South Asia: UNODC, Government Partners push for collective responses to strengthen responses against drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism
UNODC is currently developing a new Regional Programme for South Asia (2023-2027)--a strategic roadmap for enhanced technical assistance to Member States on promoting security, justice, health and the rule of law in the region. Reflecting on emerging priorities, government representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka gathered in New Delhi for the third Steering Committee Meeting of the UNODC Regional Programme for South Asia (2023-2027). Mr. Shombi Sharp, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in India, joined the dialogue and emphasised the "One United Nations" approach for collaborative action. UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Mr. Marco Teixeira, Deputy Representative Dr. Suruchi Pant and team from Vienna (HQ) and South Asia shared insights on the new Regional Programme, which sets forth priorities and operational responses--offering flexibility to adapt to evolving threats and Member States' unique needs.
Sri Lanka: UNODC enhances policy engagement and partnerships to strengthen responses against drugs and organized crime
South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, confront a host of issues concerning the illicit drug trade, encompassing drug production, transit, and consumption. These multifaceted challenges have profound implications for regional security, public health, and overall stability. In response to this, the Government of Sri Lanka has implemented an approach, with key policy elements of the National Policy for Drugs which cover a complete spectrum--such as demand reduction, drug supply control, effective coordination, and research, among others. Complementing these efforts, UNODC, in collaboration with the Government of Japan and dedicated national stakeholders have intensified coordination and collaboration with government partners in Sri Lanka, reaffirming the unwavering commitment to prevent and address the drug problem and counter organised crime.
Austria: UNODC spotlights South Asian interventions on community policing and education at the CCPCJ Thematic Discussions pertaining to Kyoto Declaration
The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held its third Thematic Discussions on the implementation of the 2021 Kyoto Declaration, in Vienna and online on “Promoting the rule of law”. Participating in the discussions, UNODC’s Communications Officer for South Asia Mr. Samarth Pathak and National Programme Coordinator in Bangladesh Mr. Shah Mohammed Naheeaan presented spotlight interventions from South Asia--focused on social and educational measures in India and community policing in Bangladesh. The event brought together experts, delegates, and stakeholders from over 110 countries and organizations, creating a platform to share insights, best practices, and innovative approaches toward achieving the goals set out in the Kyoto Declaration.
India: UNODC enhances digital resilience of law enforcement officials strengthen responses to virtual assets and cryptocurrencies
In the digital landscape, law enforcement authorities are increasingly faced with the challenge of effectively responding to cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. To this end, UNODC collaborated with the Zonal Training Institute (ZTI), National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN), Jaipur, to conduct an intensive capacity enhancement training program on virtual assets for 45 officers from the Rajasthan Central State Tax Zone, Jaipur.
India: UNODC showcases Family Skills Programme at multi-stakeholder consultation in northeastern region
Family is undoubtedly one of the most influential social institutions. Accordingly, one of UNODC/WHO’s interventions--described in the International Standards of Drug Use Prevention with “very good” indication of efficacy (based on the wealth of scientific evidence available)--are family skills-based programmes. These programmes support caregivers in being better parents and strengthen positive age-specific and age-appropriate family functioning and interactions in general. In this context, 30 stakeholders from key government departments from Assam and Manipur convened in Guwahati for intensive discussions on the implementation of Family Skills Programme in the northeastern region. The multi-stakeholder consultation was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Maldives: UNODC Empowers Judges with Specialized Maritime Counter-Terrorism Training
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of the judiciary in counter-terrorism efforts. Trained judges are critical to countering terrorism because they play a key role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. Judges must also balance the need to protect public safety with the rights of the accused. In this context, UNODC conducted a three-day judicial training on maritime counter-terrorism for 15 judges from courts in Male and magistrate courts from other islands. The training provided participants with fundamental skills and knowledge on the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) pertaining to maritime terrorism cases. It also enhanced participants' familiarization of maritime terminology and vessel boarding procedures performed by law enforcement agencies while at sea, enabling them to better identify the challenges during maritime interdictions.
Bangladesh: UNODC strengthens evidence handling capabilities of law enforcement Agencies to counter maritime crime
Nestled along the Bay of Bengal with a vast coastline and numerous ports, Bangladesh faces a spectrum of maritime crime threats that challenge its security, economic stability, and environmental well-being. Through its Integrated Training Package, UNODC’s Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), in partnership with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), delivered Evidence Handling Training to members of law enforcement agencies to enhance capabilities for proper evidence collection, preservation, and documentation, ensuring that evidence collected during maritime interdictions remains admissible in court. The trainees also had the opportunity to participate in a mock crime scene on board a vessel at a pier in Shyampur, in the Buriganga River. During the exercise, the trainees tested the skills learned in class to effectively collect evidence found hidden in the vessel, take photographs, write case reports and more.
Educators are the architects of a safer, sustainable world, shaping young minds on lawfulness, SDGs and crime prevention. Recognising their pivotal role, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Mr. Marco Teixeira opened a unique Model G20 Summit for educators, hosted by Delhi’s Ahlcon International School. The forum enabled over 100 educators to discuss important social themes and exchange good practices.
Partnerships for change begin with positive dialogues. Strengthening cooperative efforts, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Mr. Marco Teixeira held dialogues with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ali Sabry, Minister of Justice, Mr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Director General of Sri Lankan Coast Guard, Pujitha Vithana and key partners on various aspects of drugs, crime and security.
Building bridges to justice, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Mr. Marco Teixeira and Criminal Justice Expert Ms. Seema Joshi Arya held discussions with Mr. S.K.G Rahate, Secretary of Justice and senior officials of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India on promoting access to justice and legal awareness in India.
Addressing FICCI-CASCADE's Mascrade conference, UNODC South Asia Representative Mr. Marco Teixeira and INCB Regional Technical Officer Ms. Sheila Kamdar emphasized the critical link between illicit trade and terror financing. UNODC stands committed to create global platforms and foster cooperation to counter smuggling and counterfeit trade.
Join the UNODC Network in South Asia
Our Partners
Our activities in South Asia are possible
due to the generous support of:
Canada
European Union
Germany
India
Japan
Joint UN Program Fund
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States of America
UBRAF/UNAIDS
UN Secretary General's Peace Building Fund
Government Partners:
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Call for Partnerships:
Impacting Lives with Innovation
Advancing Crime Prevention, Justice and Health in South AsiaUNODC Regional Office for South Asia has developed a wide range of projects and initiatives on the following thematic areas:
-Building law enforcement capacities against drugs and organised crime
-Addressing drug use and HIV/AIDS -Enhancing multi-stakeholder responses to counter Trafficking in Persons -Engaging young people and educators on crime prevention, integrity, Global Goals and peace with educational interventions
-Promoting family skills to reduce risky behaviours among young people -Countering corruption -Addressing Gender-based Violence
-Strengthening responses to prevent and counter wildlife crime
-Countering cybercrime and promoting online safety
We seek activesupport 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
