Stories from UNODC Southern Africa

 

UNODC and Southern Africa Development Community Join Efforts to Support Southern African Countries Counter the Growing Threat of Terrorism in the Region

Lilongwe (Malawi), 29 July 2022 – In recent years, the threat of terrorism in Southern Africa has become more widespread, with terrorist groups seeking to expand their regional presence and networks by using social media, foreign fighters, and illegal trafficking to support their terrorist goals. One of these groups, the Islamic State of Iraq (ISCAP) in Central Africa, has established a strong presence in the region, and is estimated to have as many as 2,000 local recruits and fighters from-  Read More...

 

UNODC joins top-ranking representatives of key criminal justice institutions in Mozambique to discuss the use and abuse of technology in Mozambique on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

MAPUTO, Mozambique. Worldwide, human traffickers are increasingly making use of technology to facilitate their criminal activities on wider scales and for bigger profits, particularly preying on people in vulnerable situations, especially children. Mozambique has been no exception to this trend, with technologies being widely used by criminals to target, recruit, control and exploit their victims, including through social media, in and through the country. Read More....

 

UNODC and SADC collaborate to support the Southern African countries to counter the growing threat of terrorism in the region

Lilongwe (Malawi), 29 July 2022 – In recent years, the threat of terrorism in Southern Africa has become more widespread, with terrorist groups seeking to expand their regional presence and networks by using social media, foreign fighters, and illegal trafficking to support their terrorist goals. Read More....

 

UNODC hosted a workshop on Asset Confiscation for Magistrates in Angola

Luanda, 15- 17 June 2022: UNODC ROSAF through its Project Office in Angola in partnership with the Attorney General’s office and the National Institute for Judiciary Studies (INEJ) held a 3-day workshop on asset confiscation for magistrates

 

UNODC supports Mozambican authorities to tackle terrorism and its financing in the country

Pemba, Mozambique. The threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the Southern African region continues to be of strategic importance to tackle, while support related counter-measures and efforts of national forces and the international community is needed. In Mozambique, the terrorist threat is a prevailing element, with Islamic terrorist actors and affiliates having increasingly become more sophisticated and attacks being perpetrated against civilians who are forced to leave their homes. read more......

 

UNODC Webinar to promote implementation of harm reduction programmes and implementation of Opioid Substitution Therapy in South Africa

10 May 2022 UNODC in partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and WHO organised a webinar titled “Implementation of Opioid Substitution Therapy in South Africa”.

The webinar organized in the form of a virtual roundtable brought together high-level government officials and other stakeholders from South Africa to share experiences and best practices and discuss the way forward for scaling up harm reduction programmes in the country. The webinar created a forum for decision makers to discuss how to scale up access to evidence-informed and human rights-based services and to ensure the continuity and sustainability of HIV, TB, viral hepatitis and STIs prevention, treatment, care, and support services for people who use drugs and people in prisons. Read More...

 

UNODC promotes an exchange visit between Mozambican leadership and Portugal with a focus on policies and strategies linked with drug prevention and treatment for people who use drugs

Between 27 June – 1 July 2022, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized an exchange visit with representatives of key Mozambican institutions to Portugal to discuss the practical implementation of national programs on prevention, treatment, care, and support services for people who use drugs, including in prison settings.

 

UNODC supports a campaign on World Drug Day against drug use among students in Mozambique

Drug use among vulnerable youth remains a concern in Mozambique, with devastating impacts on individuals and communities.

“Criminals are profiting from people’s misery, with cocaine production at record levels, and a five-fold increase in methamphetamine seizures and an almost quadrupling of amphetamine seizures in the last decade”, said Mr. Marco Teixeira, Head of the UNODC Mozambique Office on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (‘World Drug Day’), commemorated on 26 June.

 

UNODC ROSAF and UN Botswana commemorates World Drug Day and launches the 2022 World Drug Report

 

27 June 2022, Phakalane, Botswana: Under the theme “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises” and focusing on addressing transnational drug challenges stemming from situations of crisis, United Nations Botswana led by Mr. Zia Choudhury, Resident Coordinator and Ms. Jane Marie Ongolo, UNODC ROSAF Regional Representative, commemorated World Drug Day and launched the 2022 World Drug Report.

 

Combating Trafficking in Persons, Smuggling of Migrants in the Kingdom of eSwatini

Matsapha, 6-8 June 2022 – UNODC ROSAF in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Justice in the Kingdom of eSwatini convened a Judicial colloquium on combating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in the kingdom of eSwatini, which is part of UNODC ROSAF priorities in the SADC Region in enhancing the capacity of Judicial Officers in the response to human trafficking using victim centred approaches.

 

90 victims of human trafficking rescued at refugee camp in Malawi; five arrests made

UNODC expert fears that “this is just the beginning.”

Lilongwe, (Malawi), May 2022 - The widespread exploitation of men, women, and children at a refugee camp in Malawi has been uncovered by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Malawian Police Service.

 

UNODC and Southern Africa regional partners join forces to address terrorism and violent extremism

Lilongwe (Malawi), 25 May 2022 – Over the last several years, the threat of terrorism has been looming ever larger over Southern Africa. Terrorist groups, once local dangers, have become increasingly global and less centralized, using social media, foreign fighters, and illicit trafficking to support and carry out their acts of terror.

UNODC supports the launch of Malawi’s five-year Homeland Security Strategic Plan

Lilongwe 23/03/2022: The Government of Malawi and UNODC have joined forces to address the challenges of criminality and security facing the country, with UNODC supporting the Malawian Minister of Homeland Security to launch its five-year Strategic Security Plan.

Transforming societies through anti-corruption innovation: Strengthening public procurement and whistle-blower protection in Southern Africa

11 February 2022 – From bribery and trading in influence to abuse of functions and embezzlement, corruption takes many different forms. While an age-old issue, it is the ever-increasing complexity of the crime, coupled with the impact seen during times of crisis such as during COVID-19, which makes it even more concerning.

 

 

UNODC Launches Pilot Project on Non-custodial Measures for Women in Conflict with the Law at Athlone Magistrate’s Court

On the 30 November 2021, the Callas Foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, launched a pilot project on non-custodial measures for women in conflict with the law (WICL) at Athlone, Western Cape, South Africa. The launch coincided with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.

 

Enhancing Knowledge Base Judicial Responses to Human Trafficking: JUDICIAL TRAINING OF TRAINERS ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

UNODC in collaboration with the Department of Defence, Justice and Security convened a Judicial TOT Against TiP in Kasane, Botswana from the 11 to 13 July, which is part of UNODC priorities in the SADC Region in enhancing the capacity of criminal justice practitioners in the response to human trafficking using human and victim centred approaches under the joint UNODC-SADC Regional Programme (2013 -2023).

UNODC ROSAF Reflects on and Commemorates the Nelson Mandela Rules

Zambia, July 22nd, 2021. On Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18th), the UNODC ROSAF hosted a global webinar to discuss gaps in and recommendations for adherence to the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules (NMR).

“REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE IN PRISON AND UPON RELEASE”

Zambia, August 26th, 2021. UNODC supports he ongoing “Building Networks Behind Prison Walls” virtual webinar series since 2020, with the aim to address issues and challenges and bring awareness to life in and after prison.

UNODC Zambia supports local Civil Society Organisation (CSO) to improve systems to reintegrate prisoners into the community

In January 2020, UNODC Zambia supported the assessment of the capacity of several CSOs, including the Prisoners Reintegration and Empowerment Organization (PREO). This assessment revealed that many local CSOs had weak structural and organizational documents, procedures, and practices to sustain internal and external momentum and vision for their work.

