The Crime Congress of the United Nations has noted that the responsibility of fighting emerging crimes was not the sole responsibility of states, but a duty that demanded closer international and regional co-operation.

“The nature and dimensions of emerging crimes are no longer domestic affairs,” Executive Secretary of the Crime Congress, Mr. Dimitri Vlasis, told journalists in Accra on Wednesday via video conference.

From April 12 to 19, Qatar will be hosting the 13th UN Crime Congress in Qatar, Doha, which will bring together governments, policy-makers and experts, to exchange their experiences and intensify international co-operation in tackling the threat of trans-national organized crime.

The conference will look at successes and challenges in implementing comprehensive crime prevention and criminal justice policies and strategies, to promote the rule of law nationally and internationally, and to support sustainable development.

It will also discuss international co-operation, including regionally, combating trans-national organized crime.

Mr. Vlasis said the conference is expected to develop comprehensive and balanced approaches to prevent and adequately respond to new and emerging forms of transnational crime.

National approaches to public participation in strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice would be high on the conference agenda, he said.

Criminal activities undermine state authority by fueling corruption and damaging the legitimate economy.

This has an impact on the quality of life of the citizenry, most particularly the poor, women and children, and so effective criminal justice systems and respect for the rule of law, are crucial for achieving sustainable development.

In a globalized interconnected world, the transnational nature of the crime is one of the key challenges countries face.

Mr. Vlasis said the conference would help build and maintain skills necessary for cooperation, and build the necessary infrastructure for enhanced cooperation.

“Emphasis on requirement for Africa’s development will be placed on crimes, there will be more opportunities for Africa to deal with the many specific crimes in the continent,” he added.

Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Yury Fedotov, is quoted as saying that as people aspire to be free from the grip of crime, violence, corruption and insecurity: “This basic human aspiration chimes with a growing recognition across the international community that crime is not simply a social problem, but a grave obstacle to achieving sustainable development.”