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UNODC Launches The New ROEA Regional Programme 2016- 2021

NAIROBI, 28 August 2016 - Succeeding UNODC's Regional Programme for Eastern Africa 2009-2015, the main objective of this new Regional Programme (RP) (2016-2021) is to continue to enhance the rule of law and human security across the Eastern Africa region, through activities specifically tailored to combat existing challenges and address emerging threats. UNODC continues to support interventions to achieve security, justice and health priorities in the region by delivering legal and technical assistance to address Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), corruption, terrorism, criminal justice and police reform, access to justice, and HIV and drug use prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. This RP will further serve as a framework for action to support Member States in achieving the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as they pertain to UNODC's mandate.

On 25 September 2015, Member States formally adopted "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Agenda is intended as "a plan for action for people, planet and prosperity that seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom". In particular, the 2030 Agenda affirms explicitly that "there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development". The Agenda draws together the strands of peace, rule of law, human rights, development and equality into a comprehensive and forward-looking framework. It is worthwhile to note that SDGS also align with the Aspirations/Pillars developed by the African Union in its Agenda 2063.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Eastern Africa (UNODC ROEA) Programme "Promoting the Rule of Law and Human Security in Eastern Africa", for the period of 2016 to 2021, covers thirteen countries: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.

It articulates a holistic, integrated and nationally owned approach to key security and justice challenges. It includes the inputs and recommendations of the regional Technical Advisory Meeting held in Nairobi in June 2016, with expert delegates from all thirteen countries in the region participating. The Regional Programme was subsequently endorsed at the regional Ministerial Meeting held in Nairobi, in August 2016, where Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Ambassadors from the Member States of the region signed the Nairobi Declaration in support of the Regional Programme. The launch event that was co-hosted by Mr. Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director and the Solicitor General for Kenya, was a side event to the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) which took place in Nairobi from 27 th- 28 th of August 2016. Ambassadors from donor countries as well as the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi and the Acting Director for Peace and Security Department of the African Union Commission also took part in the launch event.

To have a comprehensive view of the document, see the English and French copies below.

07413 UNODC Promoting The Rule of Law - English

07413 UNODC Promoting The Rule of Law - French