National Policy and Legal Frameworks to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade Jorge Eduardo Rios Coordinator, UNODC Anti-Wildlife and Forest Crime Programme ADB Symposium on Combating Wildlife Crime 11 March 2013 I’ve been asked to talk about loopholes in the legal frameworks. 1
Key elements of policy and legal framework for wildlife protection Introduction: Violations of wildlife laws/regulations criminal, civil or administrative sanctions Treaties and agreements principally on environmental protection International and domestic treaty frameworks CITES United Nations Convention Against Transitional Organized Crime (UNTOC) United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Bi-lateral agreements, national laws etc.
Key elements of policy and legal framework for wildlife protection The loopholes: Great discrepancies within national wildlife, forestry, criminal and other laws Many countries do not criminalize illegal trade No provision for corruption and money-laundering No clear definition of illegal activities Inadequate sanctions (low risk/high value offence)
Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit Technical resource for Member States to undertake a national analysis: Understand main issues related to wildlife and forest offences Analyse strength and weakness of preventive and criminal justice responses Identify need for technical assistance and capacity building Design work plan for technical assistance and capacity building
Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit Legislation Enforcement Judiciary & Prosecution Drivers & Prevention Data & Analysis STAR STAR STAR STAR
Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit Piloting and implementation of the Toolkit Pilot studies in selected countries (Peru, Bangladesh) Government-led, supported by ICCWC Transparent and confidential reporting of results Work plan for capacity building and technical assistance
Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit http://www.unodc.org/documents/Wildlife/Toolkit_e.pdf International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime