Press Release

 

Denmark and UNODC contribute towards the enhancement of law enforcement  capacity in Balochistan

Quetta, 21 May 2015 - H.E. Jesper Moller Sorensen, Ambassador of Denmark and the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Cesar Guedes, met with the Inspector General of Police in Balochistan Mr. Muhammad Amlish in order to discuss UNODC's important initiatives to reinforce the capacity of the provincial police force.  The Government of Denmark is a strong supporter of these initiatives and has contributed USD 4.4 million as part of their five year programme to assist the efforts of Pakistani authorities in combating the narcotics trade and strengthening the rule of law.

In the meeting with the IG Police, Ambassador Sorensen appreciated the engagement of the Inspector General of Police and expressed the Danish Government's wish to enhance security and the rule of law in Pakistan. He stated that combating organized and drug-related crime was a key element for developing a more secure society for the people of Pakistan. "The prison system is a critical component of the criminal justice system in Pakistan. I am pleased to see that the initiatives implemented by UNODC in collaboration with the Balochistan Government provide an opportunity to improve cooperation with provincial authorities, as they build their capacities to promote and implement police, prosecutors, prisons and community correctional services", said Ambassador Sorensen.

Ambassador Sorensen further said that Denmark supported on-going regional processes aimed at developing a consensus for peace, stability and development, emphasizing Denmark's commitment to strengthen this cooperation.

The UNODC's Country Programme (2010-15) was developed with a particular focus on supporting the implementation of the Government of Pakistan's drug control strategy. It targets three critical and interdependent areas of developmental assistance: trafficking and border management, criminal justice (with a focus on drug demand reduction) and HIV/AIDS prevention. In order to counter narcotics trafficking and strengthen border management, the UNODC works with the Government of Pakistan in order to empower Pakistani law enforcement and regulatory agencies to reduce trafficking and improve the management of borders. 

Mr. Cesar Guedes, Country Representative UNODC thanked Denmark for its support to the UNODC Pakistan Country Programme, especially related to the activities in the Province of Balochistan.  He also emphasized that "this police programme recognises that access to justice is fundamental for the stability of Pakistan as it could improve trust between citizens and law enforcement institutions, in particular Police, by building confidence in civil society for a better criminal justice system that is more capable, fair and just".  

Ambassador Sorensen and the UNODC Country Representative also visited the e-Learning Centre at the Balochistan Constabulary HQ, which is funded by the Danish government. The UNODC has established the E-Learning Centre with a standardized classroom curriculum.  This curriculum can be adapted by law enforcement agencies to help improve the delivery of foundational law enforcement knowledge and further improve management processes, decision-making and investigative outcomes. E-Learning delivers foundational knowledge to students through realistic scenarios, allowing them to learn at their own pace while tracking progress.

Both also met with the Inspector General of Prisons, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bangulzai as the UNODC program also works collaboratively with prison departments to support prison reform efforts.  Specifically, this support is targeted to enhancing the core capacities of prison officials to carry out their duties according to international standards and best practices. 

 

For further information kindly contact Rizwana Asad, Communications Officer via 0301-8564255 and/or rizwana.asad@unodc.org