UNODC collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs for the G20 India Conference on 'Crime and Security in the Age of NFTs, AI, and Metaverse,' bringing together 900 participants from G20 and 9 special invitee countries. Knowledge support was also provided to the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group and the C20 Conference on Tech and Security attended by 800 tech leaders, contributing to impactful discussions on global crime and security challenges.
UNODC expanded cooperation with countries of South Asia, in the process of developing a new Regional Programme for South Asia (2024-2028). Senior officials contributed to a strategic framework for enhanced technical assistance, prioritizing security, justice, health, and the rule of law. A UNODC delegation from Vienna visited India to bolster national and regional cooperation, emphasizing impactful outcomes for South Asia's collective progress.
The Government of Bangladesh and UNODC convened 41 national entities and government stakeholders for a landmark national consultation to develop 'The Dhaka Roadmap'– a first-of-its kind cooperation framework to guide UNODC initiatives in the country. Discussions focused on key policy priorities, challenges and programming opportunities.
UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Mr. Marco Teixeira held extensive discussions with the Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering, the Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Dr. Tandi Dorji and key stakeholders to strengthen cooperation vis-a-vis UNODC mandates on drugs, health, youth empowerment and the rule of law.
Bhutan acceded to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The Convention, adopted on 15 November 2000 at the 55th session of the UN General Assembly, is the main international instrument in the fight against transnational organized crime.
UNODC, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs, conducted a national workshop in Kathmandu to strengthen the implementation of the second National Action Plan on UNSC Resolution 1325 and 1820 on Women, Peace, and Security. Over 143 stakeholders from various sectors held extensive discussions on resource management and evaluation to ensure the plan's effectiveness.
With support of the Government of India, UNODC continued synergising law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking, through research, technical support and capacity building initiatives. Over 1065 senior and operational-level government and law enforcement officials were trained through 16 capacity building initiatives on various aspects of law enforcement, drug laws, international cooperation and cyber interdictions.
Key national agencies—the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), Bangladesh Customs and Criminal Investigation Department, Bangladesh Police--were provided with 120 precursor and drug testing kits to enhance capabilities in the identification and testing of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. Supplementing this effort, 23 frontline officers were trained to rapidly identify illicit drugs and their precursor chemicals.
UNODC presented the latest data, trends and global good practices in addressing the drug problem at the first National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) heads of Indian States and Union Territories, convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Inaugurated by the Indian Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, the conference reflected the government's focus on cracking down on sale of psychotropic substances. Participants called for strategic investment in capacity building and evidence-based responses.
A two-day Expert Working Group Meeting in New Delhi brought together 24 representatives from India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Mozambique for deliberations on key trends in Afghan opiate trafficking. Under the Ministry of External Affairs' Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation mechanism, 30 senior officials from 7 countries were trained on drug law enforcement at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) in Faridabad.
UNODC trained 45 practitioners from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Ministry of Health, Department of Community Correction Service, Bureau of Commissioner General for Rehabilitation and civil society on Treatnet Volume A in Sri Lanka, using inclusive learning, real-time interpretation services and bilingual training tools to overcome language barriers. In addition, 30 facilitators from Sri Lanka's National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and civil society engaged with global trainers at a hybrid mentoring session focused on "Strong Families."
UNODC's efforts in Bangladesh fostered capacity-building and knowledge enhancement on HIV/AIDS with a series of training session. 25 Dhaka Metropolitan Police officers were sensitised on addressing drugs, crime and HIV/AIDS, emphasizing human rights. Over 40 service providers were trained on HIV prevention for Stimulant Drug Users, addressing gaps in the national HIV response for at-risk groups. 30 officials from the Department of Narcotics Control were sensitised on harm reduction for HIV prevention among drug users.
Over 40 policy makers, health officials as well as community workers were equipped with the knowledge and tools to enhance the stakeholder capacities to implement evidence-based interventions, based on the Technical Guide on HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support for people who use stimulant drugs. Welcoming the initiative, participants shared good practices on gender-responsive services for vulnerable groups, including transgenders.
A two-day training on establishing and delivering evidence-based, high-quality OAT services was delivered to over 35 Indian health policymakers and officials. Held under the UBRAF mechanism, the training equipped participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat drug addiction effectively using the operational tool, "Establishing and delivery of evidence-based, good quality, effective Opioid Agonist Therapy services.”
Sri Lanka: Amplifying regional cooperation with knowledge sharing
With support of the Government of Japan, UNODC facilitated a study visit for 10 Sri Lankan officials to India, fostering cross-learning on drug prevention and treatment, supply, rehabilitation and good practices-a vibrant India-Sri Lanka exchange of ideas on countering the drug problem.
