Illicit Drugs & Law Enforcement

In 1998, in response to the seriousness of the world drug problem, Member States of the United Nations convened a Special Session of the General Assembly, where they committed themselves to a vigorous plan of action to reduce both the supply and demand for drugs. In line with this, and as part of the Agency's mandate, UNODC assists Member States in developing prevention activities that provide people, particularly the young, with the information, skills and opportunities to make healthy choices, including avoid starting to use drugs.

As the lead UN Agency in tackling drug abuse prevention in schools in South Africa, UNODC Southern Africa has been involved in various large-scale projects.

In 1999, UNODC Southern Africa launched the project "Community-based Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation Services for Drug Abusers in Disadvantaged Areas" with the Department of Social Development.

Aimed at preventing and reducing drug abuse by mobilising support at all levels in previously disadvantaged communities of South Africa, the project offered treatment and counselling to drug users, whilst offering viable alternatives to recovering addicts, and developing talents and skills of populations at risk in these communities, in particular the youth.

In 2004, UNODC Southern Africa, in partnership with the National Department of Education and the Department of Social Development, implemented the "National Drug Awareness and Schools Education Programme". The objective of the project was to develop and implement a strategy in South Africa aimed at providing drug abuse prevention in primary and secondary schools, as well as out of school youth.