South Asia Newsletter: Odyssey (January 2021)

UNODC and Responding to COVID-19

New Delhi/05 February 2021: Presenting the latest edition of Odyssey (January 2021)--our news bulletin featuring a range of impactful initiatives spearheaded by UNODC in response to COVID-19 in South Asia, focusing on crime prevention, security, justice and health.

UNODC remains committed to delivering vital evidence-based and gender-responsive technical assistance to those in need, especially the marginalized, vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. These include people who use drugs and with drug use disorders, who are in prison and who have HIV/Hepatitis C. The crisis cannot be overcome until the pandemic is addressed in all pockets of vulnerability, in line with the UN's principle of 'Leaving No One Behind' and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In Focus: 

  • Distributing essential supplies among vulnerable groups and frontline responders
  • Providing support and technical assistance to Governments, civil society and communities 
  • Strengthening multi-stakeholder cooperation and coordination to counter terrorism and transnational organised crime
  • Conducting trainings and promoting awareness to counter trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants
  • Promoting youth engagement and action on peace, justice and SDGs through education: The Lockdown Learners Series and Education for Justice Initiative
  • Fostering Criminal Justice Reform amid COVID-19 in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules...among others!

Catch the latest updates on some of our key programs and activities here: Odyssey (January 2021) 

We look forward to feedback and comments, and continued support of our partners, stakeholders and well-wishers.

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