SI UN Reps attend the 5th Session on Transnational Organised Crime

SI UN Representatives, Roswitha Benesch and Sina Stiffler, attended the 5th Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention of Transnational Organised Crime in Vienna.

State representatives expressed deep concern that organised crime has become a business of macro economic proportions. Concerted efforts are required to dismantle powerful international criminal networks which have "ballooned to global proportions" said Yury Fedotov, the Executive Director of United Natons Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Nicolas Cage, UNODC's Goodwill Ambassador for Global Justice, spoke about the impact of organised crime, especially on children. He said: "We must never forget about the victims, the ordinary people, whose lives are damaged by criminals".

Of particular interest to Soroptimists is the issue of trafficking in persons which was a major area of discussion. Trafficking is persons for sexual exploitation is thought to be worth $3 billion annually and involves 140,000 victims, mostly women and children. The importance of setting up a UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, was stressed. Adequate financial and social support must be made available. It is hoped that this will be launched in the coming months - keep checking the blog for updates.

Soroptimist International joined with other NGOs to write and deliver a substantial statement on issues of trafficking and victim protection. The statement was read at the Plenary Session by a member of Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW). Visit the members section the of the SI website to read the statement.

Visit the News and Events page of the UNODC to read a brief report and see a photo. Our Reps are in the front row, third and fourth from the left...