United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

UNODC New York

“Corruption in the time of COVID-19: A Double Threat”: States come together to mark the 2020 Anti-Corruption Day 

9 December 2020

New York (USA), 9 December 2020 – States came together virtually at UNHQ in New York for an event co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Colombia and Peru to the UN, together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to mark the 2020 UN Anti-Corruption Day.

The event recognised that corruption thrives in times of crisis and the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has been no exception. H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the UN General Assembly expressed regret that corruption may jeopardize states’ ability to respond to, and recover from, COVID-19, and urged Member States to ensure that corruption does not impede the equitable distribution of vaccines.

As Matteo Pasquali, Deputy Representative of the UNODC New York Office, put it, “COVID-19 is creating new opportunities to exploit weak oversight and inadequate transparency, diverting funds away from people in their hour of greatest need”. H.E. Ambassador Guillermo Fernández de Soto Valderrama, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the UN, agreed that COVID-19 presents “the perfect storm” for corruption.

Looking ahead, participants emphasized that States, the UN system, non-governmental organizations, business leaders, and academia must come together to strengthen accountability and ensure we do not exacerbate and prolong the negative effects of the COVID-19 crisis by creating and maintaining conditions in which corruption can thrive. H.E. Ambassador Néstor Francisco Popolizio Bardales, Permanent Representative of Peru to the UN, called for collective efforts in the fight against corruption to get us back on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

States also stressed the need for a strong coordinated approach to anti-corruption at the global level, including to combat illicit financial flows, money-laundering and tax evasion. Many stressed the importance of adopting and implementing strict anti-corruption policies based on transparency and accountability, and looked ahead to the UN General Assembly Special Session against Corruption to be held in June 2021. Further details about UNODC’s anti-corruption work can be found here.

“You cannot clap with one hand”: UNODC and African States prioritize regional cooperation in combating organized crime in the context of COVID-19

10 August 2020

New York (USA), 10 August 2020 – New York (USA), 10 August 2020 - Ministers from Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Djibouti, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burkina Faso came together with the African Union (AU) Permanent Observer to the UN and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) virtually on 22 July to highlight the importance of regional cooperation in combating organized crime in Africa in the context of COVID-19.

African Ministers unanimously welcomed the opportunity for collectively discussing ways to counter organized criminal groups which are taking advantage of increased vulnerabilities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. 

UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, outlined the ways in which UNODC is working with partners in Africa across 35 countries to combat organized crime and help countries build back better from the COVID-19 crisis. This includes online technical assistance programmes, efforts to protect recovery funds in Africa from diversion into organized crime, and a forthcoming Strategic Vision for Africa 2020-2030. Highlighting that organized crime is an enemy that is empowered and emboldened by the very conditions that hold back our societies, Ms Waly stressed that “if we are to succeed against this enemy, we need partnerships and coordinated efforts to address gaps and build robust cooperative frameworks”.

Speakers shared experiences of how COVID-19 is providing new opportunities in Africa for trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, cybercrime, corruption, maritime crime, drug trafficking, production of counterfeit medical products, and wildlife crime. As Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Djibouti put it, organized criminal groups “have adapted to profit from COVID-19”. 

Many states also recognized that, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) in 2020, UNTOC continues to provide a framework for guiding international cooperation. 

Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda, highlighted that UNTOC represents “the most effective framework” for facilitating strengthened cooperation at the judicial level. Overall, in building back from COVID-19, states called for a robust, inclusive, cooperative approach based on shared responsibility between all African states. As Ally Coulibaly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Côte d'Ivoire, put it, states “cannot tackle organized crime alone”.

Palamagamba Kabudi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Tanzania similarly highlighted the importance of such cooperation in the context of overstretched state resources. States called for holistic, comprehensive approaches which address both the symptoms and causes of crime, and protect human rights and gender equality.

Looking ahead, Hamdi Sanad Loza, Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs, Egypt, noted UNODC’s support will be “instrumental”. 

Finally, in shaping the future of Africa beyond COVID-19, states recalled that the Sustainable Development Goals provide a crucial roadmap for recovery as states work together to be able to “clap with two hands”. 

Political will and long-term assistance required - UNODC briefs the Security Council on the situation in Guinea-Bissau 

10 August 2020

New York (USA), 10 August 2020 – UNODC Executive Director Ms. Ghada Waly briefed the Security Council on the threats posed by drug trafficking and organized crime to peace and security in Guinea-Bissau.

