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	Rule of law key in attaining global development goals, says UN anti-crime chief by Antonio Maria Costa United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)   14 April 2008   The head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called on countries to give priority to the rule of law which he says is one of the keys to achieving the set of anti-poverty targets world leaders have pledged to achieve by 2015, known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).   “Where the rule of law is weak or absent, crime and corruption hold back development and democracy. This can cause conflicts, mass poverty and environmental degradation, creating further instability,” UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa told the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which opened its 17th session today in Vienna.   “Stronger justice and integrity can break this vicious circle,” Mr. Costa added, stressing the role of the rule of law in helping States make progress toward the MDGs.   The current session of the Commission, which runs until Friday, is focusing on ways of preventing violence against women. This is a particularly important issue in conflict and post-conflict situations, stated the Executive Director, where women and girls are especially vulnerable to becoming victims of human trafficking.   Drawing attention to the threat posed by the illegal trade in weapons, which contributes to other crimes such as terrorism and drug trafficking and the deaths of millions every year, Mr. Costa urged States to ratify and implement the UN Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms.   He also stressed the need to focus on “green crimes,” stating that “the way that our environment is being destroyed is, quite literally, criminal.”   Crimes such as dumping hazardous waste or illegal logging not only damage the environment, he noted, but they also plunge many countries where pollution, deforestation and population displacement lead to conflict and hamper the achievement of the MDGs into deeper poverty. In particular, Mr. Costa urged countries “save the lungs of our planet by stopping the illicit trade in forest products.”
	UN human rights experts call for restraint in Tibet by Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights United Nations Tibet Autonomous Region   10 April 2008   UN human rights experts call for restraint and transparency as mass arrests are reported in the Tibet Autonomous Region and surrounding areas in China.   GENEVA -- United Nations Special Procedures mandate holders have today issued a joint statement of concern regarding the ongoing protests and reports of high numbers of arrests in the Tibet Autonomous Region and surrounding areas in China. They urge restraint and non-violence by all parties, greater and unfettered access to the regions concerned for journalists and independent observers, guarantees for the free flow of information, and full implementation of international standards in regard to the treatment of protestors and those detained, both in the People’s Republic of China and in other countries in which protests are taking place.   The mandate holders urge the Government of China to fully conform to its commitment to freedom of expression and assembly, and to distinguish between peaceful protestors and those committing acts of violence. The mandate holders call for complete compliance with due process and fair trial rights according to international standards for those detained or charged with a crime, including provision of each person"s name, the charges against them, and the name of the facility where they are detained or imprisoned, as well as ensuring access to legal defence. The Government is called upon to lift restrictions imposed on the media, including Internet websites, that limit access throughout China to information concerning the Tibet Autonomous Region.   Information received by the mandate holders describes the arrest on 28 and 29 March of over 570 Tibetan monks, including some children, following raids by security forces on monasteries in Ngaba County and in Dzoge County in the Tibet Autonomous Region. According to reports, arrests were made of those suspected of participating in protests and those suspected of communicating with the exiled Tibetan communities. The UN experts are deeply concerned by reports of security forces firing on protestors and alleged killings. Amid concerns that independent observers and foreign media have been restricted from accessing regions in which protests have taken place, the United Nations experts call for full access for independent observers and journalists to such regions and complete transparency on the part of the authorities.   The Government of China has invited several fact-finding delegations, including one consisting of journalists and another of foreign diplomats, to visit the Tibet Autonomous Region. Such visits are no substitute for granting access to those United Nations experts who have requested a visit to China. While welcoming the Government of China"s previous invitations to United Nations mandate holders, it is nevertheless urged to respond equally positively to outstanding visit requests to enable mandate holders including the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them by the Human Rights Council.   The mandate holders urge that protests are conducted in a peaceful, non-violent manner, and that authorities in all countries in which protests take place exercise restraint in their responses. They fully support calls for dialogue and other measures with a view to achieving long-term solutions that protect and promote the rights of all individuals and groups in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Visit the related web page
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