ABOUT THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE

The 21st century has seen humanity venture into a novel and seemingly boundless digital world, while simultaneously continuing to neglect the errors and abuse currently eroding the natural world in the pursuit of increasing economic gain. What unites both worlds is the failure of the International community to address the emerging concerns that continue to challenge the limits of international law and its efficacy. In the digital world, cyberspace has opened the gates to novel forms of transnational crime, whether it be on an interpersonal level, perpetuated by groups, or sponsored by states themselves in efforts to commit espionage or sabotage the infrastructure of rival states. Meanwhile, in the natural world, rapid deforestation, untenable resource extraction, all compounded by a disregard for natural habitats and effects on global climate, have forced states to weigh their obligations to continued support from multinational corporations against the responsibility to unite and confront these errors. In both cases, states often have little incentive to create binding legal and ethical frameworks to address these challenges out of a fear of noncompliance from rival states. Questions of accountability, jurisdiction, and enforcement remain unresolved, whether in attributing responsibility for harm to global ecosystems or preventing the abuse of cyberspace between states and against civilians. What both realms share is an extreme lack of accountability by states that leaves citizens of all countries vulnerable to malicious actors around the globe. While these problems may emanate from specific states or regions, they often have the possibility to negatively impact the entire world, whether it be through greenhouse gas emissions or the harboring of malicious internet criminals. Delegates must address these issues by balancing sovereignty with global cooperation and security with human rights, as they work to create international legal frameworks to shape a more sustainable and secure future. It is imperative that delegates find a path towards accountability for crimes that transcend borders.

Questions? Contact usgs@barmun.org.

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