2016: A productive year for UNODC in Kyrgyzstan

In partnership with the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs, theUnited Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently organized a round table to discuss the results of its work within the framework of the UNODC Integrated Country Programme of Assistance for Kyrgyzstan 2014-2016 and the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2015-2019.

"2016 was an important year for UNODC in Kyrgyzstan", said Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia. "Our organization moved forward with the implementation of a comprehensive programme of assistance in Central Asia and supported the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in a range of complex health, safety and justice issues".

Between 2014 and 2016, UNODC delivered assistance programs worth more than 7,5 million USD in Kyrgyzstan. Mr. Damir Sagynbaev, Head of the Government Administration's Department of Defense, Law Enforcement and Emergencies, acknowledged UNODC's substantial contribution to Kyrgyzstan's efforts to advance drug control and prevent crime. "We highly appreciate our cooperation and rely on continued partnership with UNODC during the years to come", he stated.

Key highlights of UNODC's assistance in Kyrgyzstan include: the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive counternarcotics strategy; better regional border cooperation through the establishment of border liaison offices; the development of new criminal legislation to promote a humane and accountable justice system; modernization of infrastructure and better procedures to enhance the quality of forensic services; substantial investment in community policing and social partnerships to prevent crime at community level; better access for drug users to medical and social services to prevent HIV infection and reduce harm associated with drug use.

The full report on UNODC's work in Kyrgyzstan