UNODC held the Second Steering Committee meeting of the Regional Programme

The UNODC Regional Programme for West Africa (2016-2020) reached halfway since its validation in May 2016. Thus , the Second Steering Committee meeting was organized in Dakar, from 27 to 28 November 2018. The aim of this meeting was to present the main results achieved during the first period of implementation as well as to discuss the challenges faced towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the region. Read more

UNODC launched its Midterm Report of the Regional Programme for West Africa

The Midterm Report of the UNODC Regional Programme for West Africa was officially launched during the regional Steering Committee meeting on 27 November 2018 in Dakar, Senegal. The Report showcases the results achieved by the governments of the West African region, with the support of UNODC, regarding their fight against illicit trafficking, transnational organized crime, corruption, terrorism and drug demand reduction. Read more

G5 Sahel and partners discuss the needs of the Joint Force police component

On 26 November 2018, the G5 Sahel and its technical and financial partners met in Niamey, Niger for a high-level conference on coordinating assistance to the Police Component of the G5 Sahel Joint Force. During the conference, each of the G5 Sahel member state delegations presented their needs focusing on those most important for the implementation of the police component in their respective countries. Read more

Launch of a new law enforcement unit in Tamale, Ghana

To build the capacity of law enforcement agencies in Ghana in their fight against drug trafficking and related organized crime, UNODC refurbished and equipped a new Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) in the North, which was officially launched on 14th November 2018 in Tamale.  This new DLEU will help officers in the region, investigate and prosecute drug trafficking offences. It is the second DLEU established in the country this year.   Read more

Commitment of the G5 Sahel on the police component of the Joint Force

Since December 2017, the G5 Sahel and its Permanent Secretariat have been stepping up initiatives to operationalize, as soon as possible, the police component of the G5 Sahel Joint Force. The main role of this police component is to ensure the judicialization of Joint Force operations and to ensure the effectiveness of the criminal justice chain in each of the G5 Sahel countries. Read more

Extension of the UNODC Sahel Programme to 2023 

The UNODC Sahel Programme, developed in 2014 as UNODC's contribution to the UN Regional Integrated Strategy for the Sahel launched by UN Secretary-General in June 2013, has now been extended to 2023. The extension of the Sahel Programme will notably enable UNODC to strengthen its historic partnership with the G5 Sahel, regarding its Security Cooperation Platform and the police component of its Joint Force. Read more

UNODC supports Chad in ratifying the UN Convention against Corruption

Chad has ratified the UN Convention against Corruption, notably thanks to the advocacy work carried out by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which assists Member States in ratifying and implementing the Convention. UNODC facilitates the mechanism for reviewing the implementation of the UNCAC and supports countries in strengthening their legislative framework in accordance with the Convention. Read more

UNODC supports Liberia in the fight against smuggling of migrants through legislative consultation

In the framework of UNODC's continued support to the Government of Liberia, UNODC held a consultation workshop in Monrovia from 13 to 15 November which aimed to provide updated legislative and technical support to Liberian institutions directly related with smuggling of migrants. The workshop also enabled the creation of a national drafting committee dedicated to the elaboration of a new updated law on smuggling of migrants.  Read more

UNODC trains members of the criminal justice chain on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Mali

A training workshop for magistrates was organized from 30 October to 2 November in Sikasso Mali. The training brought together a total of 25 magistrates and prosecutors from all regions of the country. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of the judicial forces in Mali and provide them with updated tools to develop strong law enforcement expertise on human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.   Read more

UNODC supports meeting of specialized Magistrates on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Agadez

From 25 to 27 October 2018, a training and awareness-raising workshop was organized on the national legislative framework relating to trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants, aimed at Judicial Magistrates, specialized chambers in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime, appeal courts and high courts of Agadez. The training brought together the Governor of Agadez as well as 21 key members of the Judicial in Niger. Read more

Train-the-trainer workshop on children associated with violent and extremist groups in Niger

UNODC organized a train-the-trainer workshop in Niamey, Niger, between 8 and 19 October 2018,  focusing on the treatment of children victims of violence, trafficking and recruitment by violent and extremist groups, and on the application of alternatives to prosecution and imprisonment for children in conflict with the law. The workshop  was attended by 12 Nigerien magistrates (prosecutors, juvenile judges and investigative judges) from across the country.  Read more

Burkina Faso's security forces are committed to fighting corruption

UNODC assisted Burkina Faso in promoting integrity among its security forces, and in the development of anti-corruption strategies for the police, gendarmerie, and customs. Following their adoption, the final strategies were shared with relevant authorities of Burkina Faso and received strong interest and official commitment from Burkinabe institutions, who have emphasized their dedicated support towards implementing them. Read more