Protecting victims of Trafficking in Persons in South Africa

Pretoria, South Africa - 10 September 2021 – UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa, under the framework of the Southern Africa Migration Management (SAMM) Project, and in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development of South Africa, donated Personal Protective Equipment to various shelters for Victims of Trafficking in Persons and Gender-Based Violence in South Africa, in order to ensure that they along with staff in the respective shelters are protected from the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNODC Partners with SADC –PF to develop SADC Model Law on GBV

The SADC region has high rates of sexual violence against women and girls. The 2018 SADC GBV Study indicates that emotional violence is the most predominant form of violence in the region, at approximately, 26.8% prevalence, while slightly over one in every ten persons had experienced physical violence (11.2%) and sexual violence (12.0%).

 

UNODC collaborates with the Nelson Mandela Foundation on Nelson Mandela International Day

 

UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme promotes maritime security in Mozambique

Since 2019, UNODC has been working, in collaboration with regional and international partners and in cooperation with the Government of Mozambique, to provide assistance to law enforcement stakeholders and other national institutions.The Mozambique Channel is one of the primary passageways for the movement of illicit goods in the region.

 

Executive Leadership and Knowledge Management Workshop for Senior Women Police Officers

Raising women’s voices through enabling their leadership, participation and representation in decision-making processes are effective and important tools in advancing women’s empowerment.  This includes enhancing, inspiring, and mentoring the next generation of women leaders. Member states of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organization (SARPCCO) are continually working towards achieving gender parity in decision-making, and strive to meet national, regional, and global commitments in this regard.

 

UNODC & Malawi Launch New Measures to Combat Human Trafficking Among Refugees

Lilongwe (Malawi), 1 April 2021 — Criminal networks are operating within the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in central Malawi where men, women and children are being exploited for profit or tricked and trafficked to other countries in Southern Africa for forced labour and prostitution.

 

UNODC and Germany Recommit Support for Mozambique to Counter Growing Terrorism Threat

Recent terrorist attacks in the northern region of Mozambique, including those committed last week in the town of Palma as well as reports of heinous crimes commited against civilians including beheadings, have shown the urgent  need for the international community to join forces to support Mozambique in addressing the growing threat of terrorism in the country.

UNODC and South African Development Community Secretariat Address Growing Terrorism Threat Facing Southern Africa

Pretoria (South Africa), 30 March 2021 - In today’s globalised world, no country or region is immune to the threat of terrorism. Many countries in the Southern Africa region are having to confront these complex challenges for the first time and must still develop the counter-terrorism policies, legislation, and criminal justice capacity to effectively respond.

UNODC ‘Building Networks Behind Prison Walls’ Webinar Series continues with special focus on Drug Dependence Treatment in Prisons

Over 11M people are currently imprisoned globally, and People in Prisons (PIP) suffer from a disproportionately high rate of Drug Use Disorders (DUD). Working to raise awareness of this important issue, the 7th webinar in the ‘Building Networks’ series was held online, on the 18th of March 2021

 

International Women's Day: Women in Justice and Justice for Women

“I Speak on Behalf of the Voiceless”

In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8th 2021, the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) spoke with an inspirational figure in women’s leadership, Advocate Olyvia Martha Imalwa, who has served as Prosecutor General for Namibia since 2004.

"I was Born to be a Leader”

In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8th 2021, the UNODC’s Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) spoke with an inspirational figure in women’s leadership, Major General Sylvia Ledwaba.

 

‘Pathways to Women’s Imprisonment Webinar,’ focused on Alternatives to Incarceration

It is under this banner that the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa raised the issue of the special needs of women in conflict with the law who, in many instances, face continuous discrimination in the criminal justice system.

 

“Create Your Future Now!”

The UNODC’s Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) spoke with an inspirational figure in women’s leadership, Dr. Connie Osborne. Doctor Osborne serves as the Director General of Zambia’s National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC), an organization that enjoys a strong partnership with UNODC

 

UNODC Runs Training Series to Deprive Terrorists Funding

 

UNODC and the UN Peace and Development Fund provide specialized investigative equipment to support Mozambique to bring terrorists to justice

2 March 2021

Collecting and preserving evidence at a terrorism crime scene is a key element to build a successful case for prosecution, helping, this way, to bring terrorists and those who support them to justice while respecting the rule of law. 

UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030

UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Africa 2030 outlines our mission to provide more safety to Africa’s people, government and institutions from drugs, crime, corruption, terrorism and illicit financial flows. Our Vision 2030 seeks to strengthen crime prevention, enhance justice, address organized crime, ensure a balanced response to drugs, improve the rule of law and bolster resilience.

17 December 2020 – UNODC / Japanese Government fuel handover to SERNIC, Mozambique

The year 2020 has seen a continuation of the shift south in trafficking patterns for heroin departing from the Makran Coast of the Gulf of Oman toward Africa. There has been a notable increase in heroin and other dangerous narcotics, including methamphetamine, heading toward the north of Mozambique, potentially funding terrorist activity.

To help keep justice at top of university curricula, E4J launches grants programme

UNODC Counters Illicit Financial Flows in Africa

UNODC Supports Efforts to Combat Illicit Mining in Southern Africa

UNODC ZAMBIA HELPING TO IMPROVE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY HEALTH

UNODC is working closely with Zambian Correctional Services to protect the health of correctional populations, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, by training correctional staff to correctly identify and isolate suspect individuals and ensuring that these are sent to public health facilities for testing and appropriate treatment and care is given to COVID-19 as well as HIV and TB. This training therefore was aimed to guide correctional staff on the epidemiology of the three conditions in the general public and in correctional facilities- where available.

UN Transnational Organised Crime Convention: Conference of Parties, 12-16 October.

Correctional Services in Southern Africa embrace commitment to the Nelson Mandela Rules

Nelson Mandela International Day, which honors the outstanding contribution of the former South African President to humankind and remembers the 27 years he was deprived of his liberty, is an opportunity to promote humane conditions of imprisonment, raise awareness of prisoners as members of the community, and value the work of prison staff.

Health clinic for juvenile penitentiary centre in Maputo, Mozambique

In June 2020, UNODC donated a clinic to the Mozambique National Prisons Service (SERNAP) to provide primary health care, sexual and reproductive health care and HIV counseling and treatment services to incarcerated juveniles at the Boane Special Juvenile Recovery Penitentiary Facility in Maputo.

MALAWI: UNODC donates COVID 19 equipment to TIP Victims Shelter

This year the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa in cooperation with Malawi Inter Agency Coordination Committee Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) commemorated the World Day against TIP by providing so much needed personal protection equipment to Salvation Army Shelter for TIP victims.

Donated equipment included Disposable Surgical Latex Gloves, Disposable Surgical Face Masks, Hand sanitizers, Infrared thermometers.

UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa work on Combating Trafficking in Persons in South Africa

30 July 2020: Trafficking in persons situation in South Africa: The Republic of South Africa is a primary destination for trafficked persons in the Southern Africa region and within Africa at large. It is also an origin and transit country for: trafficking towards Europe and North America. Trafficking affects women, men and children exploited in forced labour, commercial sex, forced begging and forced criminality.

Frontline testimony – World Day against Trafficking in Persons: Rescuing victims of human trafficking

My name is Charles Ephraim Luhanga, co-founder of Fula Africa. Fula Africa is a non-governmental organization based in Pretoria, South Africa. It’s aim is to promote the dignity of the victims of trafficking in persons in South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region at large. Fula Africa provides translation services to rescued victims of trafficking in persons and also raises awareness on the scourge of trafficking in persons among communities in South Africa.

