The Zorbs, Ambassadors of Peace, Justice and Rule of Law, received by UNODC Executive Director
May 16, 2019

The Zorbs, Ambassadors of Peace, Justice and Rule of Law, received by UNODC Executive Director

A particularly colourful delegation visited the Vienna International Centre this week, to present its credentials to Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director and Director-General of the  United Nations Office in Vienna.  The Zorbs, whose own planet fell into a terrible conflict, travelled to Planet Earth so they could help the children of the world understand the many dangers which can jeopardize peace.

Mr. Fedotov welcomed The Zorbs on their first official visit and accepted their credentials as Ambassadors of Peace, Justice and the Rule of Law. "You have the honour of representing UNODC and leading by example," he told his special guests. "I fully support you in your work."

Guaranteeing an independent and efficient judiciary through training
May 8, 2019

Guaranteeing an independent and efficient judiciary through training

Being a judge in our current society is enormously complex. We are required not only to be good judges, who are in continuous training, but also to be close to the citizens and societal problems. We must demonstrate impartiality, independence, courtesy, diligence, responsibility and a constant commitment to public exemplariness that transmits security and confidence in the judiciary to society as a whole. We must awaken in ourselves a special sensitivity to many issues in our daily lives that, in some way, could compromise our jurisdictional function.

Only with these virtues will citizens understand that their subjective rights are being defined in a serene, reflective and profound manner. 

Having their say on SDG16, youth tell E4J how to continue empowering them
April 25, 2019

Having their say on SDG16, youth tell E4J how to continue empowering them

"You are never too young to lead, and never too old to learn," once remarked the late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, an observation which many young people around the world are eagerly adopting as a mantra, leading by example and making officials and policymakers take notice.

This month, hundreds of young people gathered in New York City for ECOSOC's (United Nations Economic and Social Council) annual Youth Forum, modelled after the High-Level Political Forum - which reviews the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This year, participating youth's focus was on several SDGs including goal 16, which is the remit of UNODC.

Call for Proposals: International High Level Conference on Educating for the Rule of Law
April 12, 2019

UNITED NATIONS CALL FOR PROPOSALS: International High-Level Conference on Educating for the Rule of Law

What can youth do to fight corruption, organized crime and other threats that are impacting our world? How can we make the world a trusted, safe and inclusive place? How is rule of law influencing your life? What recommendations do you have for a sustainable and peaceful future?

The United Nations wants to hear from you about your experiences, hopes and ideas about the linkages between education and the rule of law, and how youth can take action to strengthen and promote the rule of law. Successful proposal submitters will have the opportunity to present their ideas in Vienna to the participants of the Education for Justice (E4J) conference.

To help lower re-offending, UNODC and partners inaugurate two new prison rehabilitation facilities in Zambia
April 12, 2019

To help lower re-offending, UNODC and partners inaugurate two new prison rehabilitation facilities in Zambia

Prisoner rehabilitation efforts in Zambia were given a strong boost this week with the opening of two new facilities aimed at curbing recidivism in the country and promoting social reintegration. Initiated under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's (UNODC)  Global Programme for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration, and supported by the State of Qatar, the two centres offer a unique, inclusive approach to reducing reoffending through in-prison skills training and post-release support.