The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works with governments and civil society to prevent that the threat posed by drugs and crime affects security, peace and opportunities for the development of citizens. UNODC encourages the innovation of international best practice through the following actions:

(1) generating knowledge regarding the nature, scope and trends of the problems created by drugs and crime; (2) supporting the implementation of international conventions that cover these areas; (3) contributing to policies and national strategies in the fight against drugs and crime; (4) developing national capacities to address and prevent drug production and trafficking, drug abuse and other areas related to organized crime.

With the goal of achieving its objectives, UNODC implements a wide range of initiatives, including alternative development projects, surveillance of illicit crops and programmes to support the fight against money laundering.

UNODC also works to improve crime prevention and provides assistance in the area of criminal justice reform to different countries. The Office collaborates with member States to strengthen the rule of law in different countries, to promote stable and viable criminal justice systems and to combat the growing threats posed by transnational organized crime and corruption.

UNODC has national and regional offices in 21 locations around the world and works with 150 countries.