The 30th Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Plenary Agenda item 6(e) "other activities in support of the work of UNODC,
in particular activities of the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice programme network, non-governmental organizations and other bodies"
Statement by Mr. Phiset Sa-ardyen
Executive Director of the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ)
Thank you Chair,
1. The Thailand Institute of Justice is a research and advocacy body established by the Thai Government to promote the application of international standards and norms through evidence, innovation, and collaboration. We appreciate the opportunity to address the Commission on this Agenda Item.
2. As a member of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network of Institutes or the UN-PNI, TIJ also works closely with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other PNIs to support the Member States on several fronts. Our recent joint activities range from restorative justice, data collection and statistics, reducing reoffending, and promoting access to justice for women and children.
3. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the TIJ and a milestone for us. Earlier this year, the TIJ Board of Directors appointed Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen as the new Executive Director. He will be responsible for carrying on the work momentum of the TIJ and leading the organization towards a sustainable future amid rapid change and uncertainties.
4. Close cooperation at all levels remains essential to our fight against cross-border crimes. In this regard, TIJ continues to strengthen our tie with the Member States in the Southeast Asia region in advancing criminal justice responses through a cross-sectoral platform established in 2016 entitled the ASEAN Conference on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice or ACCPCJ.
5. At the domestic level, TIJ continues to explore ways to enhance the collaborative cross-sector platform as a vehicle for searching and piloting innovative and inclusive responses to challenges faced by the justice system. We are encouraged by the preliminary prototypes that have emerged. Examples include: “Mysis” chatbot that aims to utilize machine learning and related technology to assist the victim of gender-based violence; or a "Datathon" project aiming to digitalize data on government procurements and court decisions into a machine-readable format to help increase transparency and to promote the rule of law.
6. This year also marks an important milestone for the Commission with the adoption of the Kyoto Declaration. TIJ will continue to work in close collaboration with the Member States, UNODC, other members of UN-PNI as well as our stakeholders to promote the implementation of this important international commitment.
7. Thank you for your kind attention.
