UNODC Executive Director visits State of Palestine for discussions with Prime Minister and offers support for new National Programme on drugs and crime.
Ramallah / Vienna, 11 June 2014 - Palestinian high-level officials and representatives from the international community gathered today in Ramallah to launch the National Programme for the State of Palestine on Drug Control, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Reform.
UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Yury Fedotov, in a meeting with Prime Minister of the State of Palestine Dr. Rami Hamdallah, stressed that crime and corruption undermines sustainable development and drives away investors.
"UNODC is ready and willing to support the State of Palestine within the National Programme to ensure the delivery of justice in a fair and effective manner, and fully in line with international standards and conventions," said Mr. Fedotov.
Prime Minister Hamdallah expressed his own appreciation for the work of UNODC and its support for the development of the National Programme. He agreed to undertake joint efforts with UNODC to raise funds for the implementation of the National Programme.
The National Programme, prepared by the national authorities and Palestinian experts with technical assistance from UNODC and other international partners, will strengthen the capacity of the Palestinian government and civil society to fight organized crime, illicit trafficking and corruption, support criminal justice reform, including penal and penitentiary reform, and improve drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation systems.
UNODC currently supports the Palestinian National Authority as part of UNODC's Regional Programme for the Arab States. This includes assistance to strengthen its forensic services in support of the criminal justice system, the promotion of the reform process of the prison system, as well as the creation of a drug dependence treatment and rehabilitation system for the Palestine National Rehabilitation Centre.
For further information please contact:
David Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