UNODC trains key criminal justice chain actors in Mali and Niger on TIP and SOM

UNODC organized, between 24 September and 12 October 2018, two training workshops in Mali and Niger for law enforcement officers and magistrates. These workshops focused on enhancing detection, investigation, and prosecution capacities regarding TiP/SoM cases and improve coordination mechanisms throughout the criminal justice chain in the Sahel region.  Read more

West African States discuss cooperation and targeting fisheries crime

Between 9 and 11 October 2018, representatives from West African States came together in Lomé, Togo for a regional meeting targeting fisheries crime in the containerised trade supply chain. The principal objective was to strengthen cooperation and enhance knowledge regarding fisheries crime, furthering progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 14, Life Below Water and Goal 16, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions. Read more

UNODC and OHCHR welcome the 2nd annual PROMIS Steering Committee in Dakar

In the framework of the PROMIS Project, UNODC and OHCHR welcomed a delegation from the Netherlands for the second PROMIS Steering Committee meeting, on 10 october 2018. This meeting was the opportunity to discuss the continued relevance of the PROMIS project, given the challenging region and its fast paced migration flows, as well as to present the project's achievements during the first semester and approve the strategy for the second semester.  Read more

UNODC raises awareness among community leaders on TiP/SOM in Mali

From 2 to 4 October 2018, in the framework of the UNODC GLO.ACT program, a training and awareness workshop for community leaders was organized in Bamako, Mali. Traditional leaders play a key role in communities, particularly through their involvement in resolving disputes through traditional courts and as the victims' (or the victim's family's) first interlocutors. Read more

National Day of Mobilization Against Trafficking in Persons in Niger

Nigerien authorities have made the fight against trafficking in persons a government priority and have set up a National Day of Mobilization Against Trafficking in Persons, which is celebrated each year on 28 September. This year marked the fourth edition of this day and had as its central theme: "Trafficking in children through begging, prostitution and forced labor". This year, all participants met in Maradi, near Niger's Southern border.  Read more

8th annual meeting of the Sahel Judiciary Cooperation Platform

 From 25 to 27 September 2018, UNODC's Terrorism Prevention Team organized in Dakar the eighth annual meeting of the focal points of the Sahel Judicial Cooperation Platform (the Sahel Platform) to identify challenges and exchange best practices on current cooperation cases. The annual meeting was attended by 20 participants, including the Sahel Platform Focal Points and Substitutes, representatives of the G5 Sahel and INTERPOL as well as UNODC experts.  Read more

  UNODC supports the Anti-Drug MOU between The Gambia and Senegal

UNODC supported the Directorate of the Central Office for the Suppression of Drug Trafficking (OCRTIS) of Senegal and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) of the Gambia in their efforts to achieve more dynamic cooperation. The MOU was signed by the directors of the two agencies on 4 October 2018 at the premises of the Ministry of Interior in Dakar. Read more 

Mauritania seizes drugs after receiving UNODC assistance on countering drugs

On Monday 1 ^st October 2018, the Central Office for the Fight Against Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances of the Mauritanian police seized 3.5 kilograms of cannabis resin, following a training activity organized by UNODC on countering international drug trafficking. The workshop on drugs identification and detection was conducted from 24 to 28 September 2018, and gathered 22 participants.  Read more 

UNODC launches the PROMIS project in The Gambia

UNODC, jointly with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, developed the PROMIS project, which aims at strengthening the capacities of West African countries to develop an innovative human-rights based approach to smuggling of migrants and to address human rights violations related to irregular migration. Between 18 and 28 September 2018, a UNODC delegation traveled to the Gambia to launch the project.  Read more

UNODC strengthens investigation and detection capacities in The Gambia

Given the continued threat posed by illicit drug trafficking and organized crime to the security and development of The Gambia and the unique challenges that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis, UNODC organized a train-the-trainer workshop from 10 to 21 September 2018. The workshop aimed to ensure that they are continuously equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to perform their duties. Read more

UNODC supports a school-based drug abuse prevention tool in Côte d'Ivoire

A UNODC assessment survey reported early drug use in schools in Côte d'Ivoire. UNODC, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, organized a workshop for the launching of UNPLUGGED, a school-based drug abuse prevention tool, from 11-13 September 2018 in Abidjan. Côte d'Ivoire is the first French-speaking country to host the programme.   Read more

21 August: International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

On 21 August, the United Nations observe the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. This day is meant to pay tribute to the individuals across the globe who have been attacked, injured, traumatized or lost their lives because of terrorist attacks. In the Sahel Region, supporting the needs of victims is becoming an issue which the national authorities are aware of. Read more

G5 Sahel: Chad signs a decree operationalizing the police component of the Joint Force 

During the joint mission organized in Chad on 15 and 16 August 2018, the Deputy Director of Chad's Police presented a decree establishing the Specialized Investigation Unit of the police component of the G5 Sahel Joint Force This document is an excellent concrete step towards the operationalization of the police component, whose objective is to ensure the judicialization of all Joint Force's operations.  Read more