Ms. Waly called for urgent, coordinated action to combat drug trafficking and the trafficking in persons in Guinea-Bissau.  Emphasizing that such work is critical to advancing national stability, she said organized crime networks have exploited the country’s border management challenges for trans-Atlantic cocaine trafficking.  Recent gains are proving difficult to maintain amid a resurgence of criminal operations. 

“Political will and long-term assistance, backed by sufficient funding, are needed more than ever,” she stressed, pledging that UNODC will monitor the situation and deliver extensive technical assistance.

The Security Council was also briefed by Ms. Rosine Sori-Coulibaly, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), and Mr. João Genésio de Almeida Filho (Brazil), speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Guinea-Bissau Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission.

Ms. Waly’s full remarks are available here.

The need for comprehensive and cooperative responses - UNODC briefs the Security Council on the linkages between terrorism and organized crime

6 August 2020

New York (USA), 6 August 2020 - During a Security Council session on the linkages between terrorism and organized crime, UNODC Executive Director, USG Ms. Ghada Waly, said that the COVID-19 crisis poses a host of new challenges to national authorities.

“Comprehensive and cooperative responses are needed more than ever”, she said, “as organized criminal groups and terrorists may seek to capitalize on and exploit new vulnerabilities”.

The Security Council was also briefed by Office of Counter-Terrorism USG Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, who added that terrorists are exploiting the significant disruption and economic hardships caused by COVID-19 to spread fear, hate and division and radicalize and recruit new followers. The increase in internet usage and cybercrime during the pandemic further compounds the problem. 

Both USG Waly and USG Voronkov highlighted the support of the UN to assist Member States in implementing measures such as anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism, strengthening border security and more.  They also presented the “Report of the Secretary-General on actions taken by Member States and UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Entities to address linkages between terrorism and organized crime”. The report was prepared by UNODC and OCT in response to the request contained in Security Council resolution 2482. Reflecting the contributions of 50 Member States and 15 Global Compact entities, the Report provides a valuable overview of measures taken by Member States and UN entities to address linkages between terrorism and organized crime, as well as recommendations for action going forward. The full Report is available here.

Paying tribute to first responders in the fight against human trafficking

6 August 2020

New York (USA), 6 August 2020 - The crucial role of the people who respond to crimes of trafficking in persons was recognized during a high-level virtual event to mark the 2020 World Day against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July.

“Recognizing Response – Committed to the Cause,” was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Liaison Office in New York  together with the Permanent Mission of Belarus on behalf of the Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking.

“We honour the first responders in the fight against human trafficking,” said UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, in her opening remarks. “The social workers, law enforcement officers, investigators, prosecutors and civil society representatives who have kept vital services and assistance going for victims throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” she added. 

UNODC is currently supporting first responders by providing funding to assist victims and procuring protective equipment for anti-trafficking units and shelters and assisting Member States to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on anti-trafficking responses. UNODC also manages the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking, which supports NGOs to provide direct assistance to 3,500 victims a year in more than 40 countries. “I encourage all governments and the private sector to contribute to the Fund,” said Ms. Waly. 

The virtual panel discussion brought together UN bodies and representatives from Member States and civil society.

In moderating the event, H.E Ambassador Valentin Rybakov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Belarus to the UN, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends United against Human Trafficking highlighted the continuing importance of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Trafficking Protocol, while reiterating the need for partnerships between the UN, the private sector and civil society in combating trafficking in persons and protecting its victims.

Anita Bhatia, UN Women Deputy Executive Director for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships, also stressed the importance of strategic partnerships in countering “this horrific crime that has persisted for so long and knows no borders”. In doing so, she highlighted the role of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking (ICAT), co-chaired by UN Women and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and coordinated by UNODC, noting all members of ICAT are working jointly to address the impact of COVID-19 on trafficking with one voice.

Marcela Loaiza, trafficking survivor, author and activist,outlined the new set of challenges presented by COVID-19, calling for further preventative awareness-raising activities, as well as including survivors of trafficking in debates about the crime.

UNODC’s Goodwill Ambassador for the Global Fight against Trafficking in Persons, actress Mira Sorvino, similarly highlighted the need to “amplify survivor voices” and called on states to provide more assistance to end human trafficking, tailored to the current COVID-19 conditions.

