Research, Policy and Advocacy
Afghanistan faces tremendous drug and crime challenges that require effective responses. In its role as part of an international organization mandated to assist states combating drugs and crime, UNODC in Afghanistan is in an excellent position to contribute to the discovery and dissemination of authoritative information on nation-wide trends in Afghanistan
UNODC is best known for its opium surveys, and for its comparative advantage in providing an evidence base for government and international action on drug and crime issues. Working in conjunction with Afghan governmental institutions, UNODC works to build the capacity of governmental institutions with the aim to monitor counter-narcotics trends, including in relation to NDCS benchmarks and in regards to other mandates (e.g. rule of law). In fact, there has been a growing number of UNODC-supported monitoring initiatives, which have varied in scope and quality. In particular, these include the annual Opium Poppy Survey (.pdf) (including eradication and price monitoring), the Drug Abuse Survey of 2009 (.pdf), the provincial profiles and socio-economic assessments, studies on public awareness campaigns, and a pilot study on general corruption.
Research, Policy and Advocacy is a cross-cutting department designed to identify and exploit information sources relevant to the mandates and strategy of UNODC in Afghanistan. Internally, Research, Policy and Advocacy guides effective program development and project implementation as well as supports headquarters-driven research on Afghanistan by contributing field information, advice and drafting.
Externally, Research, Policy and Advocacy contributes advice and technical assistance to government partners in managing information, particularly the Ministry of Counter Narcotics. More broadly Research, Policy and Advocacy liaises with external stakeholders, such as as government ministries, other UN agencies and NATO.
Concept Note on "Research, Analysis and Information" (full text)
Current Projects
AFG/K12: Strengthening UNODC Operational Capacity to Support the Government of Afghanistan in Tackling Drugs and Crime
