorism. The Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act has been in operation since 20 May 2005.
We believe that the fight against terrorism requires a multilateral approach and should be conducted with due regard to international human rights law and respect for the sovereignty of states.
South Africa like other countries is also affected by the growing phenomenon of human trafficking, which can be characterised as modern day slavery. These crimes are often perpetuated by trans-national syndicates hence the calls for regional and international cooperation, as well as the introduction and harmonisation of legislation and immigration procedures. South Africa has adopted domestic legislation to address issues of human trafficking at various levels.
South Africa seeks to emphasise the role of technology in criminal justice reform to assist in tracking criminal activities. Developing countries should be provided with technical assistance to put relevant information systems in place with the aim to enhance performance and promote monitoring and evaluation. Whilst we recognise the positive contribution of science technology in the fight against crime, the expansion of internet networking and use of computers has also contributed to the emergence of cyber crime. South Africa is therefore pleased that the Salvador Congress also focussed on this challenge.
South Africa became a member of the Financial Action Task Force in June 2003. We are compliant with the 40 recommendations of combating money laundering and its nine special recommendations on combating the financing of terror.
The problem of crime is global in nature and no country can address it on its own. For this reason, South Africa advocates for closer collaboration and cooperation amongst law enforcement agencies as well as the exchange of useful information amongst such agencies.
The law in South Africa is not intended for the safety of South Africans only, but for all people living in the country. We have, however, seen an increase in incidents of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals. In response to this we have established a unit within our immigration services, whose sole mandate is to prevent and counteract xenophobia.
Mr President,
South Africa was pleased to be able to share its experiences with other countries during this Congress on best practices in addressing overcrowding within prisons as well as the treatment of prisoners. We believe that regional and international cooperation in this area is of critical importance. South Africa endorses the African Correctional Services Association’s call to extend the gratitude to the Government of Thailand for their efforts aimed at strengthening international awareness of the treatment of women prisoners. We call for the adoption of the draft Supplementary United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non Custodial measures for Women offenders.
South Africa supports the call for the strengthening of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), including through increased financial and other resources. We also believe that as we reform the global system of governance we should also find ways of enhancing the capacity of the UNODC to deliver on its mandates.
South Africa will host the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup from 11 June to 11 July 2010. We invite peoples of the world to join us in celebrating this big sporting event which is to be held for the first time on the African Continent. We have put into place security measures to ensure the safety of both players and supporters. We guarantee you that the best team shall win and safety and security of the people shall prevail.
Queremos dizer ao governo e ao povo do Brasil: Siyabulela, Siyabonga, Re a leboga, baie dankie, thank you, muito obrigada for your hospitality. Muito Obrigada.
Ke-re-mos di-zer auw go-ver-no e auw po-vo do Brasil: Siyabulela, Siyabonga, Re a leboga, baie dankie, thank you, mui-to o-bri-ga-da for your hospitality. Mui-to ob-ri-ga-da
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
19 April 2010
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za/)