Panellists also discussed how, due to the COVID crisis, rising unemployment and school closures are increasing vulnerabilities, leaving more people at risk of being trafficked.

Sarah Lou Ysmael Arriola, Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines drew particular attention to the impact of COVID-19 on migrants, noting lack of access to health care, inadequate working conditions and particular vulnerabilities to trafficking.

Worldwide, the crisis has overwhelmed social and public services, impacted the work of law enforcement and criminal justice systems, and made it harder for victims to seek help.

At the same time, organized crime groups continue to thrive and even take advantage of the pandemic.

“The traffickers have not shut down,” said John Richmond, United States Ambassador-At-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. “Traffickers are capitalizing on the chaos of this crisis - they are finding new ways to increase their exploitation and advance their crime,” he added. He called on governments to increase efforts to stop traffickers and hold them accountable, signalling a forthcoming US COVID-19 Fund which will provide support for counter-trafficking non-governmental and civil society organizations. 

A “holistic approach is needed”, affirmed H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Ahmed Edrees, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the UN, stressing the importance of protecting both vulnerable migrants and victims of trafficking.

In explaining how traffickers are capitalising on the COVID-19 situation in Bolivia, H.E. Ambassador Rubén Darío Cuéllar Suárez, Permanent Representative of Bolivia to the UN also detailed the importance of comprehensive laws against trafficking in persons.

As the largest contributor to the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking and co-facilitator of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, H.E. Ambassador Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the UN, reiterated the need to keep trafficking in persons on the agenda of the General Assembly and Security Council, calling for comprehensive approaches, with “all initiatives going in the same direction”.

Michael Brosowski, founder and co-CEO of the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation in Vietnam, added to the voices of the panel in highlighting the need for sufficient financing, reminding “service providers can do nothing without funding”. The NGO, which rescues and assists trafficking victims, is supported by the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking.

After explaining how COVID-19 has impacted the work of Blue Dragon, Michael Brosowski concluded with a note of optimism; despite the challenging circumstances, “we also have reasons to be hopeful. There are great people around the world, there are great organizations, and there is a will to fight. As service providers, as governments, as advocates there is much that we can do,” he said.  

A recording of the event can be viewed here.

“You cannot clap with one hand”: UNODC and African States prioritize regional cooperation in combating organized crime in the context of COVID-19 

10 August 2020

New York (USA), 10 August 2020 - Ministers from Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Djibouti, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burkina Faso came together with the African Union (AU) Permanent Observer to the UN and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)  virtually on 22 July to highlight the importance of regional cooperation in combating organized crime in Africa in the context of COVID-19. 

African Ministers unanimously welcomed the opportunity for collectively discussing ways to counter organized criminal groups which are taking advantage of increased vulnerabilities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa.  

UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, outlined the ways in which UNODC is working with partners in Africa across 35 countries to combat organized crime and help countries build back better from the COVID-19 crisis. This includes online technical assistance programmes, efforts to protect recovery funds in Africa from diversion into organized crime, and a forthcoming Strategic Vision for Africa 2020-2030. Highlighting that organized crime is an enemy that is empowered and emboldened by the very conditions that hold back our societies, Ms Waly stressed that “if we are to succeed against this enemy, we need partnerships and coordinated efforts to address gaps and build robust cooperative frameworks”.

Speakers shared experiences of how COVID-19 is providing new opportunities in Africa for trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, cybercrime, corruption, maritime crime, drug trafficking, production of counterfeit medical products, and wildlife crime. As Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Djibouti put it, organized criminal groups “have adapted to profit from COVID-19”.  

Many states also recognized that, as we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) in 2020, UNTOC continues to provide a framework for guiding international cooperation.  

Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda, highlighted that  UNTOC represents “the most effective framework” for facilitating strengthened cooperation at the judicial level.  

Overall, in building back from COVID-19, states called for a robust, inclusive, cooperative approach based on shared responsibility between all African states. As  Ally Coulibaly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Côte d'Ivoire, put it, states “cannot tackle organized crime alone”. 

Palamagamba Kabudi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Tanzania similarly highlighted the importance of such cooperation in the context of overstretched state resources. States called for holistic, comprehensive approaches which address both the symptoms and causes of crime, and protect human rights and gender equality. 

Looking ahead, Hamdi Sanad Loza, Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs, Egypt, noted UNODC’s support will be “instrumental”.  

