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.
Following the successful first round of implementation of the Universal Family Skills Program in Bangladesh, UNODC’s Family UNited facilitators presented a report on the implementation of the initiative, in the presence of the Hon’ble Education Minister of Bangladesh and senior officials from the Ministry of Education in Dhaka on 01 January. Dr. Dipu Moni, Honourable Minister of Education, Govt. of Bangladesh appreciated the Family United program for Prevention of Negative Social Outcomes. In her address, she stressed that spending quality time with family is a must for building healthy lifestyles among children. At the event, students and families also showcased the successes of Family United programme through Role Play on themes such as ‘Drawing Attention’ and ‘Peer Pressure.’”
Combating Illicit Trafficking of Drugs: Regional Cooperation
UNODC shared insights on India's cooperation in combating drug trafficking in the region at the 12th Annual South Asia Conference convened by the Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis in New Delhi on 27-28 January. At the forum, UNODC's initiatives on capacity building and the successes of the Container Control Program were showcased at the forum. The Conference was attended by the Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, and officials from South Asian countries.
Countering Human Trafficking: Fostering Collaboration
A multi-stakeholder forum on countering trafficking in persons was convened in Colombo on 30 January. Representatives from government, law enforcement and civil society participated in the consultation. The discussions focused on the role of government and civil society in assisting and protecting victims, and strengthening effective and efficient multi-sectoral systems. The need to build capacity of key stakeholders was also highlighted in the meeting.
Education for Justice: Youth Action on SDG 16
UNODC participated in the national civil society consultation on Youth and Adolescents convened by UN India and NITI Aayog on 23 January in New Delhi, in support of the Voluntary National Review process. In the discussions, ROSA reflected on the need to strengthen youth action on peace and the rule of law. while showcasing successes of UNODC’s Education for Justice Initiative in India.
Joint UN Responses: Providing Technical Support
The Government of Nepal convened a consultation in Kathmandu with the UN Country Team on the “National Action Plan II" for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 . The current National Action Plan is exploring various support mechanisms to address the needs of conflict victims to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women in Nepal.
Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation against Human Trafficking
In January, UNODC held a series of meetings with government partners in Bangladesh. Officials from UNODC South Asia and GLO.ACT called on Mr. Golam Sarwar, Secretary, Law and Justice Division, Government of Bangladesh in Dhaka. The discussions were focused on avenues of collaboration to provide capacity building support to criminal justice practitioners, judges and prosecutors. UNODC emphasized that gender mainstreaming and supporting the role of women in the judiciary and law enforcement is a key priority. Ms. Umme Kulsum, Vice-President of the Women Judges Network in Bangladesh was also briefed on UNODC’s work in addressing trafficking in persons in the region.
Anti-Human Trafficking Action: Focus on Capacity Building
A National Consultation was held to finalise the capacity building strategy of criminal justice actors in Dhaka from 19-23 January. Participants highlighted the need for the establishment of anti-human trafficking tribunals in Bangladesh, and advocated UNODC trainings for judges, prosecutors and magistrates. "Capacity building is key," they emphasised.
Promoting Family Skills: Reducing Risky Behaviours
Building on the success of the first round of implementation, the second phase of the UN-ited Families Programme was launched through the first baseline measurement process. On 17th January, UNODC started the first technical session with families at Tejgaon Government High School in partnership with Ministry of Secondary and Higher Education, Bangladesh.
Law enforcers against Human Trafficking: Training Toolkit
A 3-day Validation Workshop on the ‘Trafficking in Persons Training Toolkit’ was organised at the National Police Academy of Sri Lanka in Colombo. Participants exchanged insights on investigation techniques and crime scene examination. The Toolkit will be translated in local languages, and used by as a tool for future trainings.
Combating Human Trafficking: Training of Trainers
On 27 January, UNODC convened a 5-day Training-of-Trainers Workshop on the ‘Trafficking in Persons Training Toolkit’ for officials of the National Police Academy of Sri Lanka. The inauguration ceremony was addressed by representatives from the British High Commission in Colombo, and the Deputy Inspector General, Sri Lanka Police.
Countering Trafficking in Persons: Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Efforts
On January 20, a capacity-building workshop on counter Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants was convened in Dhaka, for law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice actors. Held under the framework of UNODC's GLO.ACT program, the workshop was attended by officials of the Criminal Investigation Department, Trafficking in Persons Cell-Bangladesh Police, Police Bureau of Investigation, National Central Bureau-INTERPOL, Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Coast Guard, among others.
The aforementioned activities
were made possible
through the generous support of:
Department of Revenue, Government of India
European Union
Government of Japan
Government of Sweden
Government of Qatar
United Kingdom
US State Department
Partnerships for Impact!
We seek your active and generous assistance as a partner and friend of UNODC to counter transnational organised crime, and promote peace and the rule of law in South Asia. Our partnerships aim at building national and regional alliances on our mandates--crime prevention, security, justice and health--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
Contact Us
EP 16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021, India
Telephone: +91-11-24104968/70/73
Email: samarth.pathak@un.org
