Canada recognizes the serious threat of transnational organized crime to international economic and social stability and emphasizes

the need for international cooperation. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime has already laid the foundation for an international effort in combating various criminal organizations. There are a variety of international legislation and administrative bodies designed to counter human trafficking, counterfeiting, and illegal firearms trade/smuggling. Many international legal decisions have been ratified and implemented by many member states. However, given the recent rise in activity of transnational criminal groups, there is more ECOSOC can do to instigate collaboration in order to successfully respond to this. More emphasis must also be placed on government corruption and transparency when fighting organize crime. ECOSOC must now look to take specific actions against transnational organized crime and expand on its current efforts for government transparency. Starting in the 3rd Millennium, the United Nations has passed various resolutions in response to a rise in transnational organized crime. On 15 November 2000, the General Assembly passed resolution 55/25 which established United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Two protocols were included in the publication: the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air. Half a year later, on 31 May 2001, the General Assembly passed resolution 55/255 which included the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their parts and Components and Ammunition. These pieces of legislation set the basis for the development of international effort against transnational organized crime. In addition, there has been the establishment of the United Nations Convention against Corruption which serves a closelytied purpose. All of these legal documents have been ratified by Canada and is currently being implemented. On a more local level, Canada has also adopted the Hemispheric Plan of Action Against Transnational Organized Crime, which targets strictly the issue in the Americas. Canada has also actively discussed this topic in the Organization of American States and in the Canada-United States Cross Crime Forum. While all of these legal instruments contain the necessary foundation to establish effective international cooperation to counter this transnational organized crime, the more critical step is to actually take action, which must begin with the successful ratification and implementation of

legislation updated to handle the rising crime rates. As a relatively more recent subject matter, in terms of relevancy to the economic and social stability, the UN has not fully adapted to the situation. Transnational organized crime causes social instability (especially for developing populations) economic drain on governments, negatively affects free trade, and can even have political influence. In addition, organized crime is particularly difficult to combat because of its flexibility, especially in comparison to the governments opposing them. Some of these governments may also not be completely safe themselves from the influence of organized crime. Rather than simple assertion of position against transnational organized crime, states must begin to take action directed at criminal activity. Canada has done its part by helping fund the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and promoting and providing awareness and training in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. Canada believes that progress towards countering transnational organized crime can be made with direct action in accordance to the UN Convention against Transnational Crime. Transnational organized crime is a serious issue requiring a multi-layered and multi-faceted response plan. The most critical first step is in the ratification and implementation of the passed resolutions by all member states. If nations do not accept these legislations, than no progress can be made. Second, ECOSOC must continue to establish legal instruments relevant to current situations around the world and take specific actions concerning these circumstances. International collaboration through international organizations and state governments is necessary in order to combat an international issue. International education and training programs targeting transnational organized crime should be implemented to improve the forces designed to combat these groups. Member nations must begin to reach out to each other and take direct action in order to achieve success. Finally, ECOSOC must continue to improve government transparency and reduce corruption by building on the UN Convention against Corruption. Increasing openness between nations is necessary in order for international collaboration to be effective within the borders of all countries. These three major steps are absolutely vital to the countering of transnational organized crime.