35th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: CANZ Statement
Statement delivered by Ms Emma Nicholas, Representative of the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
5 June 2026
Chair
I have the honor of speaking on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and my own country, Australia.
We express our appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for hosting the 15th Crime Congress, as well as the UNODC for its important support in the preparations for this meeting.
The Crime Congress, and its Declaration, represent an invaluable opportunity to identify persistent and emerging trends in crime prevention and criminal justice, and to signal a strong commitment to a collective course of action to address these issues.
As we are approaching the end of the negotiation of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, our three countries remain committed to working constructively with all Member States as well as the UAE Chair to ensure that the declaration reflects the broad mandate of the Commission as the principal policymaking body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice.
This comprehensive mandate underscores the need for balanced and forward-looking approaches to preventing and addressing crime.
Strengthening the rule of law, protecting people in vulnerable situations, and ultimately preventing crime by addressing its underlying drivers are central to the Congress and to UNODC’s mandate. Gender equality, human rights, and ensuring equal access to justice for all are also essential for balanced and effective approaches to crime. Without these elements, criminal justice systems risk reinforcing harm and exclusion rather than building trust and resilience.
We expect that a strong final Declaration will also incorporate references to the core elements of this year’s agreed Congress theme - protecting people and the planet and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the digital age.
Our countries look forward to a successful Congress, and a Declaration, that will reflect our resolute commitment to address crime in all its forms in a balanced and inclusive manner that leaves no one behind.
Thank you.