Statement By Representative of the Islamic Republic of ran  Before The 15th Session of Working Group of Government Experts on Technical Assistance    Agenda Item (2): Criminalization of crimes that affect the environment.   3 and 4 June 2024 In the name of God, the most Compassionate, the most merciful         I would like to begin by expressing our gratitude to you and the Secretariat for your dedicated efforts in leading and organizing this meeting.    Mr. Co-Chairs,   The Islamic Republic of Iran is of the view that addressing crimes that affect the environment is a paramount matter. Recognizing the harmful effects of these crimes and the need for appropriate measures, we believe that preventing and addressing crimes that affect the environment through collective and inclusive actions, within a technical framework, can lead to effective responses and support Member States' efforts in investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators.  Therefore, addressing crimes that affect the environment under the auspices of the United Nations provides Member States with the opportunity to engage in discussions and work collaboratively to combat this threat. We reaffirm that efforts to address, prevent, and combat crimes that affect the environment should be in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations. This includes sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States, as well as the principle of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other States. Similarly, every State has the right to freely exercise full and permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources. The Islamic Republic of Iran has taken significant steps to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks to combat crimes that affect the environment. This includes the enactment of stringent laws that define and penalize various forms of environmental harm, the establishment of specialized law enforcements, and the development of comprehensive monitoring and reporting systems. Our judiciary has been empowered to impose severe penalties on individuals and entities found guilty of such crimes, reflecting the gravity of the offenses.    Mr. Co-Chairs,   Protecting the environment and combating crimes against its invaluable but limited resources are necessary for the survival of all beings and also involve respecting and fulfilling the right to development. Development enables states to combat these crimes more effectively and plays a crucial role in meeting the environmental needs of future generations, contributing to the protection of the environment against crimes by ensuring the necessary support for the implementation of national policies in a balanced manner. The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to working with the international community to enhance cooperation and technical assistance in this area. We recognize that countries are at different stages of addressing these challenges and possess varying capacities to do so. Therefore, international cooperation and capacity-building initiatives are vital to harmonizing our efforts and closing existing gaps. Further, Member States should refrain from applying, maintaining and romulgating unilataral actions that hinder access to the required technical and financial resources to address crimes that affect the environment. Similarly, considering the immense practical utility of technological tools and equipment in fighting crimes that affect the environment, enhancing the development and transfer of relevant new know-how and innovative technologies, in particular to developing countries, should be among the measures to be taken at the international level in combating crimes that affect the environment. Specific measures in this area should involve the use of new and advanced technology by law enforcement and other criminal justice institutions.    Mr. Co-Chairs,   Highlighting the significance of seizure, recovery and return of proceeds of such crimes to effectively combat crimes that affect the environment, I would like to recall that the very resolution pursuant to which this meeting is being held, has urged States to adopt concrete and effective measures to recover and return the proceeds of such crimes in accordance with the UNCAC and UNTOC and has emphasized removal of obstacles to applying measures for the recovery and return of those assets and proceeds. As such, I would like to reaffirm the importance of recovery and return of proceeds and assets, in particular, those related to corruption and organized criminal groups so as to ensure an effective fight against crimes that affect the environment. In conclusion, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment to preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment. We stand ready to collaborate with all member states to enhance our legal frameworks, share best practices, and support international initiatives that aim to preserve and protect our shared environment. Thanks for your attention!