Dear Editor,
Criminal networks are exploiting global vulnerabilities on a vast scale: from human trafficking to environmental destruction and cybercrime. Organized crime operates across borders, posing serious challenges that no country can tackle alone.
On 15 November 2024, the world marked the first international day for the prevention of, and fight against, all forms of transnational organized crime (TOC). Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this day highlighted the urgent need for global solidarity to counter the rising threat of organised crime, which undermines peace, security and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme was “Pulling Together to Push Back: United against Organized Crime”.
TOC Day calls for united global action. The devastating impact of organized crime threatens lives, destabilizes communities, and hinders economic and social development. But despite these challenges, there is hope: this day serves as a rallying point for action, demonstrating that collective efforts by governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals can achieve real change.
Impact of organized crime
Transnational organized crime is big business. In 2009, it was estimated to generate $870 billion. The United Nations (UN) body has said that organized crime thrives worldwide, affecting governance and political processes, and weakening the advancement of the rule of law. It encompasses, inter alia, the illicit trafficking of firearms, drugs, protected species, cultural property or falsified medical products, and among its most severe manifestations are human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.
Transnational organised crime also includes the laundering of proceeds of crime and obstruction of justice. Moreover, with all forms of organized crime shifting ever more to being dependent on, or incorporating, online aspects, including the use of virtual assets, its reach and capability to harm are increasing.
Organized criminal groups are flexible in changing or expanding their illicit businesses for profit. They misuse vulnerabilities and crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, natural disasters, and armed conflicts, exploiting them for their own purposes.
Organized crime threatens peace and human security, leads to human rights being violated, and undermines the economic, social, cultural, political and civil development of societies around the world. The vast sums of money involved can compromise legitimate economies and have a direct impact on governance, such as through corruption and the “buying” of elections.
United against organized crime
The General Assembly commemorated all victims of organized crime, including those who have lost their lives fighting such crime, in particular law enforcement and judicial personnel; and paid special tribute to all those persons, such as Judge Giovanni Falcone, whose work and sacrifice paved the way for the adoption of the Convention, affirming that their legacy lives on through our global commitment to preventing and combatting organized crime.
It is important to note that Caricom also is on board in the fight against organized crime. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) is committed to working with member states to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat organized crime within its borders; with particular attention to corruption, money laundering and the facilitators of crime. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) was established by the 27th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in July 2006 in Bird Rock, St. Kitts and Nevis, as the implementation arm of a new regional architecture to manage Caricom’s action agenda on crime and security.
Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It is time we pull together to push back. International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime calls for united global action. In observation of TOC Day, there must be an increased awareness concerning the far-reaching impacts of organized crime on communities, economies and governance systems across the globe, as well as encouraging stronger partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector to address the cross-border nature of organized crime, and develop joint solutions.
The global community must also highlight grassroots efforts and community-led initiatives that build resilience against organized crime. Focus must be placed on prevention strategies to tackle the root causes of organized crime and empower local responses, as well as on sharing innovative tools, strategies and best practices to combat organized crime, while the capacities of law enforcement, the justice sector and communities must be strengthened.
Additionally, the UN advocates for policies that address the root causes and consequences of organized crime, reinforcing governance, the rule of law, and human rights.
Finally, there must be an acknowledgement regarding threats and opportunities posed by technology in the fight against organized crime, from the rise of cybercrime to the use of tech in more effective detection, prevention and responses. Organized crime is a threat to everyone.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and/or gender issues.
Sincerely,
Wayne Campbell
