UNTOC 20th Anniversary Celebration in Italy

Latest Context:

Recently, Italy celebrated the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes (UNTOC).

Transnational Organized Crime Defined 

• Transnational organized crime involves illegal actions carried out by groups in multiple countries. These groups cooperate to achieve financial or material gains, often resorting to violence and corruption.

UNTOC Adoption:

• UNTOC was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 and became effective in 2003. It stands as the world's first comprehensive and globally binding tool for combating transnational organized crime.

Complementary Protocols

The convention is enhanced by three additional protocols:

• Agreement to Stop, Control, and Penalize Human Trafficking, Especially of Women and Children (India has agreed to this.
• Pact to Counter the Illegal Movement of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air.
• Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking in Firearms and Their Parts.

Membership Process:

To participate in the protocols, countries must first become parties to the Convention itself.

Membership Statistics

As of now, there are 147 signatories and 191 parties to the Convention. India ratified it in 2011.

India's Initiatives:

• In India, the Central Bureau of Investigation is the leading authority for handling transnational crimes.
• Additionally, the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2013 clearly defines human trafficking, contributing to efforts against transnational crime.

Additional Information:

• CBI:

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigative agency in India.
• It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions in the Government of India.
• The CBI is responsible for investigating a wide range of cases, including high-profile criminal offenses, corruption cases, economic offenses, and cases of national importance.

Question: What is the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes (UNTOC)?

A) A global celebration of cultural diversity

B) An international treaty to combat transnational organized crime

C) An annual event held in Italy to discuss criminal justice

D) A protocol to promote peace and security among nations

Answer: B) An international treaty to combat transnational organized crime

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