Bhutan: Shaping unified responses to the drug problem
UNODC and The Pema Secretariat organized a two-day expert group meeting, bringing together key government stakeholders and civil society. Experts assessed the draft National Response to Substance Use, paving the way for discussions on a comprehensive national strategy in January.
UNODC, with funding from the European Union, has made significant strides in countering trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM). Over the course of 2023, 17 national workshops and consultation meetings were conducted, engaging 495 relevant stakeholders from the criminal justice process. The impact of these interventions has been remarkable, contributing to the first National Study on TIP in Bangladesh. A new UNODC library corner was also established at the Central Library of Police Staff College.
Emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and fostering international cooperation, the Ministry of Home Affairs--with support of UNODC and the Counter Trafficking in Persons Technical Working Group (CTIP-TWG) of Bangladesh UN Network on Migration--convened a pivotal national event to observe the World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2023. A first-of-its kind specialized workshop on international cooperation--including mutual legal assistance (MLA)--was also held, ahead of bilateral meetings with the authorities of Libya and Malaysia.
Through UNODC’s efforts, law enforcement officials in Bhutan received a capacity boost on countering Trafficking in Persons (TIP). Over 46 investigators and prosecutors--28 male and 18 female officials--from the Royal Bhutan Police and the Royal Bhutan Army were provided with the necessary knowledge and skills to counter Trafficking in Persons effectively with a victim-centred approach.
At the CCPCJ Thematic Discussions on the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration, UNODC experts presented spotlight interventions from South Asia--focused on social and educational measures in India and community policing in Bangladesh. The event brought together experts from 110 countries and organizations, creating a platform to share good practices and innovative approaches.
South Asia: Building law enforcement capacities to prevent and counter wildlife crime
In 2023, UNODC conducted five training sessions and one regional consultation, engaging 113 officers, with approximately 29% being women. The highlight of these initiatives was a South Asia-focused regional consultation, which convened criminal justice and law enforcement officials from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh: Capacity Boost for Law Enforcement Responses against Wildlife Crime
UNODC equipped the Bangladesh Forest Department with laptops, in an effort to enhance the capacities of the Wildlife Crime Control Unit. This technological infusion was part of efforts aimed at building collective responses against wildlife crime--supported by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
A series of comprehensive training programs in Sri Lanka equipped officials with essential skills in maritime domain awareness and the use of advanced technologies, laying the groundwork for improved security and coordination among maritime law enforcement agencies. These meticulously designed courses covered vital aspects such as monitoring, tracking, and analyzing maritime traffic. The courses also provided valuable insights into the effective utilization of various cutting-edge technologies, including RADAR, AIS, satellite imagery, and airborne assets.
UNODC conducted a three-day judicial training on maritime counter-terrorism for 15 judges from courts in Male and magistrate courts from other islands. The training provided participants with fundamental skills and knowledge on the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea pertaining to maritime terrorism cases. Multiple criminal justice actors in Maldives participated in an integrated training package focused on ensuring legal finish of maritime crimes, including maritime law enforcement authorities (coast guard, police, customs), prosecutors and the judiciary.
With support of the ICC, IOC, FIFA, and generously funded by the European Union, UNODC hosted a workshop in Vienna on ‘Safeguarding Sports from Corruption in South Asia,” focused on raising awareness about corruption risks in sport, facilitating the exchange of good practices, and strengthening cooperation.
Indian law enforcement officials received a capacity boost on internet fundamentals, cryptocurrencies and wallets, Ethereum and Metaverse, and Web3 Trends. A hands-on approach was adopted to foster proficiency in investigation and seizing procedures, ensuring that participants are sensitized on real-world cyber threats.
A regional dialogue on “Early Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems” brought together 20 relevant national authorities--including the police, legal aid providers and civil society--from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. Participants exchanged insights on enhancing legal aid and strengthening criminal justice mechanisms.
A study visit to India was organised for around 20 health and law enforcement officials from Maldives and Sri Lanka to strengthen knowledge exchange on drug treatment, care and support for people in contact with the criminal justice system. The participating officials welcomed the study tour, calling it an “informative experience.”
A series of interventions were conducted to train and sensitise over 500 state officials, community workers, lawyers, police and civil society organisations on access to justice, civic empowerment and peacebuilding while protecting human rights. This led to heightened awareness among participants on victim and witness protection mechanisms, community-based protection mechanisms and access to service and justice mechanisms.
