ODYSSEY


Special Newsletter from UNODC South  Asia 

August 2023

Regional Snapshots
Bangladesh: Government of Bangladesh and UNODC forge strategic path forward with National Consultation to Develop 'The Dhaka Roadmap' Cooperation Framework
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and UNODC convened a landmark national consultation to develop a cooperation framework - 'The Dhaka Roadmap'– a first-of-its kind framework of partnership to guide UNODC initiatives in Bangladesh within the purview of the new Regional Programme for South Asia 2023-2027. Over 41 national entities and government stakeholders from Bangladesh engaged in extensive deliberations, identifying key policy priorities, gaps, challenges and opportunities for the country. Foreign Secretary Mr. Masud Bin Momen opened the national consultation, in presence of senior officials including the Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division of Ministry of Home Affairs, Secretary of the Security Service Division of Ministry of Home Affairs, the Secretary of the Law and Justice Division of Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Commission, the UN Resident Coordinator and the UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia.
 
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(In partnership with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh)
India: UNODC enhances law enforcement capacities and responses to confront cyber threats heads-on
UNODC conducted a five-day training with the support of the US State Department, designed to equip Indian law enforcement officials with comprehensive insights on a range of topics, including internet fundamentals, cryptocurrencies and wallets, Ethereum and Metaverse, and Web3 Trends. A hands-on approach was adopted to foster proficiency in investigation and seizing procedures, ensuring that participants are sensitized on real-world cyber threats.
 
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(Supported by the
US Department of State)
Maldives: UNODC empowers prosecutors to tackle Maritime Terrorism through specialized training   
Effective legal frameworks, criminal justice strategies, operational and technical capacities are essential to enable Member States to prevent and respond to terrorism. In an effort to bolster national security, UNODC, under the project "Support to addressing the risk of terrorism and increasing security in the Maldives," conducted a comprehensive two-day training session for prosecutors from the Prosecutor General’s Office, Government of the Maldives. The training also delved into vital aspects of human rights, international legal instruments for counterterrorism, and maritime safety and security measures, such as vessel classification, search protocols, and boarding procedures.
  
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(Supported by the
European Union)
India: Bridging theory and action, UNODC fuels united efforts to counter wildlife crime in South Asia
UNODC Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment (GPCAE), as a part of the activities in South Asia, organised a 3-country training on Joint Cross-Border Cooperation on Wildlife Crime Investigations at Ranthambore, India. With participation of over 23 law enforcement officials from Bangladesh, India and Nepal, the training emphasised the vital role of regional and international collaboration, and capacity building to strengthen responses against wildlife crime. Bridging theory and practice for joint probes and prosecutions, the hands-on sessions focused on a range of issues--including field investigations, surveillance, crime scene management, vehicle searches, controlled delivery, reporting and organising command centres.

(Supported by the
US Bureau of International Narcotics
and Law Enforcement Affairs )
Bangladesh: UNODC and Ministry of Home Affairs Organize National Dialogue to Combat Trafficking in Persons       
Emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and fostering international cooperation, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh--with support of UNODC and the Counter Trafficking in Persons Technical Working Group (CTIP-TWG) of Bangladesh UN Network on Migration--convened a pivotal national event to observe the World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2023. The dialogue drew participation of over 295 officials from relevant Ministries, government departments, law enforcement, foreign missions, UN agencies, and civil society.

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(In partnership with the
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh)
Bangladesh: UNODC Empowers Cox's Bazar Stakeholders with Intensive Workshops on Countering Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants
UNODC, under the framework of GLO.ACT Bangladesh, has been relentlessly driving specialized capacity-building initiatives in Bangladesh. Continuing these efforts, a two-day refresher workshop was held in Cox's Bazar with focus on prosecutors and humanitarian agency staff, emphasizing the synergy between these stakeholders. Discussions enhanced participants' expertise by sharing cutting-edge insights on specialized thematic areas, such as trafficking for organ removal and online-enabled trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. Participants also engaged in hands-on exercises and deliberations to further their practical understanding. 
 
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(Supported by the
European Union)
Join the UNODC Network in South Asia
Our Partners
Our activities in South Asia are possible
due to the generous support of:

  • Canada
  • European Union
  • Germany
  • India
  • Japan
  • Joint UN Program Fund
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • UBRAF/UNAIDS
  • UN Secretary General's Peace Building Fund
Government Partners:
  • Bangladesh
  • Bhutan
  • India
  • Maldives
  • Nepal
  • Sri Lanka
Call for Partnerships:
Impacting Lives with Innovation
Building Back Better from COVID-19: Leaving No One Behind
UNODC Regional Office for South Asia has developed a wide range of projects and initiatives on the following thematic areas:

-Building law enforcement capacities against drugs and organised crime
-Addressing drug use and HIV/AIDS 

-Enhancing multi-stakeholder responses to counter Trafficking in Persons 
-Engaging young people and educators on crime prevention, integrity, Global Goals and peace with educational interventions
-Promoting family skills to reduce risky behaviours among young people

-Countering corruption 
-Addressing Gender-based Violence
-Strengthening responses to prevent and counter wildlife crime
-Countering cybercrime and promoting online safety


We seek active support to enable the implementation of these programs and to scale-up efforts to promote security, justice and health among vulnerable groups in South Asia. Our partnerships aim at building national and regional alliances on our mandates, which are closely linked to national, regional and global priorities as well as the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Let's join hands to enable and aid large-scale and impactful initiatives that help people lead safer and healthier lives .  Your support can make all the difference!

To know more, please contact:

Mr. Samarth Pathak
Communications Officer
UNODC Regional Office for South Asia
Email:
samarth.pathak@un.org
Cellphone: +91-9811347927
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) assists Member States in their efforts to combat illicit drugs and international crime. Over the past two decades, the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA) has been working with governments and civil society in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, providing specialized assistance to address challenges pertaining to drugs, organised crime, security, justice and health. The commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, human rights and the rule of law is at the core of our mandate.
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Email: samarth.pathak@un.org

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