Building Back from COVID-19:
Strengthening Security, Peace, Justice and Health
South Asia: Advancing cooperation and outreach on peace, security, justice and health with government and UN partners
On 29 November, UNODC held a meeting with the new UN Resident Coordinator in India, Mr. Shombi Sharp. Discussions focused on leveraging UNODC mandates into the One UN framework. UNODC’s Regional Representative, Deputy Representative and programmatic staff in South Asia also held a virtual meeting with senior officials of the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs to discuss regional security challenges and strengthening cooperation by co-creating impactful initiatives. On 27 November, the UNODC Regional Representative in South Asia called on the Minister of State for External Affairs, Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi. The meeting focused on developing a bilateral partnership to address regional and global challenges to development and stability, including illicit drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime security, violent extremism and youth engagement on peace and SDGs, among others. On 09 November, the office anti-stupéfiants (OFAST) delegation from the Government of France called on the UNODC Regional Representative in South Asia and the regional drug law enforcement expert to discuss joint cooperation in countering drug trafficking and organised crime. On 12 November, UNODC Regional Representative and Deputy Representative in South Asia held a virtual dialogue with officials of the Canadian Border Services Agency, to discuss key priorities in the areas of maritime crime, human and contraband smuggling, transnational organized crime and terrorism.
Nepal: Building capacity of customs officials on container risk profiling
Under the aegis of the global Container Control Programme, a three-day online training was organised for customs officials from the Port Control Unit (PCU) at Birgunj, Nepal on 22–24 November. The workshop focused on issues related to container risk profiling, including the manipulation of seals, health and safety and the WCO Container Convention 1972. The training built on a recent online mentorship provided to the PCU at Birgunj in June 2021.
(Under the aegis of UNODC's
Container Control Programme)
South Asia: Fostering regional cooperation on criminal and financial investigations to counter corruption and money laundering
On 16 November, UNODC’s Deputy Representative in South Asia opened a regional workshop on “International Cooperation in criminal and financial investigations of corruption crimes, links with money laundering”. This brought together criminal justice and law enforcement practitioners from the Anti-Corruption Commissions of Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The aim of the workshop was to provide specialized skills and tools to investigators and prosecutors from relevant anti-corruption law enforcement authorities for conducting more effective criminal and financial investigations of corruption crimes.
Bangladesh: Facilitating the first crime victimization and
drug use survey in Cox’s Bazar
On 29 November, UNODC--in partnership with the Department of Narcotics Control, Government of Bangladesh and UNHCR--organized a local level consultation to examine the survey instruments engaged for the first representative crime victimization and drug use survey in Cox’s Bazar. The consultation brought key stakeholders together to discuss the objectives and content of the crime victim and drug use survey, including the identification of non-organized drugs and crime patterns in the Cox’s Bazar region.
Under the aegis of the GLO.ACT Bangladesh project, UNODC held a three-day training workshop on intelligence collection and Management and understanding Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants on 15-17 November. Attended by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department, Bangladesh, the training focused on enhancing the efficiency of the investigation processes by leveraging interview techniques, transnational cooperation, and exchange of good practices on data collection and management. On 18 November, an Expert Meeting was convened to support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on investigation of human trafficking cases with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh. Representatives from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Police Headquarters, Police Bureau of Investigation, Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Rapid Action Battalion attended the meeting. Participants welcomed the SOPs and recommended the creation of a Technical Working Group with relevant stakeholders and experts for preparing the SOPs.
Over the last several months, UNODC’s Lockdown Learners series in India has catalysed youth-led action on peace, Global Goals and crime prevention through activity-based learning. In November, UNODC conducted activity-based interactive sessions with over 600 students and educators from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in 5 states/Union Territories. The series also provided a platform of action to young people in co-creating a range of initiatives, including community outreach via Whatsapp and audio notes on COVID-19 vaccination and awareness and music and art for social change. UNODC’s Communication Officer for South Asia addressed the Global EdConnect Summit 2021, convened by two eminent private educational institutions in India—High School Moms and INACE—on 12 November. The discussion focused on the need to strengthen a culture of lawfulness and global citizenship in classrooms, and highlighting ways to mainstream education for social change, peace and SDGs with values-based education and experiential learning.
Sri Lanka: UNODC promotes non-custodial measures in line with international standards
A training workshop on non-custodial measures was organised in Negombo (Sri Lanka) on 26-27 November for officers of the Community Based Corrections Department working in the Western Province. The sessions focused on the international framework governing alternatives to imprisonment, importance of establishment and implementation of Community Based Corrections Program at various levels, changing the perspective of minor offenders, role of the community and the science of addiction.
(Supported by Germany)
Farewell
On 30 November, Mr. Sergey Kapinos, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia, officially retired after five years of dedicated service. Under his able leadership, the UNODC team in South Asia rose above challenges such as COVID-19 to develop and execute diverse initiatives and projects in South Asia. During his tenure, UNODC developed/implemented projects and activities on various mandate areas.
We thank Mr. Kapinos for his five years of dedication and commitment to UNODC, and wish him good health and happiness in the new chapter of his life.
UNODC Global Strategy (2021-2025)
UNODC’s mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. Our new Global Strategy (2021-2025) will equip UNODC to deliver effectively, efficiently and with accountability, elevating our support to Member States to build just, inclusive and resilient societies that leave no one behind. Our interventions will pay special attention to human rights, protection of children, gender equality, empowerment of women and youth.
Our activities in South Asia are possible
due to the generous support of:
British High Commission, Sri Lanka
European Union
Germany
India
Japan
Sweden
Qatar
United Kingdom
United States of America
UBRAF
UNHCR
Government Partners:
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Call for Partnerships:
Impacting Lives with Innovation
Building Back Better from COVID-19: Leaving No One BehindIn response to COVID-19, and its impact on vulnerable groups and emerging risks to security and peace, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia has developed a wide range of projects and initiatives on the following thematic areas:
-- Addressing Gender-based Violence
-- Strengthening Law Enforcement Responses
-- Countering Corruption
-- Youth Engagement through Education
-- Promoting Family Skills
-- Addressing the Needs of Drug Users, those with HIV/AIDS and Hep-C and those in prison settings
-- Strengthening Responses to COVID-19 in Prisons
-- Countering Cybercrime and Promoting Online Safety
-- Responding to the Needs of Human Trafficking Survivors, Refugees, Migrants and the Homeless
Activesupport from partners is requested to enable the implementation of these programs and to scale-up efforts to promote security, justice and health among vulnerable groups in South Asia. Our partnerships aim at building national and regional alliances on our mandates, which are closely linked to national, regional and global priorities as well as the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Let's join hands to enable and aid large-scale and impactful initiatives that help people lead safer and healthier lives . Your support can make all the difference!
To know more, please contact:
Mr. Samarth Pathak
Communications Officer
UNODC Regional Office for South Asia
Email: samarth.pathak@un.org Cellphone: +91-9811347927
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) assists Member States in their efforts to combat illicit drugs and international crime. Over the past two decades, the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia(ROSA) has been working with governments and civil society in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, providing specialized assistance to address challenges pertaining to drugs, organised crime, security, justice and health. The commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, human rights and the rule of law is at the core of our mandate.
Contact Us
C-97 (Ground Floor), Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024, India
Email: samarth.pathak@un.org