Virtual Fundraising concert World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

South Africa commemorates the 2020 World Drug Day

 

Pretoria, South Africa – On 26 June, the UNODC Regional Representative Ms. Zhuldyz Akisheva, and South Africa Department of Social Development (DSD) led by Minister Lindiwe Zulu commemorated the 2020 World Drug Day (WDD) under international theme “Better Knowledge for Better Care” which highlights the need to better understand the dynamics and factors related to drug use and to propose solutions that are balanced, health-centred and based on scientific evidence.

UNODC consolidates its presence and support to Mozambique with support from Norway

 

The Government of Norway and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) signed an agreement today on Norway's contribution of NOK 17,000,000 (USD 1.7 million) for over a period of three years. This funding will support sustainable presence of the UNODC in Mozambique and the implementation of the “Maputo Roadmap” especially in the areas of terrorism prevention and the fight against corruption.

UNODC ROSAF HOSTS REGIONAL WEBINAR ON RESPONDING TO COVID-19 IN PRISONS

 

4 June 2020. People in prisons and other places of detention are vulnerable to COVID-19 due to the confined conditions in which they live and to limited access to health care services. Experience shows that settings in which people are gathered in proximity may act as a source of infection, amplification and spread of infectious diseases, within their walls and beyond. Preventing and managing COVID-19 in prison settings is particularly challenging and requires whole-of-government and whole-of-society involvement.

UNODC FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION IN MALAWI PRISONS

With technical support of UNODC and funding by the Government of Norway, three prison farms in Malawi (Mpyupyu, Kasungu and Chitedze) have cultivated a total of 254 hectares of maize and 28 hectares of legumes. UNODC supported the farms with the agricultural machinery, fertilizers, maize and legume seeds, as well as with chemicals and fuel for operation of the cultivation machinery. It is expected that 1,270 Metric tons of maize will be produced by these farms.

With UNODC support, Namibia prisoner rehabilitation project helps stop COVID-19 spread

 

20 April 2020 – The rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world has demonstrated that everyone is susceptible to the ravages of this virus, with some population groups more at risk than others depending on their age and health conditions. While these factors have been widely publicized , there are some groups which remain less visible in the public eye, but which are nevertheless an integral part of society; prisoners, for whom social distancing is not an option in tight spaces, are unable to take the same precautions as most other members of society.

PRESS RELEASE: United Nations agency donates COVID-19 PPE to shelter houses in South Africa

 

Pretoria: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in South Africa today handed over personal protective equipment (PPE) to several Gauteng Province shelters for women who have suffered from gender-based violence and human trafficking, as well as to the immigration officers of the Department of Home Affairs.

Serving society and the environment, UNODC launches hydroponics and soap production prisoner rehabilitation projects in Namibia

 

13 February 2020 - Penitentiary systems around the world, often with the support of UNODC, are increasingly adopting innovative practices to rehabilitate prisoners before their reinsertion into society. Moving away from traditional sentences meant to merely punish, such programmes are aimed at re-educating prisoners and helping them avoid recidivism, while preparing them to sustain themselves financially and make a positive contribution to society.

Malawi Police Officers trained by UNODC rescue trafficked Nepali Nationals

 

21 November 2019 - A team of Malawi police officers trained by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in investigating human trafficking cases rescued six presumed Nepali trafficking victims in Blantyre on 6 November 2019.

The rescue operation was coordinated by the Malawian Police Headquarters following an alert from the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau (AHTB) of the Nepali Police - who in turn had been contacted by the presumed victims' families - that six Nepali nationals were being kept against their will in Blantyre.

WERE YOU RAPED, OR DID YOU JUST NOT GET PAID? A Needs Assessment of women who use drugs in four cities in South Africa

UNODC supported a series of interactive consultations with women who use drugs, including women who inject drugs, in four cities within South Africa, namely: Pretoria, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg with the aim to identify their needs and challenges/barriers to access health services and propose solutions to removing such barriers. About 100 women who use and inject drugs participated in these consultations. Key findings include the existence of extreme levels of sexual violence and sexual rights violations experienced by women who use drugs and high levels of stigma among service providers, leading to limited accessing of key health services. Another phenomenon is the violence and aggression directed at women and other people who use drugs by law enforcement officers. This has also included security raids and forced removals, as well as sexual favours required by law enforcement agencies. Issues related to continuity of care have also been raised, where medical treatment is interrupted at the times of arrest and when belongings are confiscated, especially for street-dwelling female drug users

UNODC trains 25 Zambian Criminal Justice Practitioners to become Trainers against Trafficking in Persons

Anti-human trafficking efforts in Zambia traces back to as early as 2007, when the Government developed its first Policy to Combat Human Trafficking. This was later followed by the enactment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act No. 11 of 2008, placing Zambia in the lead, as a pioneer in the SADC region in terms of compliance to the Palermo Protocol.

UNODC and the Government of Mozambique team up to prevent and counter terrorism, violent extremism and the financing of terrorism

The Province of Cabo Delgado in Northern Mozambique has been increasingly affected by violence since October 2017. To date, around 300 people have been killed, thousands have been injured and several communities and livelihoods devastated. The violence has had a negative ripple effect on peace, development and governance in the province of Cabo Delgado.

UNODC supports Namibia Police in addressing Violence against Women and Children

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA - Violence against women has been a continuous challenge in Namibia. Back in 2015 the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) expressed concern over the high prevalence of violence against women and girls such as rape and murder committed by intimate partners. The Committee was also concerned at the low rate of prosecution of perpetrators of violence against women and the frequent withdrawal of cases by women victims of violence. (CEDAW/C/NAM/CO/4-5).

UNODC and Mozambique discuss Strategic Roadmap against Transnational Organized Crime, Drugs and Terrorism

Mbabane (Eswatini) 20 September 2019 - On Friday, 20 September 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) led the United Nations Eswatini and partners in celebra. The "Walk the Talk: The Health for All Challenge" Walk is a global initiative, led by WHO to promote and encourage people around the world to do physical activity. WHO with global partners and delegates of the UN General assembly also staged the "Walk the Talk: The Health for All Challenge" in New York on Sunday 22 September 2019, a day before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

UN Eswatini staff join the Walk the Talk global health challenge

Mbabane (Eswatini) 20 September 2019 - On Friday, 20 September 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) led the United Nations Eswatini and partners in celebra. The "Walk the Talk: The Health for All Challenge" Walk is a global initiative, led by WHO to promote and encourage people around the world to do physical activity. WHO with global partners and delegates of the UN General assembly also staged the "Walk the Talk: The Health for All Challenge" in New York on Sunday 22 September 2019, a day before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

UNODC continues to strengthen cooperation in countering illicit financial flows in Southern Africa

Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA - UNODC has launched a series of capacity building workshops through its project " Countering Illicit Financial Flows by Strengthening Law Enforcement for Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for Southern Africa (ARINSA)". A regional approach has been taken with various workshops being held in the region. The first workshop was held in Dar es Salaam, from 12 to 15 August 2019.

Southern Africa has not escaped the negative effects of this global problem, as cash is often smuggled through its borders to finance organised criminal activities including narcotics, human trafficking, and terrorism. This initiative is aimed at limiting the movement of illicit funds. Read More

Judiciary is a key partner in fast tracking gender equality in South Africa

To close Women's Month, the department, in partnership with UNODC and UN Women, hosted a Women in Judiciary Dialogue to explore how the legal system can be an enabler for gender equality.

