By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter

The 13th UN Congress on crime prevention that is to take place in Doha this April, will have four major topics for discussion, disclosed a top UN official. The Congress will also seek ways to deal with some of the emerging security concerns, such as cybercrime as well as trafficking of wildlife.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf Times, Dimitri Vlassis, executive secretary of 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice said that a large number of world leaders are expected to attend the Congress.
He said “ Ban Ki Moon, secretary general of the United Nations, president of the General Assembly, president of the Economic and Social Council, executive director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes have confirmed their attendance for the congress. We expect a number of prime ministers, many ministers of justice and several leaders from the participating countries to attend the Congress.”
Vlassis said the major topics of discussion during the Congress will be, “the rule of law and development”, “the operation of criminal justice system” and “the ways to deal with new and emerging forms of crime.”
The official remarked that the Congress will focus on several new forms of crimes that have emerged as a major threat for safety and security of the people in the last few years. Cybercrimes as well as different forms of trafficking including wild life will be discussed in detail at the Congress. “The Congress will also explore possibilities of public participation in crime prevention,” he added.
The UN official said that Qatar has shown strong political will and commitment of the highest level in hosting the Congress. He remarked “H E the Prime Minister himself is looking after the activities of the Congress. It is gratifying to work with a country such as Qatar that is so serious in hosting such a Congress. Political commitment is very important for the appropriate solutions to reach at.”
Vlassis pointed out that everyone is keenly waiting for the Doha Declaration as the Congress is held once in every five years. He stated “We hope that the Doha Declaration is going to give the perspective and guidance for the UN and the world leaders on how to work better together to address certain security concerns.”
“This will throw light on how to make sure borders do not become barriers in law enforcement,” he added.
The official continued that two of his team mates are dealing with the logistics of the congress as the countdown to the congress has already started. “The Congress will take place during 12- 19 of April. Prior to it, there will be a youth forum that will be held for 3 days from 7th of April,” he informed.

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