UNODC organizes workshop to address Tramadol crisis in West Africa

Non-medical use and trafficking of tramadol is becoming the main drug threat in West Africa. One sign of this is the rise in seizures of pharmaceutical opioids on the continent. To find ways to address "The Crisis of Tramadol and Other Prescription Medicines in West Africa", UNODC organized a workshop in Abuja, Nigeria from 14-16 August 2018.  Read more

UNODC supports the deployment of a Nigerian Prosecutor in Italy 

Since February 2018, UNODC has been supporting the deployment of a Nigerian prosecutor in Italy, as liaison magistrate for the Nigerian Central Authority embedded in prosecution offices. She is facilitating information sharing among competent authorities and, above all, facilitating mutual legal assistance between Italy and Nigeria on smuggling of migrants and, incidentally, trafficking in persons.   Read more

G5 Sahel - UNODC partnership: a rich track record for the first half of 2018

A strong and multidimensional partnership was developed between UNODC and the G5 Sahel to assist its five member states (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger) in the implementation of their security-related priorities, according to their own needs. During the first semester of 2018, at the request of Member States, UNODC continued and expanded its assistance to the G5 Sahel.  Read more

30 July : UNODC campaigns against trafficking in persons

On 30 July, the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa celebrated the International Day Against Human Trafficking by joining the "Blue Heart" campaign and organizing different activities in Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Niger and Senegal. In Senegal, A national campaign on social media reached out to almost 100 000 "followers" and raised awareness on children in the streets of Dakar. Read more

UNODC promotes the fight against transnational organized crime in Senegal

As part of the "  Project to strengthen national capacity for the detection and investigation of cross-border crime between The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal " UNODC conducted a national training workshop on detection and profiling techniques against transnational organized crime from 16 to 27 July 2018. This project represents a unique opportunity to promote sub-regional cooperation.  Read more

UNODC strengthens Nigerien diplomatic and consular staff training on trafficking in persons

UNODC, jointly with ANLTP / TIM, organized a training workshop for diplomats and consular officials to make them aware of their crucial role in the fight against trafficking in persons that can help them strengthen their actions in this area. This activity took place in Niamey from 24 to 26 of July 2018 and brought together 20 participants from Nigerien diplomatic and consular representations abroad. Read more

UNODC supports the efforts of Cabo Verde to combat human trafficking

In the framework of the Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons , UNODC supported the Government of Cabo Verde to strengthen the criminal justice response to trafficking in persons through a holistic approach. Therefore, UNODC held a series of two training workshops against Trafficking in Persons for a multidisciplinary group of practitioners, in Praia, to strengthen the national capacity to counter this crime. Read more

UNODC challenges prosecutors to solve a fictitious organized crime and corruption case

CRIMJUST, the WACAP Network and the UNODC Project in Nigeria held a two-day practical exercise on strengthening integrity and strategy in investigation and prosecution of complex cases, from 19 to 20 July 2018, in Lagos, Nigeria. The aim was to to strengthen their investigation management skills. This workshop followed a workshop on the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, between 16 and 18 July 2018. Read more

UNODC and the Nigerian Drugs Project together to combat drug trafficking

CRIMJUST, the WACAP Network and the UNODC Project in Nigeria organized a joint three-day workshop in Lagos, Nigeria, between 16 and 18 July 2018. The workshop's aim was for 30 Ghanaian, Liberian and Nigerian criminal justice practitioners, including 5 women, to discuss and share good practices, to increase the efficiency of investigations and prosecutions on complex drug trafficking and organized crime cases. Read more

UNODC launches criminal intelligence analysis training in The Gambia

Despite the political transition in the Gambia, drug trafficking, illicit trafficking and organized crime continue to threaten the security, rule of law and development of the country. To help strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies in their fight against drug trafficking and related organized crime, UNODC organized a two-week Criminal Intelligence Analysis Training Course, from 9 to 20 July in Banjul. Read more

UNODC supports the establisment of a new Law Enforcement Unit in Ghana

In July 2018, UNODC refurbished and equipped a new Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) located in Koforidua, 55 km North of Accra, in the Eastern region. This new Unit was officially launched on 19 July to support the strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement agencies in this region in Ghana in order to fight against drug trafficking and related organized crime. Read more

UNODC and the G5 Sahel strengthen their partnership 

In order to strengthen their partnership, UNODC and the G5 Sahel jointly organized, on 18 July 2018, a coordination meeting at the G5 Sahel headquarters in Nouakchott. The meeting was concluded with the validation of a road map, updating the assistance provided by UNODC to G5 Sahel, notably in terms of assistance to the PCMS and the police component of the Joint Force.  Read more

