NCJ Number
228884
Date Published
February 2009
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This report from the 18th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice of the United Nations Economic and Social Council presents an overview and analysis of the replies received from member states on their efforts to implement the Council's 2008/25 resolution entitled International Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Illicit International Trafficking in Forest Products, Including Timber, Wildlife, and Other Forest Biological Resources.
Abstract
Generally, the member states that reported on their efforts to implement resolution 2008/25 highlighted various aspects of the problem and emphasized the importance of streamlining efforts to better target criminal activities associated with this form of trafficking. The need to focus on more concerted countermeasures was also reflected in the conclusions of the meeting of the Open-ended Expert Group. The Expert Group concluded that there is an urgent need to expand knowledge of the scope and scale of the problems created by illicit international trafficking in forest products that include timber, wildlife, and other forest biological resources. For this purpose, wide-ranging research should be conducted, and data and information should be collected, analyzed, and exchanged. The Expert Group further concluded that the rationalization and streamlining of applicable laws and regulations at the national level is an essential precondition for effective forest law enforcement; however, legislation must be accompanied by long-term public reform in monitoring such legislation in order to achieve consistent application and needed modification. Other conclusions of the Expert Group pertain to the importance of prevention policies as an essential component of domestic action against forest crimes; a holistic and multisectoral approach in improving interagency collaborations; and enhanced cooperation at the bilateral, regional, and international levels in addressing the problems posed by the illicit international trafficking in forest products.