UNODC and OSCE support Albania in disrupting terrorist financing by implementing targeted financial sanctions regimes

28 April 2022, Durres, Albania: UNODC jointly with OSCE conducted a training course on applying targeted financial sanctions to terrorists and terrorist organizations, including practical sessions on how to use sanctions according to UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1267 and 1988.

A total of 22 participants from Albania’s General Directorate for the Prevention of Money Laundering, the State Intelligence Service, the Albanian State Police and the Special Prosecution Office learned about the sanction regimes according to UNSCR 1267 and 1988 and their derived procedures and engaged in exercises to use them effectively through inter-agency co-operation.

Additionally, the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities presented their mandate and work during an online intervention.

This course was the final training course in the framework of the progressive training programme on countering the financing of terrorism, jointly implemented by UNODC and OSCE since 2018 in Albania. The training programme entailed five tailored training courses for Albanian officials, delivered by a selected team of local trainers. The course aimed at enhancing the capacity of Albania to combat the financing of terrorism and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area, in particular, UN Security Council Resolutions and the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF)’s standards.

This course was implemented with the financial support of the Government of Norway.

UNODC appoints a new Regional Anti-Corruption and Asset Recovery Advisor in South Eastern Europe

28 April 2022, Belgrade, Serbia: UNODC met with several senior representatives from the Serbian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior to formally introduce the new UNODC Regional Anti-Corruption and Asset Recovery Adviser and Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Belgrade, who will lead these areas of work in South Eastern Europe in the framework of the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and head the UNODC team in Belgrade.

Through its four main Sub-programmes, the UNODC Regional Programme addresses strategic themes, related to the rule of law; good governance (especially in the areas of organized crime and trafficking in drugs, human beings and goods); countering money laundering; preventing and curbing corruption; supporting the development of national drug and crime policies and strategies and their implementation plans.

In this framework, UNODC has initiated two initiatives on anti-corruption and asset recovery in 2021 funded by the Government of the United Kingdom. Following extensive consultations with the Governments of the region, UNODC together with the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative (RAI) led the development of the Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap, which was endorsed by the Governments of the region during a conference in Ohrid, North Macedonia on 25 June 2021. The Roadmap focuses on three main priorities:

  • Public procurement (including emergency procurement);
  • Asset, income and interest disclosure systems;
  • Creation of a specialized operational network of corruption and economic crimes prosecutors, law enforcement and financial intelligence units for the region.

The objective of the Roadmap is to fast-track the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), GRECO evaluations, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and EU Directives on Anti-money laundering and public procurement, in support of the achievement of SDG 16 in South Eastern Europe.

In the area of asset recovery, in 2021 UNODC initiated a regional project “From Illicit Financial Flows to Asset Recovery” aimed to enhance the capacity of the six jurisdictions in South Eastern Europe to recover the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime and strengthen the exchange of relevant information or evidence leading to seizures and confiscations across the participating jurisdictions. The project focuses among other on developing asset recovery roadmaps at the national and regional levels and providing support in enhancing mutual legal assistance for the purposes of asset recovery. Consultations with the Governments are following their course to achieve the intended project results.

The new Anti-Corruption and Asset Recovery Advisor will pursue UNODC efforts in these areas in addition to strengthening cooperation with the national stakeholders to foster common efforts in UNODC mandated areas.

UNODC participates in the DG NEAR consultations on 2022 Enlargement package

26 April 2022, online: UNODC joined consultations of the Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) on the 2022 Enlargement package, which sets out the way forward and takes stock of the situation in the candidate countries and potential candidates for entry into the European Union (EU).

The package is in line with the new EU methodology for enlargement released in 2020 which provides for more resources and more scrutiny of the EU accession processes in the Western Balkans.

UNODC, including its Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe, remains one of the active actors in the Western Balkans as it supports the Governments of the region in their efforts towards the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria, particularly in the areas of Chapters 23, 24 and 28 of the EU acquis communautaire. Accordingly, UNODC contributed firstly through written observations within our mandates on Western Balkan countries, and secondly by consultation through oral discussions on topics such as rule of law, drugs, migration and trafficking in persons, money laundering, corruption, and firearms trafficking.

For more information: www.unodc.org/brulo/en/news.html

UNODC meets with General Prosecutor’s Office of Albania

22 April 2022, Tirana, Albania: The Office of the General Prosecutor (GPO) of Albania and UNODC held a meeting within the project “From Illicit Financial Flows to Asset recovery”, supported by the UK Government. The project aims to build capacities of the Western Balkans to seize proceeds and instrumentalities of crime, with a view to ensuring future confiscation, pursue proceeds and instrumentalities of crime through national coordination and regional and interregional cooperation, as well as enable the collection of appropriate statistics on the different steps within the asset recovery process.

UNODC and GPO particularly discussed the different aspects of the project implementation relevant to the mandate and the competencies of the prosecution, in particular in relation to fighting money laundering and illicit financial flows. The emphasis was put on GPO contribution to the newly developed Asset Recovery Roadmap for Albania, including their views on the establishment of an Asset Recovery Office in Albania.

As a result of these continued consultations, UNODC ensures that the Asset Recovery Roadmap for Albania and the subsequent assistance to be provided in the coming years correspond to the key needs of the national stakeholders.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets

Container Control Programme held a Risk Management Workshop for the Kosovo* Customs

19-22 April 2022, Pristina, Kosovo*: The UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP) organized a training for the customs officers  of Kosovo Customs focused  on risk management, targeting, and profiling with the goal of strengthening the Customs Administration‘s capacity  to address risks in the supply chain as early as possible.