The event brought together Court Presidents, Judges, Magistrates, the Commission for Gender Equality, Wits Law Clinic, Legal Aid, SA Chapter: International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ), and UN Women, amongst other organisations. Read More

Doha Declaration Programme supporting prisoner rehabilitation in Namibia

Gobabis, NAMIBIA - The Governor for Omaheke Region in Namibia, Festus Uitele, has commended the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) through the Gobabis Correctional Facility (GCF), for taking innovative steps to ensure food security which is linked to health outcomes, in its facilities. Read More

Kingdom of Eswatini commemorates the World Day Against TIP, by launching the National Strategic Framework and Action Plan to Combat People Trafficking (2019 -2023)

Ezulwini, KINGDOM of ESWATINI - 8 August 2019 - Prime Minister in the Kingdom of Eswatini, His Excellency Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, launched the National Strategic Framework and Action Plan to Combat People Trafficking 2019-2023. The launch of the Strategic Framework and Action Plan took place under the Commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons framework with the theme: "Human Trafficking: Call your Government to action. Read More

Mozambique: Workshop on countering terrorism and violent extremism held

Cabo Delgado, MOZAMBIQUE - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has collaborated with the Attorney General's Office of Mozambique to organize a workshop to build the capacity of relevant stakeholders to respond to an increasing threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

The workshop was held in Cabo Delgado from 16 to 18 July 2019 and brought together over 30 Investigators, Prosecutors, Judges and Defense forces officials. Read More

SADC Regional Trafficking in Persons Data Collection System Deployed

Pretoria , SOUTH AFRICA - 1 August 2019 - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the SADC Secretariat in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development have deployed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Trafficking in Persons Data collection system to South Africa. [Read More]

UNODC donation to Zambia prison clinic to save time, money

Kabwe, ZAMBIA - The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has donated laboratory equipment to a clinic at Mukobeko Medium Correctional Facility in the Central Province of Zambia.UNODC Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa Signe Rotberga officially presented the equipment to the Deputy Commissioner General in charge of Operations within the Zambia Correctional Service, Lloyd Chilundika. [Read More]

10 years of Nelson Mandela International Day - UNODC intensifies efforts to bring about positive change in prisons worldwide

18 July 2019 - For the 10th time, the international community celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day, honouring his outstanding contribution to humankind and remembering the 27 years he had to spend in prison. The decision of the UN General Assembly to closely associate his name with the revised UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners have put a renewed and urgently needed spotlight on prison management, conditions and reform efforts worldwide. [Read More]

Kasane, BOTSWANA - 9-11 July 2019 - UNODC and the Department of Defence, Justice and Security convened the third Judicial Colloquium Against Trafficking in Persons in Kasane, Botswana from 9 to 11 July. [Read More]

Lilongwe, MALAWI - The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has held a series of training sessions on alternative sentencing for Malawi magistrates in line with recommendations of United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures (The Tokyo Rules). [Read More]

Children in focus as Zambia marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Lusaka, ZAMBIA - The outdated belief that children should be seen and not heard went down in flames on June 26 when Zambia joined the rest of the world in marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with children at the center of the commemorations. [Read More]

Malawi: Cervical Cancer Screening Reaches 446

Lilongwe, MALAWI - An initiative supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, involving the Ministry of Health and the Malawi Prison Service, to screen female inmates, prison staff and spouses of prison staff for cervical cancer reached 446 clients from 17 prisons, which accommodate female inmates. Of the 446 women screened, 197 of them were inmates. [Read More]

World Drug Report 2019: 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders while only 1 in 7 people receive treatment

Vienna, AUSTRIA - 26 June 2019 - Improved research and more precise data have revealed that the adverse health consequences of drug use are more severe and widespread than previously thought. Globally, some 35 million people are estimated to suffer from drug use disorders and who require treatment services, according to the latest World Drug Report, released today by UNODC. [Read More]

ARINSA Members sign the Dar es Salaam Declaration on Strengthening Asset Forfeiture for Development

Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA - 12 June 2019-- Assets, including minerals worth $ 41 million USD, determined to be proceeds of crime were confiscated and nationalized by the Government of Tanzania in 2018 according to the Vice-President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, while delivering a keynote address on behalf of President John Magufuli, at the launch of the 10 th ARINSA Anniversary and Annual General Meeting. The VP was speaking at the official opening, which was held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. [Read More]

Health in prison: Zimbabwean MPs undertake field tours

Harare, ZIMBABWE - Zimbabwean Members of Parliament have undertaken site visits to three correctional facilities to better appreciate health-related challenges that inmates face.The visits to prisons followed a capacity building initiative which sought to unpack the Zimbabwean Constitution, review laws, policies and Acts related to Adolescent Girls and Young Women, Key populations and Prisoners. [Read More]

Namibia First Lady Buoyed by UNODC Support to Correctional Facility

Windhoek, NAMIBIA - Namibia's First Lady Monica Geingos has pledged to lead efforts to furnish a child-friendly facility at the Windhoek Correctional Facility to support circumstantial children. [Read More]

Renewed Calls for Concerted Efforts to Combat Gender Based Violence

Gender-based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations and a major obstacle to the fulfilment of women's and girls' human rights, as well as to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG). [Read More]

Southern African Countries Redouble Efforts in Preventing and Combatting Terrorism

Southern African countries have taken a crucial and collective stand against the phenomena of terrorism and violent extremism. In a regional workshop held in Pretoria, South Africa from 28 to 30 May 2019, delegations from fifteen Southern African countries discussed the critical role of a functioning criminal justice system in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism. [Read More]

South Africa launches Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons National Policy Framework

Pretoria, South Africa - 2 May 2019 - The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development launched, in collaboration with UNODC and under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants ( GLO.ACT), on 25 April 2019 the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons National Policy Framework (NPF). [Read More]

Building Confidence in GBV Survivors

Windhoek, Namibia - 18 April 2019 - Over the years, Namibia has enacted legislation and policies to protect the rights of all citizens. However, despite a fairly developed legislative and policy framework, gender-based violence has become the norm rather than the exception for the country's women and girls, many of whom have been raped, maimed or murdered in gruesome circumstances. [Read More]

To help lower re-offending, UNODC and partners inaugurate two new prison rehabilitation facilities in Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia, 12 April 2019 - Prisoner rehabilitation efforts in Zambia were given a strong boost this week with the opening of two new facilities aimed at curbing recidivism in the country and promoting social reintegration. [Read More]

Management of Recovered Illicitly Obtained Assets Workshop

25 - 27 March 2019 Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA - In 2018, ARINSA countries reported preservation orders in the amount of US $529,437,092.15. The ability to restrain, seize and/or attach illicitly obtained assets is a vital part of making asset recovery work effective. Without the power to keep assets safe from depreciation, theft or consumption, it is very likely that the assets will be worthless or non-existent before the final judgement is passed. [Read More]

Namibian Government undergoing national assessment of wildlife and forest crime, in partnership with UNODC and with financial support of the European Union and the Government of the United States of America

Namibia, Swakopmund - From 25 to 29 March 2019, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Anti-Corruption Commission, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) convened two workshops to build the baseline of Namibia's preventive and criminal justice responses to wildlife and forest crime (WLFC), and to support the development of capacity building tools for prosecutors and investigators on the topics. [Read More]

GLO.ACT trains police officers in South Africa on combating human trafficking

Durban, South Africa - 19 March 2019 - UNODC, under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) and in collaboration with the South African Police Services (SAPS) in KwaZulu Natal and the National Prosecuting Authority, facilitated a three-day training workshop from the 12 to 14 March 2019 on the issue of Trafficking in Persons (TIP). [Read More]

UNODC holds two counter terrorism training workshops in South Africa

South Africa, 4-9 March 2019 - 50 prosecutors and law enforcement officials in Cape Town and 27 law enforcement officials in Johannesburg attended training workshops from 4 to 6 March and 7 to 9 March respectively. [Read More]

