Joint Nordic statement at Security Council open debate on transnational organized crime

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Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark.

We thank Ecuador for convening this open debate, as well as our briefers today – and we especially thank you, Ms. Victoria Nyanjura, for your courage to share your experiences and important work with the Council today.

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Transnational organized crime and the political economy of conflict are closely linked. Opportunities for criminal enrichment often spur the onset or resumption of hostilities, frequently over illicit drugs or natural resources. Even when that is not the case, conflicts attract criminal actors. Conflict actors need money and resources to sustain their ability to fight. Criminal activity provides that. Moreover, criminal actors are often based in neighbouring countries, regionalising conflicts and spreading their destabilising effects across borders.

We must curb transnational organised crime, both in the conflict zones and beyond. We, the Nordic countries, take this opportunity to highlight two key issues that should guide the multilateral approach.

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First, because transnational organized crime in conflict is a question of political economy, the response should be tailored accordingly. It must be comprehensive, and due consideration should be given to diplomatic, development, justice, anti-corruption and security measures.

To tailor the response, the international community needs to know more about the transnational criminal networks, and how they contribute to the spread of terrorism and fueling of conflict dynamics. On this note, we commend the work of the panels of experts and the Monitoring Team for relevant UN sanctions regimes for their valuable contributions. We would like to see this international oversight strengthened. Furthermore, we encourage improved coordination and enhanced partnerships between all UN entities, preferably through an even more effective United Nations Interagency Taskforce on Policing.

That said, local voices are often best situated to identify criminal networks and illicit trade flows, and they should be included in the work to hold criminals accountable. Activists and civil society groups can inform and support efforts to tackle the impact of crime on conflict. These are brave individuals who put themselves at risk in order to call out and combat criminal activity. Their protection must be ensured.

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Our second point is that the approach to transnational organized crime must be guided by the core UN values of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. The majority of victims of both crime and conflict are civilians who simply want to live their lives, but are extorted, trafficked, kidnapped, and become casualties in fighting over the exploits of criminal activity.

In addition, many low-level actors in transnational organized crime never wanted to become criminals. Poverty drives some to make unsociable choices. Others are pressured, some at gunpoint, to participate in criminal activity. Our approach to transnational organized crime should distinguish between crime as subsistence and crime as a means to sustain conflict. We must provide economic development to offer better livelihood alternatives, in addition to improving governance and law enforcement.

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Mr. President,

In conclusion:

• We must take a comprehensive and multilateral approach to transnational organized crime and its causes and effects on international peace and security;
• We must enhance the work of the United Nations Interagency Taskforce on Policing;
• Those who speak up should be supported and protected;
• And finally: we can only tackle the root causes if we remain true to our values, ensure economic development, and strengthen the rule of law.

I thank you.