Thirteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Crime

Thank you, President and distinguished delegates.

New Zealand reaffirms its strong commitment to the Convention and its Protocols. Transnational organised crime undermines the rule of law, community safety, economic development, and national security. It is increasingly adaptive, sophisticated, and enabled by technology. No country can address these challenges alone.

New Zealand's response is guided by our Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2030, which brings together law enforcement, border, regulatory, and policy agencies to identify opportunities for maximum disruption and coordinated action.

We are strengthening measures to target organised crime and the illicit profits that sustain it, including through enhanced asset recovery, anti-money laundering measures, border security, and enforcement tools.

We also recognise that transnational organised crime is a regional challenge. Across the Pacific, criminal groups exploit geographic isolation and increasing connectivity. Communities are affected by illicit drug trafficking, cyber-enabled crime, illicit financial flows, trafficking in persons, and environmental crime.

President,

New Zealand remains committed to preventing and combating trafficking in persons, people smuggling, forced labour, slavery, and related exploitation.

We are progressing a new National Action Plan on Trafficking in Persons and have strengthened our legislation to better align with the Palermo Protocols and improve protection for vulnerable people.

New Zealand attaches particular importance to the UNTOC Review Mechanism.

As both a reviewed and reviewing State Party, we value the opportunity to exchange expertise, identify practical improvements, and strengthen implementation of the Convention. We encourage all States Parties to participate fully in the Mechanism.

As discussions continue on UNODC reform, New Zealand supports efforts to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the Office while ensuring Pacific Island perspectives remain visible and reflected in its work.

We also emphasise the importance of strong analytical and research capabilities to support evidence-based responses to evolving criminal threats.

President,

International cooperation remains fundamental.

The Convention's frameworks for mutual legal assistance, extradition, law enforcement cooperation, joint investigations, and information sharing are essential tools for ensuring organised criminal groups cannot exploit jurisdictional boundaries.

New Zealand will continue working closely with partners across the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the wider Indo-Pacific, including through the Bali Process.

Organised crime continues to evolve. Criminal networks are increasingly adaptive, technologically sophisticated, and interconnected across borders.

We must continue to address cyber-enabled crime, online criminal markets, illicit financial flows, environmental crime, and the misuse of emerging technologies, while targeting the enablers that facilitate criminal activity.

Our response must remain practical, evidence-based, and grounded in human rights, the rule of law, and effective safeguards.

In closing, New Zealand reiterates its strong commitment to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols.

We look forward to working with States Parties and partners throughout this Conference to advance practical, effective, and cooperative responses to the shared challenges we face.

Thank you.

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