Finally, in shaping the future of Africa beyond COVID-19, states recalled that the Sustainable Development Goals provide a crucial roadmap for recovery as states work together to be able to “clap with two hands”.  

Following the money to combat human trafficking: an American Bar Association virtual panel discussion

29 June 2020

New York (USA), 29 June 2020 – The need to follow the money to combat human trafficking was highlighted during a virtual panel discussion organised by the American Bar Association International Law Section as part of its Annual Meeting.

Trafficking in persons is, at its core, a financially motivated crime and the majority of trafficking, whether it is carried out for the purposes of sexual exploitation, labour exploitation or other exploitative purposes, is carried out by perpetrators with financial incentive in mind. 

As such, this panel explored ways in which the legal community can better combat human trafficking through an understanding of economic and illicit finance tools. Ms. Hannah Stallard, Drug Control and Crime Prevention Officer, UNODC New York Liaison Office, explained how, in addition to initial investment to create the infrastructure and deliver the personnel for exploitation, the ongoing management of the proceeds of the exploitation as well as the laundering and movement of the profits are part of the activities of traffickers.

In developing responses, the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children Trafficking Protocol provide states with “a blueprint for developing the necessary domestic legal framework to effectively prosecute and disrupt organized crime, including trafficking in persons”, said Ms. Stallard.

UNODC technical assistance efforts globally have “resulted in enhanced capacities to detect, analyse and track money-laundering cases relating to trafficking and smuggling”, she added. UNODC’s Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons also provides guidance on successful practices in reactive, proactive and disruptive investigations of trafficking.

Ms. Stallard was joined on the panel by Norman Greene, Partner with Schoeman Updike Kaufman & Gerber LLP; Theresa Forbes (the US Department of the Treasury’s lead on human trafficking and illicit finance issues at the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes); Martina Vandenberg (founder and president of The Human Trafficking Legal Center); Jeremy Kuester (Counsel in the Washington, DC office of White & Case LLP); and Jane Khodarkovsky (Human Trafficking Finance Specialist in the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice). 

The panel explored ways the legal community can better combat human trafficking through an understanding of economic and illicit finance tools.

This was a particularly timely discussion as 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UNTOC and its the Trafficking Protocol.

Better Knowledge for Better Care: UNODC presentation of the World Drug Report 2020 at UNHQ

30 June 2020

New York (USA) 30 June 2020 – On the occasion of World Drug Day (International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) presented its World Drug Report 2020 at UNHQ by way of a virtual event. Some 35.6 million people suffer from drug use disorders globally. The COVID-19 crisis has intensified the challenges, overwhelming health systems and exposing the fragility of institutions and social safety nets. The theme of the World Drug Day in 2020, “Better Knowledge for Better Care”, highlights the need to understand drug dynamics, to inform balanced solutions that are based on scientific evidence, to know better what the issues are and to provide better care for those who need it.

Presented in six separate booklets, the World Drug Report provides a wealth of information and analysis to support the international community in implementing operational recommendations on a number of drug policy issues, including the recommendations contained in the outcome document of the special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem, held in 2016.

The full Report is available here.

Post COVID-19 Anti-Trafficking Strategies: Global Perspectives, Local Solutions

23 June 2020

St Louis, Missouri (USA) (Virtual) 23 June 2020 –  On the occasion of World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2020, UNODC participated in a virtual panel discussion on ‘Post COVID-19 Anti-Trafficking Strategies: Global Perspectives, Local Solutions’, organized by the United Nations Association of the United States of America Saint Louis Chapter, The Human Trafficking Collaborative Network and the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis. 

Guest speaker Ms. Hannah Stallard, Drug Control and Crime Prevention Officer, UNODC New York Liaison Office outlined the wide-reaching impacts of the pandemic on both victims and first responders. She noted that, “even in normal circumstances, identifying victims is a challenging task because they are often exploited in illegal, informal or unregulated sectors”. With resources diverted to COVID-19 related tasks, detection of victims becomes all the more challenging.  “At the same time, with countries adjusting priorities during the pandemic, access to support services such as accommodation and shelter, immigration services and protection mechanisms that may typically accompany the identification of victims of trafficking may be more limited”, she added. UNODC is conducting studies on the impact of the pandemic on victims of human trafficking and the modus operandi of organized crime. The Office is also supporting partners to adapt to the situation including through the provision of PPE to front line and specialised law enforcement staff in countries where UNODC already has programmes and engagement.

