India: UNODC presents key trends and good practices at first National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force Heads
UNODC presented the latest data and trends in drug trafficking and global good practices in addressing the drug problem at the first National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) heads of Indian States and Union Territories, convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. Inaugurated by the Indian Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Mr. Amit Shah, the conference reflected the Government of India’s focus to crack down on sale of psychotropic substances and expedite cases registered under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. In his address, Mr. Shah said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is committed to build a drug-free India by 2047.
Bangladesh: UNODC's community policing approach to countering terrorism and violent extremism
In Bangladesh, UNODC has partnered with the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of the Bangladesh Police to promote community-based policing strategies—with focus on improved research, training, national coordination, regional networking, and women-led policing. In this direction, two workshops were held in Rajshahi and Mymensingh for police officials, law enforcement agencies and media personnel to identify gaps, challenges, and future interventions in strengthening community and beat policing mechanisms to prevent violent extremism and counter-terrorism.
Bangladesh: UNODC organizes its first-ever national workshop on international cooperation ahead of its bilateral meetings with Libya and Malaysia
A first-of-its kind specialized workshop on international cooperation--including mutual legal assistance (MLA)--was held in Bangladesh, ahead of upcoming bilateral meetings with the authorities of Libya and Malaysia. Organised under the aegis of UNODC's GLO.ACT, the workshop enhanced the knowledge of national stakeholders on the national and international legal instruments for international cooperation. Tools developed by UNODC to facilitate efforts of Members States in drafting successful Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests were also showcased. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of how the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crimes (UNTOC) and its Protocols can be used as a legal basis for fostering international cooperation, including MLA.
Sri Lanka: UNODC Partners with Legal Aid Commission to Promote Access to Justice and Fundamental Rights
UNODC, with support from the UN Secretary General’s Peace Building Fund (PBF), is implementing a project aimed at fostering peace in Sri Lanka by promoting access to justice and protecting the rights space. As part of this initiative, a capacity-building workshop was delivered to 40 state officials from the Department of Prisons in Panadura, Western Province, Sri Lanka. The training provided participants with a better understanding of fundamental rights in Sri Lanka, particularly in custodial settings, and emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of victims and witnesses of crimes.
(Supported by the
UN Secretary General's Peacebuilding Fund)
News in Brief
UNODC South Asia Representative Mr. Marco Teixeira delivered a special message at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of India's National Progressive Schools Conference (NPSC), calling for a renewed focus on advancing education to promote a culture of peace, lawfulness, health and responsible behaviours among young people.
UNODC's Criminal Justice Expert Ms. Seema Joshi Arya delivered a presentation to disseminate key findings of its health needs assessment study in prisons, as well as women shelter homes and women in Mizoram. The focus was on strengthening HIV/AIDS and drug treatment interventions for prisoners, following a health and human rights approach.
At the India Global Peace Leadership Conference organized by the Global Peace Foundation, UNODC's South Asia Communications Officer Mr. Samarth Pathak showcased good practices on meaningful youth empowerment and education to strengthen crime prevention, the rule of law and peace and the Global Goals. The need for greater investments in capacity building of educators, peer-to-peer learning, educational tools and innovative classroom practices was emphasised, in line with India's National Education Policy 2020.
At the annual day of National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) AIIMS, UNODC South Asia Representative Mr. Marco Teixeira joined NDDTC Chief Dr Rakesh Chadda, Dr Raka Jain and Dr Rakesh Lal to launch the centre’s report on detection of NPS among substance abuse treatment seekers in India. UNODC South Asia also welcomes the expansion of NDDTC facilities and looks forward to strengthening mutual cooperation in the areas of research and capacity building to strengthen drug dependence treatment in India.
Special Invitation: UN CCPCJ Side Event
On the margins of the 32nd UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ).UNODC Regional Office for South Asia and the Terrorism Prevention Branch will be hosting a special Side Event on "Promoting a South Asia Regional Network of PVE Practitioners (SAN-PVE).”
In Focus: Good practices in preventing violent extremism and terrorism.
Date: Wednesday, 24 May 2023
Time: 9.10-10.00 am (CET)
Format: Hybrid (Online participation via MS Teams)
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 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:
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
Building Back Better from COVID-19: Leaving No One BehindUNODC 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
