EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STATEMENT

Statement by UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov on Colombia

Vienna, 26 August 2016 - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) congratulates the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army (FARC-EP) on the agreement to end the conflict.

I welcome the agreement's aim of tackling illicit drug production, including through sustainable and inclusive development of marginalized rural areas.

The people of Colombia can count on the continued support of UNODC in implementing the accord, which can bolster efforts, already ongoing, to reduce illicit crop cultivation and production in the country by promoting sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.

In close partnership with the Colombian government, UNODC will support comprehensive, integrated alternative development; promote health through evidence-based drug use prevention and treatment; and strengthen criminal justice reform to confront organized crime, money laundering and corruption, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

For further information, please contact:

Sonya Yee  
Programme Officer, Speechwriting and Communication Team, UNODC  
Phone: (+43 1) 26060-4990  
sonya.yee[at]unvienna.org