The Honourable Minister for Law, Courts and Prisons, Government of Tamil Nadu, Mr. S. Regupathy, inaugurated a regional consultation on health rights in prisons, hosted by UNODC and the Academy of Prisons and Correctional Administration (APCA) Vellore, with a specific focus on the Nelson Mandela Rules. More than 80 prison staff participated and shared their challenges and needs, and suggested solutions for strengthening the prison health system.
UNODC executed four community outreach programs in Kavrepalachowk, Dhulikhel, Nepalgunj and Jhapa, engaging 158 participants, including students, local elected representatives, community members, community police, and government attorneys. Participants gained a deeper understanding of reporting mechanisms for gender-based violence and available legal provisions, promoting access to the justice system.
In collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, a high-level consultation program was organized to address the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of Gender-Based Violence. 136 investigators, prosecutors, and justice officials participated in crucial discussions on challenges encountered in GBV-related cases, fostering collaborative solutions, and enhancing coordination between investigators, prosecutors, and judges.
12 impactful activities were organised to engage and train 212 officials from law enforcement, security agencies and judiciary in the Maldives on countering violent extremism. With funding from the European Union (EU), Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom, these initiatives enhanced capacities and fostered inter-agency coordination.
UNODC partnered with the Anti-Terrorism Unit of Bangladesh Police to support community-based approaches to policing--including research, training, coordination and a central role for women-led policing. In 2023, the initiative engaged 250 law enforcement personnel, emphasizing policy, training, and communication strategies.
South Asia: Preventing violent extremism with SAN-PVE Network
A side event was hosted during the 32nd session of the CCPCJ in Vienna on “Promoting a South Asia regional network of PVE practitioners (SAN-PVE)”, emphasising the importance of this “peer-to-peer networking and learning platform” that fosters the exchange of knowledge and good practices in preventing violent extremism.
Maldives: Building capacities to prevent and respond to IED threats
Officials from the Maldives public administration were trained on inter-agency cooperation and collaboration, effective use of international databases and evolving responses to counter IED in terrorism-related offenses. Discussions focused on technical aspects of inter-agency coordination and financial disruption of terrorism networks.
Youth and Communities
India: Engaging youth and educators on crime prevention
UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Mr. Marco Teixeira addressed a unique Model G20 Summit attended by 100 educators from 19 India states, hosted by Delhi’s Ahlcon International School. Knowledge support was also provided to the Kothari International School Noida's sixth annual MUN Conference, reaching over 450 young people and educators.
30 stakeholders from key government departments from Assam and Manipur convened in Guwahati for intensive discussions on the implementation of Family Skills Programme in the northeastern region. The multi-stakeholder consultation was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
India: Promoting lawfulness and peace with education
At the India Global Peace Leadership Conference organized by the Global Peace Foundation, UNODC showcased good practices on meaningful youth empowerment and education to strengthen crime prevention, the rule of law and peace and the Global Goals, directly engaging over 500 educators and policymakers. The conference highlighted the need for greater investments in capacity building of educators, peer-to-peer learning, educational tools and innovative classroom practices, in line with India's National Education Policy 2020.
UNODC provided knowledge support to the International Round Square Conference organised by India’s The Lawrence School Sanawar (Himachal Pradesh), one of India’s oldest schools. Over 244 young people and educators from 27 educational institutions of India and UAE were engaged with interactive sessions focused on building peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and experiential learning on various social themes, including SDGs and lawfulness. Good practices and tools were shared with students and educators to strengthen classroom engagement.
Observing the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in South Asia, UNODC spearheaded a special e-feature, youth and community engagement, dissemination of World Drug Report findings, training programs for law enforcement personnel, online and in-person dialogues with stakeholders, and engagement with academic institutions to enhance knowledge and capacities in addressing the drug problem.
Commemorating the Nelson Mandela International Day, UNODC partnered with the Institute of Correctional Administration, Chandigarh to organize a dialogue with over 120 Indian prison officials and experts, focusing on prison management, health, and human rights. A short film was also produced in partnership with the India Vision Foundation, highlighting the need to protect prisoners’ rights.
Our Partners
Our activities in South Asia are possible
due to the generous support of:
Canada
European Union
Germany
India
Japan
Joint UN Program Fund
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States of America
UBRAF/UNAIDS
UN Secretary General's Peace Building Fund
UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund
Government Partners:
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Contact Us
C-97 (Ground Floor), Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024, India
Email: samarth.pathak@un.org