UNODC supports the Sahelian prisons to prevent radicalization

The Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July is the occasion to highlight how UNODC is supporting Sahelian countries in their efforts to prevent radicalization in prison. UNODC undertook a security audit in selected prisons in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and organized a regional workshop to develop a risk assessment tool and several sub-regional training sessions.  Read more

UNODC trains police officers against organized crime in Mauritania and in Chad

For several months UNODC has been organizing two-weeks long training sessions on criminal intelligence and joint investigations in each Sahelian countries. After Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, UNODC has replicated and adapted this training session in Mauritania and Chad, respectively from 18 to 29 June and from 2 to 13 July 2018. Over 40 participants in total, including 18 women, participated in the training workshops.  Read more

UNODC and Japan donate two patrol boats to Ghana

UNODC recognizes that maritime crime poses a serious threat to the safety of seafarers, international trade and regional stability. In this context, on 13 July, UNODC, in partnership with the Japanese Government, donated two alligator patrol boats to the Ghana Marine Police during a ceremony in Tema, to enhance their operations in combating maritime crime. Read more

UNODC organized a mock trial on a piracy case in Nigeria

In 2018, piracy has intensified in the Gulf of Guinea. The UNODC's experience in maritime capacity building and regional coordination, makes the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) uniquely placed to assist States to face the challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. In Nigeria, a piracy case mock trial was held in Abuja, between the 27 and the 30 June 2018, led by UNODC. Read more

UNODC supports the new national action plan against trafficking in persons in Mali

A workshop to finalize and validate this new National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2018-2022) was held in Sikasso, Mali, from 25 to 29 June 2018. This National Action Plan, adapted to Malian realities, was drafted and adopted at the end of the workshop by the National Coordination Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Assimilated Practices, with the support of UNODC and IOM. Read more 

UNODC supports the adoption of training manuals for magistrates schools

UNODC organized a regional workshop from the 25 ^th to 27 ^th of June 2018 in Bamako, Mali, in order to develop a training syllabus on trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling for the judicial training schools of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. During this workshop, two draft training manuals were submitted to participants for validation. Read more

UNODC marks World Drug Day 2018 in West Africa

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking is a major event on UNODC's annual calendar. In West and Central Africa, many events took place on June 26th to celebrate this date and raise awareness through the "Listen First" campaign. In Dakar, celebrations took place too and UNODC took the opportunity of this day to launch the World Drug Report (2018) during a press conference. Read more

High-level meeting in Niger against smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons

UNODC participated to a regional conference organized at the initiative of the Government of Niger in Niamey on 18 and 19 June 2018, which brought together the general directors and senior commanders of security forces in charge of fighting against smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons. This high-level meeting is part of the implementation of the Joint Declaration of 16 March 2018.   Read more

Seizure of 2,5 tons of cannabis by AIRCOP Niamey

A seizure of nearly 2.5 tons of cannabis took place on June 13, 2018 in Niamey, Niger, country used as a transit point between the Maghreb and Europe by many traffickers. This is the largest seizure since the beginning of the AIRCOP project in 2010, implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC) to build the capacity of international airports to detect drugs, other illicit goods. Read more

G5 Sahel: UNODC strengthens capacities of specialized police services in Niger

UNODC organized a national training workshop from 28 May to 8 June 2018 in Niamey, Niger for 20 police officers (including 4 women) from various police services specialized on the fight against terrorism and organized crime. This training activity is part of the support of UNODC to the G5 Sahel and focuses on joint investigations, in particular criminal intelligence.  Read more

UNODC revives its activities against TIP and SOM in Côte d'Ivoire

A UNODC delegation traveled to Abidjan between 28 May and 1 June 2018 to revive its action in the territory and meet with key partners. UNODC activities in the country had been suspended in 2016. Two new projects were launched during the mission, focusing on the fight against trafficking in persons and on combating smuggling of migrants and promoting their access to human rights.  Read more

UNODC and South Korea strenghten criminal justice in the Gambia

UNODC and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed a grant agreement on May 31 to assist the Government of The Gambia in improving the criminal justice and prison reform sector and strengthening the implementation of the law. This project also aims to support The Gambia in its historic democratic transition. UNODC is supporting the Government of The Gambia with similar projects. Read more

UNODC supports municipal actors in Dakar on forced child begging

UNODC, with the financial support of USAID, organized a capacity-building workshop for municipal actors in Dakar from 22 to 24 May 2018 in Mbour to improve participants' understanding of human trafficking and forced begging. This project contributes to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal on combating all forms of violence against children. Read more

Training workshop on drug detection kits in Segou, Mali

UNODC organized a training workshop on detection of drug kits in Segou, Mali, from 21 to 25 May. The objective was to familiarize law enforcement officers with methods for rapid detection of drugs and related substances through a detection kit provided by UNODC, to provide them with the tools they need to effectively fight against drug trafficking in the region.  Read more