Egypt's Justice Minister, Mahmoud El-Sharif, has led the country's delegation to the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Abu Dhabi under the theme "Protecting People and the Planet in the Digital Age." The congress is organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Minister El-Sharif showcased Egypt's national vision and experience in crime prevention, judicial reform, and human rights, highlighting the country's legislative and judicial developments.
Minister El-Sharif emphasized Egypt's commitment to enhancing human rights and the rule of law, citing the new Criminal Procedure Law, the digitization of justice, and the expansion of remote litigation. He also highlighted efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, update the penal philosophy in correctional and rehabilitation centers, and establish a national strategy for crime prevention.
During the congress, Minister El-Sharif announced Egypt's commitment to the "Global Strategy for Justice" during the Abu Dhabi cycle (2026-2031). This strategy includes initiatives to combat organized crime, cybercrime, and develop a legislative framework to combat organized fraud. Egypt also plans to establish the Egyptian-African Center for Training on Cybercrime Prevention and Combating, and the Regional Training Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property.
On the sidelines of the congress, Minister El-Sharif held a meeting with Monica Guma, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and head of the UN Office in Vienna. They discussed cooperation in judicial training and the establishment of specialized regional centers. Minister El-Sharif also met with the UAE Justice Minister to discuss enhancing cooperation and exchanging experiences in judicial and legal fields.
Minister El-Sharif participated in a high-level side event with ministers of justice from France and Belgium, and representatives of participating delegations. They discussed mechanisms to enhance international judicial cooperation, exchange best practices, and review the UAE's experience in coordinating between judicial authorities and facilitating legal assistance requests.
The Egyptian-African Center for Training on Cybercrime Prevention and Combating and the Regional Training Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property are part of Egypt's efforts to combat cybercrime and organized crime. These centers will provide training and capacity-building programs for law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities.
Minister El-Sharif also met with Egyptian judges and members of the judicial bodies assigned to work in the UAE, expressing his pride in their work and the model of Egyptian judiciary they represent. He encouraged them to continue their excellence and judicial contributions, reflecting Egypt's historical and leading position in the Arab and international legal arenas.
Key points
- Egypt's Justice Minister leads delegation to 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
- Egypt highlights efforts in crime prevention, judicial reform, and human rights
- Egypt announces commitment to "Global Strategy for Justice" during Abu Dhabi cycle
