The delegation of Thailand participated in the 32nd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna
On 22-26 May 2023, the delegation of Thailand participated in the 32nd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ32), the principal policy-making body of the United Nations on the issues of crime prevention and criminal justice, both in person at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna and via the online meeting platform.
This year, the regular session of the Commission was organized under the theme "Enhancing the functioning of the criminal justice system to ensure access to justice and to realize a safe and secure society”. It was attended by around 1,800 participants representing 136 Member States, international organizations, and other stakeholder organizations. During the session, the Commission adopted one resolution on action against trafficking in persons in business operations, public procurement and supply chains, and recommended for the adoption by the UN General Assembly 5 draft resolutions on the topics of (1) preparations for the 15th Crime Congress to be held in the UAE in 2026, (2) reducing reoffending, (3) enhancement of contributions to the 2030 Agenda, (4) equal access to justice for all, and (5) technical assistance in counter-terrorism.
The Thai delegation played an active role during the session. During the general debate, Ms. Phongsaward Guyaroonsuith, Permanent Secretary for Justice, delivered the national statement that reaffirmed Thailand's firm commitment on creating a safe and secure society for all and highlighted important development during the past year, including the enactment of a new law to curb recidivism of sexual and violent crimes. Other members of the Thai delegation also delivered interventions in the Plenary meetings, stressing their commitment to international cooperation and exchanging views on challenges and best practices in crime prevention and criminal justice, covering such topics as the use of new technologies for the criminal justice proceedings, cooperation with other stakeholders in reducing reoffending, formation of regional networks to counter violent extremism, realization of the people-centred justice concept, and the use of sports for youth crime prevention.
Furthermore, the official Thai delegation organized an exhibition and a side event on the application of the UN Model Strategies on the Elimination of Violence against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, opened by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General. Meanwhile, the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) organized and exhibition and a side event on the application of the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (Bangkok Rules). Together, the official Thai delegation and TIJ were also invited to co-sponsor and/or join the panel of speakers in 14 other side events, which demonstrated the confidence placed on Thailand as a regional leader in the field by the international community, as well as Thailand's readiness to work with all partners and stakeholders in pursuit of a society free of crimes and a criminal justice that is accessible, effective and fair for all individuals.
