“There is no peace without development, no development without peace, and there is no lasting peace or sustainable development without respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
United Nation Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
It's a Crime: Show your support to end human trafficking and migrant smuggling
Did you know that 1 in 3 human trafficking victims is a child? Did you know that trafficking in human beings affects every region of the world, including where you live? Did you know that every day, people are risking their lives to escape poverty, lack of opportunity, natural disaster, persecution, conflict or political instability only to be extorted and imprisoned by smugglers? Did you know that the majority of those who traffic human beings and migrants are never convicted? Did you know that organized crime negatively impacts every single person around the world? Did you know that human rights are not possible without the rule of law?
In preparation for the Thirteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) launched the "It's a crime" campaign aimed at bringing together governments, policy-makers and experts to exchange their experiences and intensify international cooperation in tackling the threat of transnational organized crime.
We live in a globalized and inter-connected world where crime is one of the most insurmountable challenges far too many countries face. Whether we realize it or not, the choices we make as individuals, consumers and society have a tremendous impact on the rule of law around the world. When we turn a blind eye to criminal activities that cripple nations and impact lives, we help to undermine state authority by fuelling corruption and damaging legitimate economies. While this has an impact on the quality of life of all citizens, it has a devastating affect particularly on the poor, women and children. If we want to help to ensure sustainable development around the world, it is crucial that we have effective criminal justice systems and respect for the rule of law.
The Doha Congress, which will take place from April 12-19, 2015 in Qatar, will focus on the links between security, justice and the rule of law as well as the attainment of a better, more equitable world, within the background of the ongoing debate on the post-2015 agenda. The reality is that there can be no sustainable development without effectively tackling crime and respecting the rule of law.
To help get the dialogue going, a number of mini-campaigns are being launched running up until the Doha Congress, the first of which focuses on migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Upcoming topics include weak governance and corruption, cybercrime, wildlife and forest crime and how transnational organized crime prevents sustainable development.
So, now you know how organized crime can impact lives in so many ways, what do you do next? Well, that’s easy, get involved and show support!
Show your support for "It's a crime" and let UNIS know what the rule of law means to you. It’s easy to do, just post a short video clip or a photo on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #myruleoflaw. If you want to upload your post to the official Crime Congress you can email your submission.
Need some ideas about where to start or what to say, then check out the campaign’s website and then follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
If you need more information or want to start your own campaign, contact Tonya Teichert here
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