South Asia: Member States highlight regional trends and priorities to strengthen UNODC’s new Regional Programme for South Asia (2023-2027)
Officials from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka gathered in New Delhi for the second Steering Committee Meeting of the UNODC Regional Programme for South Asia (2023-2027). The meeting witnessed substantive discussions aimed at bolstering regional responses to combat drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism in the South Asian region. Acknowledging the importance of inclusive approaches, partnership, cooperation, communication, and ownership, the participants identified these as essential elements of comprehensive and evidence-based regional responses.
South Asia: UNODC supports cooperation to prevent violent extremism through the SAN-PVE Regional Network
In collaboration with UNODC's Terrorism Prevention Branch, a side event was hosted during the 32nd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna on “Promoting a South Asia regional network of PVE practitioners (SAN-PVE)”. Delegates from participating countries highlighted the encouraging advancements at the national level by virtue of the collective efforts of SAN-PVE. They emphasised the importance of this “peer-to-peer networking and learning platform,” which fosters the exchange of knowledge and good practices in preventing violent extremism among practitioners with multidisciplinary backgrounds. The discussion also addressed the successful role of the network in ensuring a whole-of-society approach by promoting human rights as well as gender-sensitive and youth-oriented measures.
(Supported by
European Union and the Government of Japan)
India: UNODC hosts Regional Consultation on Health Rights in Prisons focusing on Nelson Mandela Rules
The Honourable Minister for Law, Courts and Prisons, Government of Tamil Nadu, Mr. S. Regupathy, inaugurated a regional consultation on health rights in prisons, hosted by UNODC and the Academy of Prisons and Correctional Administration (APCA) Vellore, with a specific focus on the Nelson Mandela Rules. The Minister emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing health vulnerabilities in prisons, especially HIV/AIDS, TB, Hep C and drug use. The event, held in Chennai, aimed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to implement policies, guidelines, and mechanisms that prioritize and safeguard the health rights of prisoners.
(Supported by the
Unified Budget, Results and Accountability Framework)
Bangladesh: UNODC promotes community policing approaches to countering terrorism and violent extremism
A regional consultation workshop was hosted in Khulna in collaboration with the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of the Bangladesh Police, to identify existing gaps, challenges, and future interventions in strengthening community and beat policing mechanisms. The workshop provided a platform to promote a shared understanding of how community members and law enforcement agencies can complement ongoing efforts in preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism. The workshop generated recommendations, policy inputs and strategies to develop interventions--especially on identifying and responding to signs of radicalization and extremism, as well as building skills in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Maldives: Roll out of the UNODC/OSCE "Train-the-Trainer Module on Requesting Electronic Evidence Across Borders"
UNODC delivered a specialized train-the-trainer course on international cooperation in cases involving electronic evidence, for trainers of the Judiciary, Maldives Police Service and Prosecutor General’s Office. Discussions focused on strengthening the capacity of participating trainers to deliver future courses on requesting and obtaining electronic evidence from foreign jurisdictions and overseas service providers through the use of theTrain-the-Trainer Module: Requesting Electronic Evidence Across Borders--developed by UNODC in collaboration with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) under a previous project also funded by the European Union.
Sri Lanka: UNODC, Legal Aid Commission train police officials on promoting Access to Justice and Fundamental Rights
Upholding human rights and ensuring access to justice are fundamental pillars for building a just and inclusive society. By promoting access to justice, individuals can seek redress for grievances, hold perpetrators accountable, and secure their rights. In this respect, UNODC, with support from the UN Secretary General’s Peace Building Fund (PBF), is implementing a project aimed at fostering peace in Sri Lanka through promoting access to justice and protecting the rights space. As part of this initiative, a training was delivered to 43 officials from the Sri Lankan Police in Galle. Discussions addressed the challenges that hinder the implementation of fundamental rights, such as fear of stigmatization, cultural perceptions, social alienation, and lack of faith in law enforcement.
South Asia: Understanding and Addressing the Threat of Opiate Trafficking
The impact of drug trafficking along the Southern Route can cause untold harm to communities – drugs can fuel or prolong conflict or corruption, hamper sustainable development, and undermine the rule of law. To better understand the threat posed by opiate trafficking in South Asia, a two-day Expert Working Group Meeting was held in New Delhi, bringing together representatives from India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Mozambique. Participants held intensive deliberations on a range of issues, including: key trends in Afghan opiate trafficking, country-focused situational analysis, and a review of supply and demand.
(Supported by the
US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs)
India: UNODC’s Capacity Enhancement Training Strengthens Anti-Narcotics Efforts
Over the last several years, UNODC has supported and assisted the Government of India in synergising ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, through research, technical support and capacity building initiatives. Continuing these efforts, a five-day capacity building workshop was convened in collaboration with the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) Zonal Training Institute (ZTI) in Jaipur, Rajasthan to enhance the knowledge of 46 operational and supervisory officers from customs, the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, and the State Police. The training program focused on four crucial pillars: understanding and implementing the NDPS ACT and related laws, financial investigations related to drug seizure cases and property attachment, the use of cyberspace for drug trafficking (including social media, darknet markets, and cryptocurrencies), and cyber security and digital forensics.
Nepal: National Workshop Focuses on Implementation of Second National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and 1820 relating to Women, Peace and Security
In Nepal, there is increasing recognition on the importance of advancing women's rights, ending gender-based violence, and empowering women to achieve true gender equality. UNODC, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs, conducted a national workshop for the implementation of the second National Action Plan (NAP II) on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and 1820 on Women, Peace, and Security. The workshop, held in Kathmandu, witnessed the participation of 143 stakeholders from various sectors. The NAP II encompasses four overarching goals: participation, protection and prevention, promotion, and relief and recovery. Additionally, it emphasizes resource management, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure the plan's effectiveness.
Bangladesh: UNODC Empowers Law Enforcement Officials with capacity building to counter Money Laundering, Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants
In a first of its kind initiative, UNODC, under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants-Bangladesh (GLO.ACT-Bangladesh), brought together key officials from government departments and law enforcement agencies from Bangladesh for a four-day specialized workshop focused on money laundering aspects in the context of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. The workshop delved into the intricate world of international money laundering, intertwining it with the pressing issue of trafficking in persons, with an aim to empower participants with essential knowledge and skills to effectively address this complex crime.
Bangladesh: Prosecutors, Humanitarian Agencies join hands with UNODC to Combat Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in Cox’s Bazaar
UNODC, under the framework of the GLO.ACT, convened humanitarian agencies and prosecutors for a capacity-building workshop on countering trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM) in Cox’s Bazar. Discussions centered on national and international legal frame-works, good practices on victim support and prosecuting TIP cases through group exercises, and thematic discussions. The workshop familiarized participants with essential inter-national legal instruments, victim identification, rescue, repatriation, investigation, evidence gathering, and dealing with victims in TIP cases.
India: UNODC engages and empowers students and educators to strengthen peace and the rule of law
Model United Nations empower young people to act for peace and justice. India's Kothari International School Noida convened its sixth annual MUN Conference in partnership with UNODC, attended by over 400 young people and educators. UNODC provided knowledge support to the deliberations, sensitising students to gain knowledge, take action and actively engage to promote the rule of law in South Asia. The MUN called for enhanced youth action on the Global Goals and the rule of law in this decade of action.
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 BehindUNODC 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 activesupport 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.
Contact Us
C-97 (Ground Floor), Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024, India
Email: samarth.pathak@un.org