UNODC Support to Malawian Prison Farms Pays Off

KASUNGU, March 2019 - In Malawi, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is helping the Malawi Prison Service (MPS) to boost crop production on its prison farms in order to improve nutrition - a major challenge affecting the country's approximately 15,000 inmates. [Read More]

Mozambique and Zimbabwe Trafficking in Persons Amendment Bill & Implementing Regulations Closed Legislative Drafting Work Session

Pretoria, 8 February 2019 -On the request of the Governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, UNODC convened legal experts from the two countries for a closed legislation drafting session in Pretoria from 4-8 February 2019. [Read More]

 

GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA AND UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME LAUNCH COOPERATION PROJECT ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Lusaka, 17 January 2019 - The Government of Zambia, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and with the financial support of the United Kingdom, has launched a new project on trafficking in persons, entitled " Strengthening the implementation of a comprehensive response to trafficking in persons in Zambia". [Read More]

 

 

Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2018More action needed to stop human trafficking, exploitation in armed conflict: UNODC launches latest Global Report on Trafficking in Persons

7 January 2019 - The number of human trafficking victims is on the rise, while armed groups and terrorists are trafficking women and children to generate funds and recruit, according to the latest Global Report on Trafficking in Persons launched in Vienna. [Read More]

 

 

Statement on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

VIENNA, 25 November (UN Information Service) - Violence against women remains a major obstacle to equality, the full realization of human rights and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.Far too many women around the world experience violence which too often escalates with lethal consequences. [Read More]

Commemoration of the 2018 International Anti-Corruption Day

10 December 2018 - The Public Service Commission, in partnership with the United Nations and the University of South Africa (UNISA), commemorated the 2018 International Anti-Corruption Day on Monday in Pretoria, under the theme "United against Corruption: W orking together to enhance an environment where the rule of law prevails". Read More....

87 victims of human trafficking rescued in joint operation among law enforcement authorities in the Southern Africa Region

Johannesburg, South Africa - 4-5 December 2018 - A Trafficking in Persons Operation ("Operation Batho") Review Meeting was held this week in Johannesburg, South Africa. Representatives were drawn from INTERPOL, the United Nations, civil society, and delegates from 7 countries in the region. Delegates from the countries present at the workshop included Heads of Criminal Investigation Departments (CID) and Heads of Intelligence, Immigration focal points (at director level), Prosecution focal points, and representatives from Social Services. Read More

GOVERNMENT OF MALAWI AND UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME LAUNCH COOPERATION PROJECT ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

Lilongwe, 15 November 2018 - The Government of Malawi in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding by the UK Government, launched a new cooperation project on trafficking in persons. [Read More]

UNODC Executive Director congratulates UNODC Goodwill Ambassador Nadia Murad on Nobel Peace Prize

VIENNA, 5 October 2018 - Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), congratulated Nadia Murad Basee Taha, UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking, on being awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize today. Read More

Nelson Mandela Centenary: Government of South Africa committed to prison reform

27 July 2018 - The Government of South Africa officially launched the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, named after Nelson Mandela, the late President of the country. In recognition of the United Nations' role in facilitating relevant negotiation process among Member States, the Government of South Africa presented to the Organization, through UNODC, a memorable gift: the replica of Nelson Mandela's shoes that he wore on the day of his release from prison. Read More

Global awareness against drug abuse and illicit trafficking

 

In many communities across South Africa, youth are at risk of victimization and the Western Cape is no exception, with almost a quarter (22.78%) of all crime reported in South Africa occurring in the Western Cape province (National Crime Statistics, 2016-17). A third (10) of the top 30 stations with the highest recorded contact crimes in the country are in the Western Cape, with nine (9) of these ten within the City of Cape Town. Read More.

Mozambique: Seizures of cocaine and diamonds as a result of AIRCOP training

 

On 8 June 2018, the future Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force (JAITF) at Maputo International Airport (Mozambique), which will form part of the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP) network, concluded its initial training provided by Brazilian Federal Police and UNODC experts. Read More.

Following the money

 

The value of assets frozen, confiscated or preserved was over $76 m as at 31 December 2017 compared to $23m for 2016. Cash seized and placed in ring-fenced accounts has increased significantly. The impact of ARINSA is underscored by the increase in the number of cases. Read More.

What role can labour inspectors play in countering human trafficking?

 

Durban, South Africa - 27 February 2018 - UNODC in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority convened a Trafficking in Persons training workshop focusing on labour exploitation, with the participation of Labour inspectors, Bargaining Council Designated Agents for the Clothing and Manufacturing sector and the Southern Africa Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) members. Labour inspectors observe and monitor compliance with national law in various enterprises in different economic sectors. Read More.

Signature of a Letter of Agreement between UNODC and the Government of Mozambique for the establishment of a Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force at Maputo airport.

A Letter of Agreement (LoA) has been signed on Friday 16 February between Mozambique and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the establishment of a Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force (JAITF) at Maputo international airport. Read More.

The Government of Bogotá and UNODC, under the framework of GLO.ACT, sign pact to prevent human trafficking and migrant smuggling

 

Bogotá, Colombia, 25 January 2018 - At a public event on best practices on the prevention of trafficking in persons (TIP) and the smuggling of migrants (SOM) organized by the City Mayor Office of Bogotá in collaboration UNODC Colombia, UNODC - under the framework of GLO.ACT - and the Government of Bogotá signed a GLO.PACT to work together on the prevention of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Mr. Miguel Uribe, Government Secretary of Bogotá, and Mr. Bo Mathiasen, UNODC Country Representative, signed the pact during the opening ceremony of the public event. Read More.

In Focus a magazine of the United Nations system in South Africa

 

We are delighted to welcome you to the inaugural issue of InFocus, a magazine of the United Nations system in South Africa. Several UN agencies operating in this country publish their own inhouse publications. InFocus will highlight the work and operations of the whole UN system in South Africa.
In this inaugural issue, we have attempted to give readers a mix of stories covering a wide variety of some of the UN's activities in this country, ranging from stories with a human interest, to stories on projects and activities by various agencies.

UNODC small grants scheme for South African sports-focused, youth development CSOs now open

 

6 December 2017 - Under the Doha Declaration Global Programme's initiative on youth crime prevention, UNODC has launched a small grants scheme in South Africa to support national Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) active in the field of youth development. Read More.

"Hear their voices. Act to Protect" Giving voice to victims of Trafficking in Persons

 

In partnership with UNODC, the launch of the Wamama Chronicles on 8 December was done as a continuation of UNODC's Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) theme "Hear their voiced. Act to Protect". The theme emphasises that we must listen to the voices of the victims to better prevent, improve and strengthen responses to human trafficking and most importantly, meet obligations to victims. Read More.