UNODC also manages the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human trafficking which has provided 3.5 million in grants to more than 70 NGOs worldwide that directly assist around 3,500 victims per year. This includes assistance to NGOs to offer services to victims who need more support during the COVID-19 crisis.

Ms. Stallard was joined on the panel by Ms. Leah Meyer, Human Trafficking Subject Matter Expert specialized in program management, capacity-building, and online investigations.

Part II in the speaker series featured a virtual townhall with Missouri and Illinois legislators.

Human Trafficking of the Displaced – UNODC delivers guest lecture during 2020 Summer Intensive Study Programme

3 June 2020

New York (USA) 3 June 2020 – UNODC delivered a guest lecture on ‘Human Trafficking of the Displaced’ as part of the 2020 Summer Intensive Study Programme organised by the UN Association of the United States of America and The Seton Hall School of Diplomacy.

Ms. Stallard, Drug Control and Crime Prevention Officer, UNODC New York Liaison Office, detailed the evolution of human trafficking under international law, the distinctions between trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, as well as UNODC’s efforts to assist Member States to identify victims of trafficking. She noted that conflict, breakdown of the rule of law and state institutions, forced displacement and resulting impunity generate an environment where a series of actors, including armed groups, can more easily force or deceive civilians into exploitative situations.

“There is a high risk of trafficking when large groups of vulnerable people escape war and persecution - this can be taken advantage of by traffickers who seek to exploit those on the move”, Ms. Stallard outlined.

Further details are contained in UNODC’s Report on “Trafficking in Persons in the context of armed conflict” (2018) available here.

More information about the Seton Hall University’s Summer Intensive Program can be found here.

Improving government data collection practices: UNODC participates in high-level launch of new Handbook on Governance Statistics

4 March 2020

New York (USA) 4 March 2020 – UNODC participated in the high-level launch of the Praia Group’s ‘Handbook on Governance Statistics’. The event was organised by the Praia Group and the Permanent Mission of Cabo Verde to the UN as part of the 51^st session of the United Nations Statistical Commission.

During the event, Praia Group Secretariat Chairman, Dr. Osvaldo Borges, explained how the Praia City Group has a mandate to contribute to establishing international standards and methods for the compilation of statistics on the major dimensions of governance. To this end, the Group was charged to develop a handbook on governance statistics for national statistical offices to cover the conceptualization, measurement methodology and dissemination of governance statistics. The handbook takes stock of existing practices in governance data collection and proposes guidelines for the improved production and compilation of official governance statistics.

Ms. Stallard, Drug Control and Crime Prevention Officer, UNODC New York Liaison Office, highlighted the importance of gathering high quality data, noting “without this, our analysis and tools become meaningless”. Solid methodologies are “all the more important when addressing difficult or sensitive topics”, she added.

UNODC also stresses the need to keep in mind that an overarching goal of statistical activities is the production, dissemination and use of information obtained for policy-making purposes so it remains important to ensure data can be effectively disseminated to be used for policy development. A continuous cycle is required, “from methodological development, to capacity building and to data collection and analysis, and back again to improvement of methods, and strengthened capacity, each time taking on board lessons learned”.

The full handbook is available here.

UNCCT and UNODC jointly launch a project on addressing the terrorism-arms-crime nexus

"The terrorism-arms-crime nexus is a global challenge and any regional gaps in addressing these threats have far-reaching consequences for all of us," stated Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in a video message. "The project also looks to tackle the full range of obstacles hindering progress. Through this we seek to put in place legal frameworks, strengthen law enforcement and criminal justice capacity, improve data and address cooperation gaps. Such a coordinated, holistic approach is essential to deal effectively with threats that no country can face alone."

Ending Human Trafficking – The UN’s Role: a briefing to Congressional Staff in Washington DC

30 January 2020

Washington DC (USA) 30 January 2020 – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) came together with the UN Foundation’s Better World Campaign, the UN Association of the United States of America, and the International Labour Organization to brief Congressional Staff on the role of the United Nations in ending human trafficking. Mr. Ilias Chatzis, Chief, Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section, UNODC detailed the way in which UNODC, as custodian of the international legal framework relating to trafficking in persons, assists Member States and victims of trafficking as well as works to bring the UN together in a coordinated response to trafficking in persons.