Strasbourg, 20‑22 November 2024
Opening remarks by Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe on 20 November at 09h30
Palais de l’Europe, Room 8
Highlight the role of the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) in developing and updating criminal justice standards. Thank CDPC Chair Fritz Zeder and Vice-Chair Lorenzo Salazar for their leadership.
Note the increasing global nature of and interest in the CoE standards. At this Plenary, the CDPC will take decisions concerning the smuggling of migrants, environmental crime, AI applications and mutual legal assistance, all issues of high relevance beyond Europe.
The draft Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law and its Explanatory Report, prepared very meticulously by the Committee of Experts on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law (PC-ENV), is a real milestone and the first globally binding Convention to address a broad range of environmental crimes. Its adoption is planned for the May 2025 CM Ministerial, recognition of its importance.
Express trust that the CDPC will decide on the right way ahead in the fight against migrant smuggling, a priority reaffirmed in the Reykjavik declaration, with the CM tasking the CDPC to deliver. Options include binding and non-binding instruments. The CDPC secretariat has shared a note to guide delegates in selecting the most suitable CoE instrument moving forward. Thank the experts for their consistently impressive work.
Note the progress made on the draft 3rd Additional Protocol to the European MLA Convention, with thanks to the PC-OC. The emphasis is on modernising matters related to communication channels, technological tools and operational procedures.
Look forward to expanding membership in the conventions on international cooperation in criminal matters (ICCM) and welcome the EU’s promotion of these conventions with third countries. Note the relevance of CoE Conventions on ICCM for investigating and prosecuting crimes in areas such as migrant smuggling or the environment, as well as – importantly - core international crimes.
Welcome the adoption of CM/Rec(2024)5 regarding the ethical and organisational use of AI and related technologies by the prison and probation services, becoming the first AI-focused instrument following the adoption of the CoE Framework Convention on AI.
Hope that the draft CM Recommendation on the promotion of positive mental health and the management of mental disorders of prisoners and probationers will be agreed upon during this Plenary.
Recognise the unique and widely recognised value of the CoE Annual Penal Statistics SPACE.
Likewise, as regards the Conference of Directors of Prison and Probation Services (CDPPS), thanking the Bulgarian delegates for hosting the June 2024 session and the Polish authorities for organising the 2025 Conference in Krakow.
Acknowledge the progress of the Committee of Experts on Criminal Asset Recovery (PC-RAC), on the elaboration of an additional protocol supplementing the CoE Warsaw Convention on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds from crime and on the financing of terrorism.
Welcome the update to be provided to the plenary by the CDCT at the plenary.
Note the many links/synergies emanating from the CDPC’s work, whether on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, AI and criminal liability, restorative justice, medicrime, cultural property, etc.
Encourage CDPC members to continue communicating the impact of the CDPC’s work at both national and international levels.
Extend heartfelt thanks to all involved, especially the CDPC members, and wish everyone a productive Plenary.