United against corruption for development, peace and security

 

08 December 2017- In commemoration of the 2017 International Anti-Corruption Day, the Public Service Commission, University of South Africa (UNISA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) jointly held a day event at UNISA in Pretoria. International Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated annually on 09 December in recognition of the United Nations Convention against Corruption which was signed in Mexico in 2003. South Africa became party to the convention in 2004. Read More

Preventing and Combatting Smuggling of Migrants through Strengthened Capacity to Examine Security Documents

 

08 December - UNODC organized the first specialized Regional Workshop focusing on document fraud investigations within in the context of migrant smuggling, with the participation of immigration officials and criminal justice practitioners from six countries of Southern Africa. The workshop was implemented from 04-08 December through UNODC's Global Programme against the Smuggling of Migrants. It aimed to support participating States to implement the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the UN Convention against Organized Transnational Crime. Read More

Zambia and Kyrgyzstan join forces with UNODC to promote public safety through supporting prison-based rehabilitation programmes

 

21 November, 2017 - As the guardian of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), UNODC has a long history of providing technical assistance and advisory services to the Member States in the field of prison reform. Its Global Programme for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration, therefore, includes a dedicated component on strengthening the rehabilitation of prisoners, including their social reintegration upon release. Read More

Afghan opium production jumps to record level, up 87 per cent: Survey

 

15 November 2017 - Opium production in Afghanistan increased by 87 per cent to a record level of 9,000 metric tons in 2017 compared with 2016 levels, according to the latest Afghanistan Opium Survey figures released today by the Afghan Ministry of Counter Narcotics and UNODC. The area under opium poppy cultivation also increased to a record 328,000 hectares (ha) in 2017, up 63 per cent compared with 201,000 hectares in 2016. Read More

Ahead of international launch in 2018, Namibia hosts final regional preparatory meeting for justice system anti-corruption initiative

 

17 October 2017 - The final regional preparatory meeting for the upcoming Global Judicial Integrity Network (GJIN) was held in Namibia for Anglophone and Lusophone African countries. From 16 to 17 October, Chief Justices and senior judges from 17 countries gathered to add their voices to what will be the world's first-ever global platform dedicated exclusively to upholding judicial integrity and preventing corruption within the justice system once launched in April 2018. Read More

UNODC GLO.ACT breaks ground in facilitating the first training on Trafficking in Persons for the "amaKhosi" traditional leaders in KwaZulu Natal

 

Durban, South Africa -18 October 2017 - In South Africa, training is highlighted as one of the key interventions in the draft national policy framework on the Prevention and Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act. South Africa is a primary destination for Trafficking in Persons (TIP) from Asia and the rest of Africa. It is also a source and transit country for TIP and the Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) towards Europe and North America. TIP involves forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced begging and forced criminality. Read More

GLO.ACT at the forefront in the fight against the scourge of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants in South Africa

 

The Republic of South Africa is a primary destination for Trafficked Persons in the region and is also an origin or transit country for those trafficking towards Europe and North America. Trafficking affects women, men, and children exploited in forced labour, commercial sex, forced begging and forced criminality. Internally, girls are trafficked from rural to urban areas for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, whilst boys are often forced into child labour and criminal activities. Trafficking frequently involves a range of criminal networks, dominated by different nationalities in separate locations. Read More

UNODC empowers sports trainers to build resilience of at-risk youth in South Africa

 

In September 2017, UNODC and the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (WCDCAS), started to train sports coaches to implement the newly developed Line Up Live Up (LULU) curriculum for youth crime and drug use prevention. Read More

Malawi launches National Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons

 

Lilongwe, Malawi - 29 August 2017 - The Government of Malawi launched its National Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons (NPATIP) under the theme "Accelerating sustainable partnership; A key to Malawi Action against Trafficking in Persons", as part of the country's commemoration of the World day against Trafficking in Persons. The plan will be the guiding and resource mobilization tool for all stakeholders. UNODC, working in partnership with the SADC Secretariat and the Norwegian Church Aid provided technical assistance to the government of Malawi in the development of the NPATIP. Read More

Southern Africa: UNODC, Africa's rangers at the frontline of the anti-poaching war

 

22 August 2017 - As the sun rises over the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, tourists from all over the world enjoy viewing the magnificent wildlife that Southern Africa offers. However, for the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks, every day they have a grim duty to perform. Read More

#Hack4Justice: Students compete to develop games to boost rule of law

 
4 August 2017 - This past week, UNODC's Education for Justice (E4J) initiative held its first ever hackathon (or coding challenge) in South Africa. The event - #Hack4Justice - saw some 34 secondary school students between the ages of 13 and 18 gather in Johannesburg, South Africa to battle it out at the keyboard and show off their ideas and talent in developing educational games focussing on justice and rule of law issues. Read More

UNODC facilitates study visit of DRC counter-terrorism officials to Niger.

 
In May 2017, five Congolese criminal justice and law enforcement officials carried out a study visit to the Service central de lutte contre le terrorisme(SCLT) in Niamey, Niger's counter-terrorism investigation centre. The exchange with their Nigerien counterparts and the visit of the SCLT's facilities provided the officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with a very welcome opportunity to hear first-hand what the challenges and the successful measures were for Niger with regard to effectively organising a national counter-terrorism unit, as well as enhancing inter-agency cooperation between counter-terrorism investigators, prosecutors and judges. The project was generously funded by Japan.. Read More

UNODC-SADC Regional Programme holds annual review meeting to reflect on progress in tackling crime and drugs

 
18 July 2017 - Under the Regional Programme entitled "Making the SADC Region Safer from Crime and Drugs", UNODC and the bloc assist Member States in policy development and legislation review in line with international norms and standards, capacity building of criminal justice practitioners, infrastructure development, and cross-border cooperation. Read More

UNODC Southern Africa highlights the power of sport for social good this Nelson Mandela Day.

 
18 July 2017 - Each year on 18 July, South Africans and people living across the world are encouraged to do 67 minutes of good in celebration of the life and principles of Nelson Mandela: 18 July, marking the birthday of the late icon, and 67 minutes to represent 67 years of his life spent in public service. Read more

 

UNODC continues to combat gender-based violence, meets SADC to strengthen cooperation on criminal justice

  7 July 2017 - Gender-based violence is a global problem that robs victims of their dignity, security, health and autonomy, and it is a violation of fundamental human rights. According to the recent statistics, one in every five young girls is sexually abused as a child while 33 per cent of women has been beaten, coerced into sex or abused - most often by someone they know. Read More

GLO.ACT South Africa hosts a first of its kind information sharing workshop for all role players involved in the response to trafficking in Persons.

 

Pretoria, South Africa - Following the successful launch of the joint EU-UNODC initiative, the "GLO.ACT -Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants" on the 22 September 2016 in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in South Africa, an information sharing workshop on the Trafficking in Persons Act from 19-20 June 2017. Read more

South Africa: UNODC Deputy Executive Director meets Minister of Home Affairs

Mr Aldo Lale-Demoz, Deputy Executive Director/Director of Division for Operations, meets H.E. Prof. Hlengiwe Mkhize, Minister of Home Affairs of South Africa  

Mr Aldo Lale-Demoz, UNODC Deputy Executive Director/ Director of Division for Operations met H.E. Prof. Hlengiwe Mkhize, a newly appointed Minister of Home Affairs of South Africa. Having reconfirmed UNODC commitment to the expansion of cooperation with the Department of Home Affairs, Mr Lale-Demoz informed the Minister on the progress of GLO.ACT's implementation, a project launched in South Africa last year. Read more

International Women's Day - South Africa: Are we doing enough to end violence against women?

 

According to a 2013 global review by the World Health Organization, 35 % of women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence on non-partner sexual violence. It is estimated that one in five girls has been abused in childhood with estimates from some countries as high as one in three. Read more...

