RIYADH, 27 February 2005 — In a major move to reaffirm its commitment to fight organized crime in partnership with the UN member states, Saudi Arabia has ratified the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and submitted the ratification document with the UN secretary-general.
“The endorsement of this UN convention is a commendable initiative on the part of the Kingdom, which has won international appreciation for curbing organized crime,” said El-Mustafa Ben Lamlih, UN Resident Coordinator.
Ben Lamlih, who is also the resident representative of the local United Nations Development Program’s chapter, said “the move is a noteworthy step with a firm intention to promote international cooperation to combat transnational crime more effectively.”
This UN convention, consisting of 41 articles, seeks to strengthen law-enforcement agencies of the UN member nations as well as regulatory authorities to check organized crime across the globe.
Ben Lamlih spoke very highly about the Kingdom for signing the UN declaration, which also calls on all UN member states to take measures to combat money-laundering and corruption. The convention also renews the international resolve to join hands to freeze and confiscate funds used by individuals or organizations for criminal offenses. Besides the provision for extradition, the articles of this UN convention deal with mutual legal assistance, joint investigations and transfer of criminal proceedings.
