http://www.unodc.org/unodc/feed/costas-corner.xmlCosta's CornerFri, 27 Jan 2012 2:55:01 PM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/corruption_-businesses-have-the-power-to-effect-positive-change.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/corruption_-businesses-have-the-power-to-effect-positive-change.htmlYury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC, has invited business leaders to intensify public-private partnerships to curb corruption. Delivering a keynote address to chief executives attending the 2012 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr. Fedotov stressed the power of businesses to effect positive change. Corruption distorts markets, driving up costs for companies - and ultimately for consumers - whereas prosperous societies are good for business.Fri, 27 Jan 2012 2:55:01 PM CETThu, 26 Jan 2012 4:09:42 PM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/unodc-chief-announces-a-comprehensive-study-on-cybercrime.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/unodc-chief-announces-a-comprehensive-study-on-cybercrime.htmlUNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov has announced that the Office has initiated a comprehensive study on cybercrime and the responses to it by Member States, the international community and the private sector. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Mr. Fedotov announced that Member States would shortly receive a questionnaire from UNODC on cybercrime prevention, policy, legislation, international cooperation and technical assistance.Thu, 26 Jan 2012 4:09:42 PM CETWed, 25 Jan 2012 10:44:17 AM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/children-in-the-justice-system-need-protection.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/children-in-the-justice-system-need-protection.htmlMillions of children all over the world suffer from violence. Studies reveal that children in the juvenile justice system, and in particular those deprived of their liberty, are especially vulnerable to violence. Experts met in Vienna to formulate and accelerate the adoption of effective measures to protect children within the juvenile justice system against all forms of violence.Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:44:17 AM CETTue, 24 Jan 2012 3:58:48 PM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/unodc-supports-kyrgyz-anti-drug-agency-in-curbing-narcotics-and-organized-crime.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/unodc-supports-kyrgyz-anti-drug-agency-in-curbing-narcotics-and-organized-crime.htmlUNODC has boosted material, technical and logistical support for the State Drug Control Service of Kyrgyzstan (SSDC) as a first step towards strengthening the agency's capacity to counter trafficking in illicit drugs and precursors (the chemicals needed to manufacture drugs). The Office procured computers, specially equipped vehicles, counter-contraband team kits, GPS devices, first-aid kits and forensic manuals as part of a comprehensive package of assistance to the new agency.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 3:58:48 PM CETWed, 18 Jan 2012 10:38:59 AM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/unodc-and-london-based-watchmakers-in-timely-partnership-to-help-victims-of-human-trafficking.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/unodc-and-london-based-watchmakers-in-timely-partnership-to-help-victims-of-human-trafficking.html Backes and Strauss, the London-based watchmakers, have decided to support UNODC in raising funds for victims of human trafficking by launching an exclusive line of "Victoria Blue Heart watches". The watches were launched yesterday at a special event at the Hotel des Bergues, Geneva.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:38:59 AM CETThu, 12 Jan 2012 5:12:39 PM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/afghan-opium-prices-soar-as-production-rises.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2012/January/afghan-opium-prices-soar-as-production-rises.htmlThe full Afghan Opium Survey for 2011 points to a dramatic increase of 133 per cent in the farm-gate value of opium compared with 2010 (the summary findings of the survey were issued in September 2011). Released today by the Ministry of Counter-Narcotics of Afghanistan and UNODC, the survey reveals that the farm-gate income generated by opium probably amounted to $1.4 billion, equivalent to 9 per cent of the GDP of Afghanistan in 2011.Thu, 12 Jan 2012 5:12:39 PM CETThu, 22 Dec 2011 9:21:22 AM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2011/December/unodc-and-osce-join-efforts-to-tackle-crime-and-drugs.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2011/December/unodc-and-osce-join-efforts-to-tackle-crime-and-drugs.htmlUNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov today met Lamberto Zannier, Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to discuss a joint action plan that will see the two organizations cooperate in tackling organized crime and illicit drugs. The two organizations intend to undertake substantive, long-term cooperation in combating transnational threats, with particular focus on illicit drugs, illicit firearms and terrorism.Thu, 22 Dec 2011 9:21:22 AM CETMon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:03 PM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2011/December/new-unodc-data-sheds-light-on-smuggling-of-migrants-by-sea.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2011/December/new-unodc-data-sheds-light-on-smuggling-of-migrants-by-sea.htmlAs the world marked International Migrants Day on 18 December, UNODC released an issue paper on the smuggling of migrants by sea. The paper covers the international legal framework relating to the smuggling of migrants by sea, current responses to and challenges posed by such smuggling and recommendations to strengthen responses. While the smuggling of migrants by sea accounts for only a small proportion of the total number of migrants smuggled worldwide, it accounts for the highest number of deaths among smuggled migrants.Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:03 PM CETThu, 15 Dec 2011 1:47:39 PM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2011/December/unodc-executive-director-discusses-drugs-and-crime-challenges-with-thai-royal-princess.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2011/December/unodc-executive-director-discusses-drugs-and-crime-challenges-with-thai-royal-princess.html15 December 2011 - UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov met with Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand as she led a delegation to the reconvened twentieth session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which was held in Vienna on 12 and 13 December. Mr. Fedotov expressed condolences to the families of more than 600 Thai nationals who lost their lives in the recent floods in Thailand and to all others affected by that crisis, and said that UNODC would provide assistance in post-crisis activities.Thu, 15 Dec 2011 1:47:39 PM CETThu, 15 Dec 2011 1:34:19 PM CEThttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2011/December/opium-cultivation-and-production-in-south-east-asia-give-cause-for-concern.htmlhttp://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2011/December/opium-cultivation-and-production-in-south-east-asia-give-cause-for-concern.htmlThe 2011 South-East Asia Opium Survey launched today in Bangkok by UNODC points to "significant increases" in opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). "The high prices for opium in the Lao DPR and Thailand, as well as steep price increases in Myanmar, are making production attractive to farmers", said Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director, calling for the creation of alternative livelihoods to wean farmers off opium poppy cultivation.Thu, 15 Dec 2011 1:34:19 PM CET