Terrorism Financing and the Recruitment of Foreign Terrorist Fighters Workshop

A call for stronger anti-corruption actions in South Africa. Photo: UNODC  

According to the UN Security Council, terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaida, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da'esh) and associated groups have attracted over 30,000 Foreign Terrorist Fighters from over 100 Member States. Increasingly, terrorist groups are working to radicalize individuals and incite them to leave their homes to become foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). [Read More]

UNODC Hands over Trafficking in Persons Data Collection Equipment to Lesotho

A call for stronger anti-corruption actions in South Africa. Photo: UNODC  

7 February 2017. Maseru. UNODC handed over equipment to the Lesotho Ministry of Home Affairs, to enhance the country's data collection capacities on trafficking in persons. [Read More]

The country we would like to live in: A call for stronger anti-corruption actions in South Africa

A call for stronger anti-corruption actions in South Africa. Photo: UNODC  

This year, the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) was celebrated in South Africa under the national slogan "In Partnership towards a National Anti-Corruption Strategy". On the International Day, a meeting was organized to officially launch the broad national consultations on the discussion document for the development of a new Anti-Corruption Strategy. [Read More]

Wildlife Crime: Following the money to combat a regional scourge

Wildlife Crime: Following the money to combat a regional scourge. Image: UNODC  

Southern African countries are being challenged by increased wildlife crime levels. Organised syndicates, mainly from South-East Asian countries working together with local counterparts have established highly organised routes to traffic wildlife products to South-East Asia. [Read More]

Zimbabwe Launches the Trafficking in Persons National Plan of Action and adopts the Blue Heart Campaign

 

The Government of Zimbabwe launched its Trafficking in Person National Plan of Action (hereafter "NAPLAC") and adopted the Blue Heart Campaign on the occasion of the commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in the capital, Harare. UNODC, working in partnership with the SADC Secretariat and IOM provided technical assistance to the government of Zimbabwe in the development of the NAPLAC. [Read More]

Contemporary Issues in the Prevention of Organised Crime - SACJF 2016

 

From 22 - 25 September 2016 and as a follow-up to the July 2015 Regional Judiciary Retreat held in Swakopmund, Namibia, the Southern African Chief Justices Forum (SACJF) returned to Namibia to hold the 2016 Annual Conference and General Meeting under the theme of "Contemporary Issues in the Prevention of Organised Crime". [Read More]

Southern Africa: A regional response to smuggling of migrants

Regional Programme Steering Committe  

UNODC and the Secretariat of the Southern Africa Development Community partnered in organizing the first ever regional meeting to discuss the challenge that the Region faces in addressing a growing problem of Smuggling of Migrants. [Read More]

UNODC Breaking new Ground in Madagascar

 

Antananarivo, Madagascar - In the first ever visit to Madagascar, SAMIFIN (Madagascar Financial Investigation Unit) hosted members from the UNODC's Asset Recovery Inter- Agency Network for Southern Africa (ARINSA) Secretariat for meetings and discussions designed to forge new partnerships between ARINSA and Madagascar. [Read More]

Steering Committee reviews Regional Programme implementation

Regional Programme Steering Committe  

Representatives from Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, SADC Secretariat and UNODC ROSAF came together on 23 November 2015 at the Headquarters of SADC to discuss the progress made in cooperation under the Regional Programme for "Making the Southern African Region Safer from Drugs and Crime". [Read more]

Swaziland launches Victim Identification Guidelines and Referral Mechanism for assisting Victims of Human Trafficking

 

Swaziland, like other Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking. Women and children from Mozambique, South Africa, Nigeria and Asia have been trafficked to and across Swaziland for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and, labour exploitation on the farms, as street vendors, in car-wash businesses and on construction sites. [Read more]

ARINSA: Follow the Money 5th Annual General Meeting 2016

 

The UN General Assembly, at its Thirteenth Special Session devoted to the World Drug Problem, highlighted the need "to strengthen and utilize existing and relevant regional, as appropriate, sub-regional and international networks for the exchange of the operational information to prevent and counter money-laundering, illicit financial flows and terrorist financing" (the UN GA resolution A/RES/S-30/1 adopted on 19 April 2016). [ Read More]

UNODC and SADC Secretariat discuss Joint Regional Programme implementation

UNODC&SADC  

On July 28, 2015, the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF) held a meeting with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat to discuss the progress made under the joint Regional Programme "Making the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region Safer from Crime and Drugs". [Read more]

Namibia secures first conviction for trafficking in persons

  In August 2015, the Windhoek High Court handed down the country's first conviction under the national Prevention of Organised Crime Act, which made trafficking in persons a criminal offence in its own right. [Read more]

Botswana Joins International Efforts to Curb Trafficking in Persons

  Palapye, Botswana - On July 30, 2015, UNODC joined the Government of Botswana, the European Union Delegation and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat in commemorating World Day against Trafficking in Persons. [Read more]

Lesotho hosts UNODC Regional Expert Group Meeting on HIV Prevention and Condom Programming in Prisons

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services - Lesotho   Maseru, Lesotho - From 23-25 June 2015 the Lesotho Correctional Service hosted experts and practitioners from 12 Southern African countries convened by UNODC to discuss the practical implementation of HIV prevention services in prison settings. [Read more]

UNODC Regional Representative meets SADC Executive Secretary on cooperation against crime and drugs

  Gaborone, Botswana - Newly appointed UNDOC Regional Representative, Ms. Zhuldyz Akisheva, met Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, the Executive Secretary of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) on 12 May 2015 at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. [Read more]

 

 

UNODC hands over Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre to Zambia Prisons Service

Lusaka, 2 July 2014 - UNODC officially handed over the first Prison Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Centre located at the Kabwe Maximum Prison Complex to the Zambian Prisons Service. The centre will provide quality services to close to 10,000 people. It services prisoners from the five groups of prisons at the Kabwe prison complex, prison staff and their families, as well as the surrounding rural community. [Read more]

Millions lack access to adequate justice, face illegal detention, other abuses

8 July, 2014 - Many countries still lack the necessary resources and capacity to provide legal aid for suspects, those charged with a criminal offence, prisoners, victims and witnesses. Providing adequate legal aid is key in developing a more efficient legal system. This helps make better use of limited State resources, promotes greater community involvement in the criminal justice system - including facilitating community-based sanctions and non-custodial measures - reduces the unnecessary use of detention and imprisonment, and rationalizes criminal justice policies. [Read more]

UNODC and SADC confirm commitment to make Southern Africa safer from crime and drugs

23 May - Windhoek - At a special high-level session of the Annual General Meeting of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) in Windhoek, Namibia, representatives from UNODC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) confirmed their commitment to make the SADC Region safer from Crime and Drugs through their Joint Regional Programme for 2013-2016. [Read more]

Join UNODC at ICASA from 7-11 December in Cape Town

From 7-11 December 2013 the 17th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) is being hosted in Cape Town, South Africa. It is an opportunity to renew the global commitment - "Now More Than Ever: Targeting Zero" - by drawing the world's attention to the fact that the legacy is now under threat as a result of the global economic downturn. UNODC as the UNAIDS convening agency for HIV among people who use drugs, as well as in prisons and other closed settings, will be represented at various Satellite Sessions, Panel Discussions, Poster Exhibitions and the UN Booth. [Read More]

Make health your 'new high' in life: UNODC to mark World Drug Day on 26 June

On 26 June, the world will commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which serves as a reminder of the need to combat the problems to society posed by illicit drugs. UNODC has long been at the forefront of campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of traditional drugs, such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine and amphetamine-type substances.  [Read More]

International Narcotics Control Board Annual Report Launched

On 5 March 2013 the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) launched its Annual Report as well as a Report on Precursors chemicals used in the manufacture of drugs. The Global Report highlighted the danger of new psychoactive substance, 'legal highs', new versions of which, with small changes on a  molecular level, are emerging nearly weekly in Europe.  The Report further warns of the abuse of prescription drugs. For more information and the full report click here.

UNODC highlights the cost of corruption for global development on International Anti-Corruption Day

Pretoria - Together with the Public Service Commission (PSC) of South Africa and the University of South Africa (UNISA), UNODC Southern Africa hosted a high-level panel discussion on effective means to combat corruption in commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day 2012.

