South Asia: UNODC scales up policy engagement with South Asian Member States
UNODC is expanding cooperation with countries of South Asia, giving a new policy angle to the next chapter of programming and partnerships with the region. As part of this process, UNODC is developing a new Regional Programme for South Asia (2023-2027), reflecting national ownership and regional commitment of UNODC’s work with the Member States.
Bhutan: Bhutan accedes to UNTOC and its Trafficking in Persons Protocol
Bhutan has acceded to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The Convention, adopted on 15 November 2000 at the 55th session of the UN General Assembly, is the main international instrument in the fight against transnational organized crime (TOC).
India: UNODC fosters India-Maldives cross-learning and regional cooperation on improving health in prison settings with reference to people who use drugs
To promote cross-learning and sharing of good practices in the South Asia region, a study visit to India was organised for officials of the Maldives National Drug Agency and Maldives Correctional Service. Organised by UNODC with support of the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the study visit was aimed at strengthening knowledge exchange on drug treatment, care and support for people in contact with the criminal justice system.
(Supported by the
US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs)
Bangladesh: UNODC builds law enforcement capacities on Open-Source Intelligence to counter Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants
Under the framework of GLO.ACT-Bangladesh, a three-day workshop was convened in partnership with Police Staff College Bangladesh to build law enforcement capacities on the collection and use of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) to counter Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants.
India: UNODC calls for enhanced law enforcement coordination and evidence-based responses to counter organised crime at the 18th World Security Congress
Countering organised crime and illicit trafficking in persons, drugs and other contraband requires multi-stakeholder cooperation with an integrated and holistic approach. This can be achieved by creating joint frameworks of action, facilitating exchange of information and good practices and identifying immediate priority actions with knowledge sharing and research. In this backdrop, UNODC presented critical insights on emerging security challenges, trends and innovations at the 18th World Security Congress, hosted by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the Railway Protection Force, India from 21-23 February in Jaipur.
Mr. Marco Teixeira, Representative, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia presented his Credentials to Mr Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister of the Maldives. UNODC reaffirms its commitment to support the Maldives on addressing the drug problem, countering organised crime and strengthening criminal justice systems.
UNODC's work in the Maldives is centred on cooperation, innovation and partnership. Building on this, Mr. Imran Abdulla, Minister of Home Affairs, Government of the Maldives and Mr. Marco Teixeira, Representative, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia held discussions on efforts to promote security, peace, health and the rule of law.
Mr. Shamau Shareef, Chairman of the National Drug Agency, Government of the Maldives held discussions with Mr. Marco Teixeira, Representative, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia on key avenues of cooperation, including on technical support in delivering policy commitments, strengthening legal frameworks and substance use prevention.
Mr. Asit Gopal, Commissioner, National Education Society for Tribal Students (India) held discussions with Mr. Marco Teixeira, Representative and Mr. Samarth Pathak, Communications Officer, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia on empowering students with education on peace, Global Goals and the rule of law.
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 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
