Iran Statement at 15th UNTOC Working Group on International Cooperation

Agenda Item 2

 

Statement

Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The 15th Session of Working Group on International Cooperation

 

Agenda Item (2): The role and impact of technology with regard to

international cooperation in criminal matters: opportunities, challenges and capacity-building needs.

 

(5 and 6 June 2024)

In the name of God, the most Compassionate, the most merciful

 

 

At the outset, I would like to thank the panelists for their interesting presentations and also, I'd like to express my gratitude to you and the Secretariat for your dedicated efforts in leading and organising this meeting.

Madam and Mr. Co-Chairs,

It is crucial that we consider the role and impact of technology on international cooperation in criminal matters in this Working Group. As we are gathered to discuss this significant topic, we are reminded of the unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges that technology presents in the fight against transnational organised crime.

The advancements in digital tools and platforms provide substantial benefits and opportunities:

1. Enhanced Communication and Coordination: Digital communication tools and platforms have streamlined interactions between law enforcement agencies across borders, facilitating faster and more efficient exchanges of information and intelligence. This has proven quite efficient in timely interventions and dismantling of transnational criminal networks.
2. Data Sharing and Analysis: Advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and forensic technologies have changed the methods and efficiency of the collection, analysis, and sharing of evidence. This enhances the ability to track criminal activities, identify perpetrators, and gather robust evidence admissible in courts of law.
3. Capacity Building and Training: E-learning platforms and virtual training provide law enforcement officers and judicial officials with access to the latest knowledge and skills necessary to combat evolving criminal trends. This could be beneficial for countries with limited access to training resources.

 Madam and Mr. Co-Chairs,

The electronic transmission of international cooperation requests under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) could play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and speed of judicial assistance across borders. This digital approach facilitates the exchange of information and evidence, crucial for preventing and combating transnational organized crime in a timely manner. However, the integration of technology in international cooperation is not without challenges. In this regard, several challenges that might be underlined are as follows:

1. Cyber security Threats: The increasing reliance on digital systems makes them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Ensuring the security of shared information, protecting sensitive data and confidentiality of transmitted data from unauthorized access or breaches are of paramount importance and need to be addressed.
2. Disparities in Technological Capabilities: There exists a significant gap in technological capabilities and resources among countries. This disparity can hinder effective cooperation and create inequities in combating transnational crime. In order to promote the role of electronic transmission of international cooperation requests, it is of utmost importance to lift the technical barriers related to the compatibility of electronic systems across jurisdictions and prepare the prerequisite infrastructures.
3. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: The rapid pace of technological advancement often surpasses the development of corresponding legal and regulatory frameworks in countries. It is essential to harmonise these frameworks internationally to ensure the effective and lawful use of technology in criminal justice. Overcoming the differences in national legal frameworks regarding electronic evidence and establishing a universally accepted instrument for electronic information and communication technologies will play a significant role in achieving our goals to fight against transnational organised crime.
4. UN Collaboration Platforms: the UN bodies including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) should play a crucial role in building capacity, exchanging information, and developing international norms and standards among countries.

Madam and Mr. Co-Chairs,

The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to using technological means to improve international cooperation in criminal matters. We believe it is important to take a comprehensive, inclusive and balanced approach that allows countries to take full advantage of technological advancements while also addressing the challenges that come with them. By working together and avoiding politicization of international cooperation, and by providing capacity-building and shared expertise, we can effectively fight transnational organized crime and work towards a more secure and just world.

Last but not least, The Unilateral Coercive Measures, which flagrantly violate the fundamental principles of international law and grossly infringe upon Article 4 of the Convention, as well as its underlying purpose in promoting cooperation among states, have impaired international cooperation in combating Transnational Organised Crime, prevented effective remedy for victims of organized crime and stymied allocation of essential resources for fighting such crimes. These illegal measures would only embolden organized criminal groups to expand their criminal activities and jeopardize the rule of law, transparency, and accountability at the regional and international levels. To this end, removal of all Unilateral Coercive Measures is of high priority and urgency in effectively countering Transnational Organised Crime and achieving the purposes of the Convention.

Thanks for your attention!