UN boss urges regional action to fight organized crime

The UN Secretary General calls for Caribbean countries to work together to fight organized crime.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Friday July 1, 2011 – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged Caribbean nations to combat organized crime on a regional level and promised United Nations assistance in the fight.

In a message to the heads of government of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting in St. Kitts for their 32nd regular summit that starts this evening, Ban said a challenge for Caribbean countries is the growing threat posed by organized transnational crime and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“We must consider this challenge in a regional context, as well as through the prisms of development, human rights, rule of law and security reform,” he said. “The United Nations system stands ready to work with you on these issues.”

He said the region was vital to the work of the United Nations.

“It is strongly committed to multilateralism and regional integration, and remains at the forefront in tackling global challenges – from climate change to strengthening democracy to rebuilding after natural disasters,” he said.

“Climate change is yet another urgent and growing threat to development, economic growth, public health and our very security,” he said. “You have been pioneers in calling attention to the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).”

Ban added that the region can count on him “to continue the promotion of our common objectives for development, security and human rights for all”.

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