ODYSSEY


Special Newsletter from UNODC South  Asia 

January 2023

Latest Research
UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2022:
Crises shift trafficking patterns and hinder victim identification

Fewer victims of trafficking in persons are being identified even as the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises are increasing vulnerabilities to exploitation, according to the latest Global Report on Trafficking in Persons launched by UNODC. The number of victims detected globally fell by 11 per cent in 2020 from the previous year, driven by fewer detections in low- and medium-income countries.  “This latest report shows how the pandemic has increased vulnerabilities to trafficking in persons, further undercutting capacities to rescue victims and bring criminals to justice,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. “We cannot allow crises to compound exploitation. The UN and the donor community need to support national authorities, most of all in developing countries, to respond to trafficking threats, and to identify and protect victims especially in states of emergency.”
 
Regional Snapshots
Bangladesh: UNODC hands over ambulance to support health in prisons
With the generous support of the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia Mr. Marco Teixeira formally handed over an Ambulance to the Inspector General of Prisons, Bangladesh Brigadier General ASM Anisul Haque. The Ambulance will support the Prisons Directorate in providing medical referral services to inmates.

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(Supported by the
US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs)
India: With capacity building, UNODC strengthens evidence-based responses to address HIV prevention, treatment, care and support among vulnerable groups
UNODC convened a three-day training on HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for people who use stimulant drugs in New Delhi, with participation of over 40 government, civil society and health representatives from across India including community workers and vulnerable groups. The training enhanced stakeholder capacities to implement evidence-based interventions, based on the Technical Guide on HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support for people who use stimulant drugs, developed by UNODC, WHO and UNAIDS.
 

(Supported by the
UBRAF Mechanism)
Bangladesh: UNODC launches the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 
In a special ceremony held under the framework of GLO.ACT Bangladesh, UNODC launched the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2022 in Dhaka, in the presence of government agencies, civil society and other key partners. The Report provides a comprehensive overview of the patterns and flows of trafficking in persons on a global, regional, and national level, covering 141 countries.
 
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(Supported by the European Union)
Bhutan: UNODC builds law enforcement capacities to strengthen responses against Trafficking in Persons      
A five-day training of trainers was organized in Bhutan for officials from seven government agencies, in partnership with the Department of Law and Order in Bhutan. The training aimed at supporting the sustainability of efforts in Bhutan to prevent and combat trafficking in persons.
 
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(Supported by
US Department of State/JTIP)
Sri Lanka: UNODC promotes knowledge sharing among community groups, government officials and criminal justice practitioners on access to justice and fundamental rights 
BIn collaboration with the Legal Aid Commission, Bar Association of Sri Lanka and UNOPS, three focused capacity-building workshops were delivered for 40 state officials, 25 community workers and civil society organisations, and 30 female lawyers in Jaffna (Northern Province) and Weerawila (Southern  Province) in Sri Lanka. The trainings were designed to enhance understanding of applicable legal frameworks and provisions to protect fundamental rights. Discussions focused on addressing issues of fear of stigmatization, cultural perceptions, social alienation and public trust in law enforcement.
 
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(Supported by the
UN Secretary General’s Peace Building Fund)
Bangladesh: UNODC builds curriculum on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants to enhance police capacities   
Under the framework of GLO.ACT-Bangladesh, UNODC partnered with the Police Staff College to organize a stakeholder workshop to facilitate curriculum development on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. A new UNODC library corner was also established at the Central Library of Police Staff College.     
 
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(Supported by the
European Union)
Maldives: UNODC-European Union project to address risk of terrorism, enhance security
UNODC has kicked off a new project, “Support to Addressing the Risk of Terrorism and to Increasing Security in the Maldives,” with funding support of the European Union. The project builds on the outcomes of the previous UNODC initiative “Support to Maldives on Counter-Terrorism”, also implemented with funding by the European Union and concluded in July 2021.
 
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(Supported by the
European Union)
News in Brief
UNODC Head of Programme Office in the Maldives, Mr. Enrico Boninsegna held discussions with H.E. Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abulla and State Minister Ali Nazeer on key areas of cooperation in the Maldives, with focus on enhancing multi-stakeholder efforts to address the drug problem and countering transnational organised crime. 
UNODC joined the UN Country Team in India to welcome the President of the UN General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi in New Delhi, with insightful discussions on advancing the Global Goals with cooperation and innovation. UNODC stands committed to deliver on Agenda 2030--with efforts to strengthen peace, security, health and the rule of law.
UNODC Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment (GPCAE), as a part of the activities in South Asia, conducted a three-day training on open source investigations of online wildlife trade in Sri Lanka, for 22 officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Police, Customs and Prosecutors.
UNODC South Asia Representative Mr. Marco Teixeira delivered a presentation to the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy on the drugs and crime-related threats/situation in Bangladesh and possible responses. The discussions were focused on UNODC's thematic mandate and the systemic policy impact of interventions globally and in the region.
UNODC Global Strategy (2021-2025)
UNODC’s mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. Our new Global Strategy (2021-2025) will equip UNODC to deliver effectively, efficiently and with accountability, elevating our support to Member States to build just, inclusive and resilient societies that leave no one behind.  Our interventions pay special attention to human rights, protection of children, gender equality, empowerment of women and youth.
 
Join the UNODC Network in South Asia
Our Partners
Our activities in South Asia are possible
due to the generous support of:

  • 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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