Ioana Cotutiu

Waste crime is driven by profit. High disposal costs and strict rules fuel demand for illegal services to cut costs for offenders. Learn more about tactics like hiding waste in construction and using complex networks to avoid detection: ow.ly/lyRs50YMHqV #endENVcrime

How do we tackle waste trafficking by boosting enforcement, scaling digitalization, and building stronger circular economies? Join our first #WasteNet webinar with @UNEP & @UNESCAP to find out. #endENVcrime

Waste crime doesn’t just cross borders. It also happens within countries. Illegal dumping, storage & construction waste are common but often go unreported. Learn more about impacts and policy implications in the Finland spotlight report: ow.ly/lyRs50YMHqV #endENVcrime

Toxic runoff from rare earth mines in Myanmar is contaminating rivers that flow into Thailand, threatening the Mekong River and its basin's fisheries and farmland. apnews.com/article/rare-t…

Four sentenced to prison for ruthless waste-dump operation across London. Waste criminals get prison sentences following major Environment Agency investigation. 🗞️ Read all about it here - gov.uk/government/new…

📙New Release‼️ New research sheds light on waste crime within countries and how legal & illegal activities intersect. Even in well-regulated systems like Finland, gaps remain. Understanding these risks is key to prevention ow.ly/lyRs50YMHqV #endENVcrime

At Thailand's busiest port, a joint operation found shipments mislabelled as "scrap metal", hiding more than 285 kg of toxic e-waste. Waste trafficking isn't a minor infraction. It's transnational organized crime. Learn more: bit.ly/3OuALIj

The wait is over. The clean-up starts now ⌛ Roughly 21,000 tonnes of illegal waste will be removed from Kidlington over the next six months, helping restore the area for local communities. Find out more: gov.uk/government/new…

Waste trafficking is hard to detect, investigate & prosecute when criminal justice systems lack capacity. Specialized units, better training and stronger oversight, can help close gaps and bring waste criminals to justice. bit.ly/4aQelIS #endENVcrime

🌎 As a mother, the impacts of air quality on children have been one of my constant concerns. Almost all human beings are exposed to polluted air, but children are among the most affected populations because their bodies are still developing.

U.N. investigator Francesca Albanese is seen by her supporters as a rare and forceful voice piercing the cone of silence and indifference that has fallen over Gaza. This has earned her powerful enemies. politico.com/news/magazine/…

.@unhumanrights chief @volker_turk urges Israel to repeal law passed by its parliament reinstating the death penalty, in terms applicable almost exclusively to Palestinians. “The death penalty is profoundly difficult to reconcile with human dignity.” ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

In Gaza, #WestBank & East Jerusalem, Palestinians are subjected to a continuum of suffering - @FranceskAlbs denounces torture of Palestinians, says it extends beyond Israeli prison walls. “There is no refuge. No safe place to exist.” @UN_HRC #HRC61 ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

Minerals crime, including illegal mining, corruption and money laundering threatens the economies and security of Southern African countries. UNODC works with @SADC_News to support countries to better understand and respond to these crimes: ow.ly/mtWb50YxFFH #endENVcrime

Trafficked wildlife is moved through cargo and passenger luggage, funding organized crime and destroying biodiversity. Informed by crime data, UNODC is training border officials worldwide to spot the signs of trafficking and stop illegal trade in its tracks. #EndWildlifeCrime

“My report shows that torture extends far beyond prison walls, in what can only be described as a torturous environment imposed by Israel across the entire occupied Palestinian territory,” @FranceskAlbs told the @UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. #HRC61➜ohchr.org/en/documents/c…

Illegal waste shipments are often falsely declared as recyclable to avoid the high costs of safely treating hazardous and contaminated waste. Harmonized laws, shared intelligence and better traceability are key to stopping waste crime. bit.ly/4aQelIS #endENVcrime

E-waste is one of the fastest growing and a valuable waste stream. Illegal trafficking brings big profits for criminals while legal recyclers lose income. Stronger laws and controls are needed to protect the economy and fair competition. bit.ly/4qXnvJn #endENVcrime

I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States & Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace & security.   All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the @UN. The Charter clearly prohibits “the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.”   I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities & de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians & regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table.   I reiterate that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. The Charter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Illegal disposal of waste happens worldwide, but low & middle-income countries are often the destination of illegal waste shipments. Weak regulations and enforcement allow criminals to profit, harming health, economies and the environment. bit.ly/4aQelIS #endENVcrime