NCJ Number
243059
Date Published
2013
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This report documents the deliberations and actions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council's Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for its reconvened 21st session held on December 6-7, 2012.
Abstract
The reconvened session was held jointly with the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. The focus of the session was on the activities of the working group on improving the governance and financial situation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and directives on policy and budgetary issues for the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice program. Many speakers addressed the financial situation of UNODC. They expressed concern regarding the sustainability and predictability of funding and the ability of UNODC to perform its work, especially due to the decline in general-purpose contributions. The importance of transparency, oversight, and evaluation was emphasized. Ownership of technical assistance programs by recipient countries was considered crucial. Several speakers welcomed the UNODC fundraising strategy as a basis for further discussions, as well as the specific proposals aimed at improving the financial situation of the UNODC. The Secretariat was requested to provide member states with further information on practical examples of the impact of full cost recovery on projects and programs, as well as the expenditure and allocation of funds. Matters of concern included the earmarking of contributions and the coordination between member states' representatives in Vienna and New York regarding priorities in decisions of the regular budget of the United Nations. The Commission took note of the statement of the co-chairs of the working group. A provisional agenda for the 22nd session of the Commission was approved.