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Malta Statement at the U.N. - Third Committee Meeting: Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice and International Drug Control
PR1738
23/10/1996
23/10/1996
| Mr. Victor Pace, First Secretary at Malta's Permanent Mission to | the United Nations in New York yesterday addressed the Third Committee on Agenda Items 101 and 102 - Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and International Drug Control. Hereunder is a summary of his statement. |
| International Drug Trafficking represents a threat not only | to individuals and communities, but also to security within States and regions, said Mr Victor Pace, Deputy Permanent Representative of Malta to the UN, when addressing the Third Committee. He stressed that the Government, in co-operation with other States is committed in combating this network of international criminality. |
| Malta's policy was to tackle the drug problem intensively and | comprehensively. It reorganised and strengthened its internal capacities to meet the challenge in a modern and efficient way. KADA and SEDQA were set up both of which work closely with CARITAS (MALTA). |
| Composition, function and the useful work being done by both bodies | was highlighted. Government recognised that demand reduction is the best strategy. Topmost priority was given to prevention. Government identified the community, schools, workplace, leisure, professionals, and the media as instrumental in promoting drug prevention activities and programmes. The family has major role in this effort. |
| SEDQA had gradually shifted the emphasis in the treatment | and rehabilitation field from the medical to the social model. It has given priority to community services which include community work, early intervention, residential treatment, re-integration and after-care. |
| Mr Pace acknowledged the past and present social role of CARITAS | (MALTA) in helping individuals, families and communities in the service it offers at its Day Centre for Rehabilitation of Addicts and the Therapeutic Community. |
| Malta is committed to fighting illicit drug trafficking with | increasing vigour. For this reason it amended the main legislation, the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, to provide amongst other, life and ten-year sentencing for trafficking; compulsory prison sentencing for trafficking, cultivation and importation; confiscation of property of convicted traffickers; the introduction of money laundering as an offence; and increased international co-operation. The setting up of the National Drug Intelligence Unit, bringing together Police, Customs and the Armed Forces and the ongoing training, through multilateral and bilateral assistance, of members of the Unit was also highlighted. |
| Mr Pace enumerated the basis of Malta's commitment namely: | persisting and strengthening its fight against drug trafficking by administrative and legislative means; a clear position against legalisation of drugs; enhancing the commitment of the whole of society in a co-ordinated strategy of prevention and education against abuse; enhancing drug-related services available for the family and the community; stimulating the commitment of the voluntary sector to enhance available services; creation of the necessary administrative machinery to carry out a continuous systematic evaluation exercise to strengthen the framework of coordinative machinery and the services offered by the State in the preventive and therapeutic field. |
| On Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Mr Pace stated | that crime undermines the achievements of society and instils fear and pain not only on its immediate victims but on the community as a whole. Its evolution presents Member States with new challenges. Government had strengthened its fight against crime through legislation and strengthening the capacities of law enforcement. Co-operation at the multilateral and bilateral level had helped Malta register success in fighting criminal acts ranging from money laundering to drug trafficking, from fraud to the trafficking of stolen goods. |
| The Maltese Constitution, the Criminal Code and a number of | specific laws, in defending society against criminality, respect the fundamental human rights of the offenders. The policies of the Council of Europe and the United Nations have been an important source of inspiration in setting and updating rules and standards. The independent and impartial Judiciary ensures a fair hearing at all levels of criminal proceedings in the best democratic tradition. |
| Malta's concern at the increase in transitional organised crime was | expressed. Enhancement of international co-operation and the adherence to an implementation of existing instruments was a priority for the international community. |
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