Over 120 invited guests from public sector, private sector, civil society, law-enforcement, diplomatic corps and media attended the event held at UNISA in Pretoria on 10 December. More

Tshwane Bus carries message of hope for victims of domestic violence

Pretoria - A centre supported by UNODC to assist victims of domestic violence in South Africa's capital, Pretoria, has come up with an innovative idea to reach the community: by turning one of the regular municipal public buses into a colourful and bright mobile advertisement which urges victims of domestic violence to "Speak" and reach out to the centre for help. For the next eight months, passengers, pedestrians and drivers will be seeing this advertisement daily. More

2012 World Drug Report Launched in Pretoria

Pretoria - At the launch held in Pretoria on 28 June, UNODC Regional Representative Mr Mandiaye Niang presented the main findings and implications of the 2012 World Drug Report. The report as well as all relevant statistical data can be downloaded from our global UNODC site at www.unodc.org.

Message of the UN Secretary General on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Pretoria - On 26 June the International Community annually commemorates the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In his message on the 2012 International Day UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon highlights the profoundly negative effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking on development, health, economy and security. Today, the UN General Assembly will hold a thematic debate on drugs and crime as  a threat to development in New York. The webcast of the event will be streamed on Tuesday 26 June from 10 am - 1pm (first session) and from 3pm - 6pm (second session) EST (New York time) through http://webtv.un.org/. More

New UNODC Bulletin on Organised Crime in Southern Africa highlights Rhino Poaching in a Global Context

Pretoria - World Environment Day, commemorated annually on June 5, aims to be the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action.
Meanwhile, the actions of organized crime groups are resulting in a sharp rise in the poaching of already endangered wildlife, such as rhinos in Southern Africa, as discussed in the inaugural edition of the NEW UNODC Bulletin on Organised Crime in Southern Africa. More

Civil Society Organisations trained on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in South Africa

Johannesburg - From 20-23 March 2012, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) together with the UNCAC Coalition, hosted a training workshop for civil society organisations on the Review Mechanism for the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The 4-day training workshop took place in Johannesburg and was attended by over 50 participants and experts, representing some 30 countries across Africa and Asia. More

INCB calls for more efforts to break the vicious cycle of social exclusion and drug problems

Cape Town - On 29 February, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) together with UNODC Southern Africa launched the Annual Report of the INCB in the Auditorium of the Provincial Legislature of the Western Cape, in Cape Town, South Africa.

More

 

UN Secretary-General calls for action by all to end scourge of corruption

 

New York - In his message on the International Anti-Corruption Day 2011, United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, emphasises that corruption affects everybody and every country and that it is everybody's responsibility to take action against the cancer of corruption.... More

SADC and UNODC to make region safer from drugs and crime

Pretoria - From 15-16 November, 51high-level experts, designated by the governments of SADC Member States, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and SADC-Secretariat, were hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa in Pretoria to discuss the final draft of the Joint SADC-UNODC Regional Programme, aimed at making the SADC region safer from drugs and crime. After their deliberations and several additions to the draft, the delegates unanimously endorsed the Regional Programme.... More

ATS: Second most used drug-type in the world

According to the latest report published by UNODC, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as ecstasy and methamphetamine now rank as the world's second most widely used type of drug after cannabis. The report - the 2011 Global ATS Assessment - notes that ATS continue to pose major threat to health and security world wide and in Southern Africa. ... More

UNODC and World Bank Group launch new Anti-Corruption Legal Library with legislation from 178 States

01 September - As governments worldwide, through their prosecuting and law enforcement agencies, strengthen their efforts to combat corruption, a new tool is launched today, the UNCAC Legal Library. Co-founded by the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative, a joint programme of the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Legal Library supports asset recovery and anti-corruption efforts and assists in implementing legislation which supports anti-corruption and asset recovery... More

Inaugural UNODC Southern Africa Newsletter released

To read the editorial and download the first volume click here

World Drug Report launched in Pretoria

Pretoria - On Monday 27 June, Mr. Mandiaye Niang, the new Regional Representative of UNODC Southern Africa, presented the 2011 World Drug Report at an official launch at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria.

The World Drug Report is an annual publication providing comprehensive facts and figures on the global drug situation with respect to the supply and demand for illicit drugs. It has been recognised as presenting one of the most comprehensive pictures of the international drug problem and is a primary global tool in monitoring the collective fight against illicit drugs.

The event  was opened by Prof. Molamu, Registrar of UNISA, UNODC Regional Representative Mandiaye Niang presented the key findings of the 2011 World Drug Report with a focus on Africa and the South African Central Drug Authority  presented on the South African situation... More

International Day Against Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorated in Sasolburg

Sasolburg - June 26 is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Every year, since it was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, this day serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of creating an international society free of drug abuse.

Communities affected by drug abuse and illicit trafficking were at the centre of this year's commemoration in South Africa in the township of Zamdela by Sasolburg in the Free State Province... More

SADC and UNODC to address threats posed by crime and drugs together

Gaborone - 19 April 2011

In order to address current and evolving security and development threats posed by crime and drugs in Southern Africa, a new joint initiative by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and UNODC proposes the development of a joint Regional Programme.... More

INCB Annual Report for 2010 identifies global, regional and local trends in narcotics production, trafficking and use

Pretoria - 4 March 2011

The era of globalization has brought about profound changes in almost all spheres of life, positive, like technological innovations, but also negative. This dark side of globalization, according to Prof. Makhanya, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of South Africa (UNISA), can be observed everywhere locally, for example in Sunnyside in Pretoria where drugs are readily available, regionally and globally. Developments like this and others are reported upon by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in its Annual Report 2010.... More

Anti-Corruption Day 2010

On 9 December 2003 the General Assembly of the United Nations established the International Anti-Corruption  Day, which is to be celebrated annually on this day, in order to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption  in combating and preventing it. The Convention entered into force in December 2005 and now has 148 Parties. It is the only comprehensive global instrument designed to assist States in preventing and combating corruption in the public sector, the private sector and civil society.... More

Access to HIV services is a right for drug users

1 December 2010 - An estimated 16 million people across the world inject drugs, with over two-fifths, or around 3 million people, of these living with HIV. In countries where comprehensive models for the delivery of HIV services have been adopted, and where communities have been enabled to provide evidence-informed and human rights-based HIV services on a larger scale, remarkable results have been achieved in decreasing the number of newly diagnosed HIV infections. .... More

Final Expert Group Meeting to draft In-depth Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting Migrant Smuggling held in Pretoria

26 January 2011 - Pretoria - From 18 January to 20 January 2011 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office Southern Africa hosted the final Expert Group Meeting (EGM) for the drafting of an In-depth Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting the Smuggling of Migrants in Pretoria, South Africa. Read more..______________________________________________________________________________________

UNODC celebrates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

9 December 2010. Every year UNODC supports the South Africa's Government to celebrate the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by conducting a series of events to raise awareness on the issue of violence against women and children.
Since 1999, under the Austrian and Japanese Governments funded projects, "Establishment of a One Stop Center to Counteract Violence against Women and Children", and in partnership with the Department of Social Development of South Africa, Read More..______________________________________________________________________________________

UNODC train master trainers on effective police responses to Violence against Women in the Southern Africa Region

29 November 2010 - Gender-based violence is a worldwide problem, though the scourge is particularly difficult to eradicate in Africa, where an unhealthy mix of tradition, inequality and even ignorance conspires against women. In order to remember and raise awareness on the plight of the victims of this violence, the UN General Assembly designated 25 November the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In the years since its formation, the international day has been a critical time for Governments, international organisations and NGOs to organise activities designed to raise public awareness of violence against women as well as to seek solutions to eradicate persistent discrimination against women. Read More..