In a powerful message, Nargiza Abdukadirova, UNODC National Programme Officer, asserts, "The connection between the illicit trafficking of firearms, transnational organized crime, and terrorism forms a network of threats that endanger peace and security at the global level."
Abdukadirova's video lecture sheds light on the joint UNOCT and UNODC project launched in January 2020, aimed at enhancing the capacity of Central Asian states to combat the illicit trafficking of firearms. This initiative is particularly crucial in the context of the newly emerging crisis in Afghanistan, where the potential for arms to fall into the hands of terrorists poses a serious threat.
To date, the project has conducted a range of activities across five Central Asian countries, including capacity consultations, regional meetings, and workshops focused on national legislation and interagency cooperation. Over 700 national experts have participated in these efforts, which aim to disrupt the flow of illegal arms and strengthen criminal justice responses.
Today, November 15th, marks the UN General Assembly's declaration of the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime. This observance serves as a reminder of the critical importance of uniting efforts at regional and international levels to effectively tackle the challenges posed by transnational organized crime, particularly in the realm of illegal arms trafficking.
As the world grapples with the implications of these interconnected threats, the call to action from Abdukadirova and the UNODC underscores the necessity of collaborative approaches to ensure peace and security for all.
