UNODC has spearheaded an initiative to strengthen community and beat policing to counter violent extremism. This project, generously funded by the Government of Canada, takes a comprehensive approach to prevent radicalization and also provides support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals entangled in violent activities. Continuing these efforts, over 25 senior officers from Bangladesh Police including counter-terrorism officers from districts, ATU, range police and metropolitan police--were trained on countering violent extremism and building trust and legitimacy. The three-day training covered two modules, focused on building police legitimacy and trust and providing a nuanced understanding of the evolving threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism.
UNODC’s Passenger and Cargo Border Team provided a state-of-the-art, laser-based chemical identification device, TruNarc, to customs and law enforcement officers in Birgunj. The device was handed over to the chief customs officer in Birgunj Customs Office by Mr. Ulrich Meiser, Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Nepal. The device promises a laser-sharp precision in identifying various substances, enabling officers to swiftly and accurately detect illicit materials at border checkpoints.
The Attorney General's Department of Sri Lanka and UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) organized a Brainstorming Session on Collaborative Framework for Evidence Collection at Sea and Chain of Custody Procedures in Sri Lanka. The framework bridges the gap between maritime interdiction operations at sea and subsequent prosecution on land. It is comprehensive, addressing various maritime crime types, including drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, illegal fishing, and pollution crimes in the marine environment. In the discussions, participating officials highlighted the need for Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (HSOPs) among maritime law enforcement agencies to increase the admissibility of evidence in court.
UNODC, in collaboration with Police Staff College, is overhauling the 'Training Manual on Preventing Human Trafficking.' This strategic initiative aims to empower law enforcement on the ground, integrating theoretical and practical aspects to strengthen responses to counter trafficking in persons in Bangladesh. Building on these efforts, under the framework of GLO.ACT Bangladesh, a consultation was held with 16 officials of the Police Staff College to seek their insights and feedback on the manual.
Sri Lanka/Nepal: Training law enforcement officials on open source investigations of online wildlife crime
UNODC, as a part of the South Asia activities under the Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment (GPCAE), conducted an advanced level training on ‘Open Source Investigations of Online Wildlife Crime’ for 32 law enforcement officials from Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, Police, Customs and Prosecutors. The training was imparted to the officials who had received the basic to intermediate level trainings which were held earlier in 2023. The training consisted of presentations on technical OSI aspects followed by practical exercises. The training comprehensively covered topics, including: reconnaissance of websites and infrastructure, retrieving and archiving information from websites, image and video analysis, maps and geolocations, platform investigation sources, social media, digital Security and encryption, among others. A set of laptops were also provided to the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation and Nepal Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance law enforcement capacities and responses to counter wildlife crime. In addition, UNODC Wildlife Crime Scene Management Guides were provided to the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation.
(Supported by the
US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs)
UNODC equipped 34 educational consultants and counsellors in Thimphu with knowledge and skills on preventing human trafficking and protecting young people from exploita-tion. Empowered with knowledge, these professionals can guide young minds to safely explore opportunities while safeguarding them from falling victim to the traps and loopholes set by traffickers.
An expert mission to Sirajganj district was conducted, along with representatives of the National AIDS/STD programme and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, UNAIDS and civil society. UNODC’s HIV expert provided technical inputs and recommendations for a pilot intervention seeking to ensure effective integration of HIV programming and ser-vices into public health facilities. The Hospital Focal Person of Sirajganj District Hospital noted a gradual improvement, particularly highlighting the increasing ownership of hospital authorities and their deepening understanding of HIV prevention, including a harm reduction approach as a public health issue.
India: Knowledge sharing to address the drug problem
Addressing the SEACON NCD-2024 Conference hosted by World NCD Federation and National Resource Centre, Mr. Marco Teixeira, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia advocated UNODC’s health-centred, rights-based and gender-responsive approaches to tackle the drug problem, aligning with SDG3.
India: Briefing with the President of UN General Assembly
The UN Country Team in India led by Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator received and briefed H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly on the challenges and achievements of the UN system in India. H.E. Mr. Francis praised the transformative impact of UN's partnership with the Government and people of India.
Building on the success of previous collaborations, including Lockdown Learners (2020-2022) and Riseup4SDGs (2023), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is proud to announce its latest initiative – RISE UP4 Peace. In partnership with the Kamla Nehru Public School, Phagwara, and other educator partners across India, this year-long endeavor aims to engage educators and students in fostering a culture of peace, justice and integrity. Policymakers, educators and young people are invited to join the initative.
The Online International Anti-Corruption Spring School– Asia, Pacific and LDCs Edition 2024 is an online training organised by the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which will run from 18 to 22 March 2024. The Spring School is aimed at building ethical skills and mindsets in interested students and youth through the study of notions of integrity, ethics, and anti-corruption. Participation in the training is free of charge. Apply by 25 February 2024.
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
UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund
Government Partners:
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Call for Partnerships:
Impacting Lives with Innovation
Advancing Crime Prevention, Justice and Health in South AsiaUNODC 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
