The workshop, themed “Review Mechanism of the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC): Lessons and Experiences from Asia-Pacific Countries”, aimed to share good practices, experiences, and lessons learned from the implementation of the UNTOC Review Mechanism in Asia-Pacific countries, thereby promoting cooperation and strengthening national capacities in combating transnational organised crime. The event also attracted the participation of countries from other regions.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the United Nations and other international organisations in Vienna, highlighted the pioneering role of the Asia-Pacific region in implementing the UNTOC Review Mechanism, and affirmed the importance of multilateral cooperation in enforcing the Convention.
Speakers from Japan, Viet Nam, Singapore and Pakistan shared their practical experiences in the roles of both reviewed and reviewing countries, as well as effective ways of implementing the mechanism within the specific contexts of their respective nations.
Notably, Viet Nam was honoured to have an expert from the Ministry of Public Security – the national focal point and lead agency for coordinating the implementation of the UNTOC – deliver a presentation on Viet Nam’s practical experience, along with the difficulties and challenges encountered during the implementation of the Review Mechanism. Through this process, Viet Nam has consistently demonstrated the image of a proactive and responsible UN member in particular and the UNOTC in general, fulfilling its obligations and cooperating effectively with other countries during the review process.
The Review Mechanism, established in 2018 and officially launched in 2020, has become an essential tool for assisting Member States in strengthening their legal and institutional frameworks to effectively combat transnational organised crime.
The Asia-Pacific region, with its diverse legal systems, governance structures, and varying levels of development, has shown notable commitment to the process, with a higher rate of participation in the review process compared to other regions.
By jointly organising and actively contributing to the workshop, Viet Nam has reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing regional and global cooperation in combating transnational organised crime, while helping to disseminate good practices to other regions.