A total of twenty customs officers received an extensive training delivered by a WCO expert on the risk management process, its phases, typologies, and techniques, which were reinforced through risk management exercises. The workshop also provided a comprehensive overview of the risk-management concept and its application in the law enforcement sector as a driver to support the decision-making process at the operational level. Additionally, the trainers discussed with the customs officers the current modus operandi of individuals and groups engaged in criminal and smuggling activities.

The training was delivered within the EU-UNODC joint action on enhanced border control, currently implemented in South Eastern Europe by AIRCOP and CCP in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe with the funding from the European Union.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly SDG 16.a on strengthening relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets

* All references to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)

UNODC joins a Donor Coordination meeting on Illicit Finance in Tirana

21 April 2022, Tirana, Albania: UNODC took part in the  regular donor coordination meeting with international community representatives in Albania organized by the British Embassy to discuss complementarity of action and coordination in the area of fighting illicit finances in Albania and beyond. UNODC presented its work within the project “From Illicit Financial Flows to Asset recovery” and  the Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance (ACIF) Roadmap. Both projects are supported by the UK Government.

The meeting hosted representatives of the  Embassies of the UK, US and the Netherlands, representatives of the EU Delegation and relevant IPA projects. The participants provided an overview of their focus areas and explored avenues for cooperation in providing a joint and tailored support to Albanian authorities in fighting illicit financial flows, including through the donation of IT and specialized equipment, policy development and EU accession perspectives. The participants agreed to continue sharing information and finding synergies, while expanding the network to all other relevant partners and international organizations involved, thus ensuring better efficiency and impact of various project interventions.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets

UNODC shared the findings and recommendations of the National Review and Analysis of trafficking in person cases in North Macedonia

14 April 2022, Skopje, North Macedonia: UNODC organized an event to share the findings and recommendations of the National Review and Analysis of 13 trafficking in persons (TIP) cases with stakeholders in North Macedonia.

The event was co-organized with the National Commission against trafficking in human beings and illegal migration of North Macedonia which is the highest coordination body in the country with the mission to monitor and analyze TIP and illegal migration.

The National Review and Analysis of TIP cases was led by UNODC and engaged experts and performed by experienced professionals from the Basic Criminal Court Skopje; the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for Prosecuting Organised Crime and Corruption; the National Unit (Task Force) for Suppression of Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings; the National Referral Mechanism at the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy; and NGO Open Gate / La Strada Macedonia.

The analysis covered 13 cases from the practice focused on the assessment of the type of actions, the dynamics of institutions/organizations undertaking, the difficulties faced by the authorities and the needs and protection of the victim among others. The emphasis was placed on cases that could serve as an example regarding the procedure, i.e. illustrating the difficulties and challenges practitioners face during the proceedings, prosecution, trial, and sanctioning of the perpetrators of TIP. This broad approach was chosen to analyse the causes preventing the identification of victims of TIP and their perpetrators.

A total of 36 participants representing the relevant stakeholders (government, judiciary, academia, international organizations, and civil society organizations) reviewed and confirmed the findings and recommendations arising from the National Review and Analysis of TIP cases, proposing recommendations for proactive solutions to address the challenges; support victims' rights and access to services during criminal proceedings, as well as investigation and litigation.

During this event, all speakers gave a positive assessment of the analysis, findings and recommendations, shared their experiences, and pointed out the need for interdisciplinary trainings, the institutionalization of mobile teams, and the need to further equip the prosecutor's offices, and support the victims of TIP. Accordingly, the identified challenges of the elaborated cases, the lessons learned and the recommendations contained in the analysis were fully accepted. The event was also attended by expert practitioners from Belgium and France, mentoring countries in the project.

This activity was conducted under the project "UN.Locking Impunity of Traffickers and Supporting Justice for Victims of Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe", implemented by the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and with the financial support of the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Container Control Programme implemented a mentoring visit to PCU Bijača and a work study visit of PCU Gradiška to Bijača

12-14 April 2022,  Bijača, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP) conducted a mentoring visit to the Port Control Unit (PCU) at the land-border/customs point Bijača, as a standard programme activity designed to support PCU officers to further enhance their personal and organizational capacities to face challenges occurring in containerized trade supply chain. This activity was complemented with a work study visit of the police and customs officers assigned to the PCU at the land-border/customs point Gradiška, with a goal for the frontline officers to share experiences, practices and discuss circumstances related to traffic of containerized shipments coming to or in transit through the customs area of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the regular activities of risk analysis and profiling, officers of the PCUs Bijača and Gradiška, consisting of members of the Border Police and the Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA) of Bosnia and Herzegovina conducted several detailed container inspections of various shipments. During a detailed inspection of an import consignment, a large quantity of non-declared good was identified and seized, such as various types of IT equipment, surveillance cameras, vehicle parts, power tools and other valuable technical goods, including an undeclared golf course vehicle. Following the completion of the detailed inspection of the container, the seized goods were handed over for further processing to the ITA Regional Center in Mostar.

This activity has been implemented within the EU-UNODC action on promoting rule of law and good governance through targeted border control measures at ports and airports, funded by the European Union and implemented by AIRCOP and CCP in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe.

UNODC supports addressing drug use disorders in Albania 

12-14 April 2022, Tirana, Albania: UNODC organized a training for 19 policymakers on the nature, prevention, and treatment of drug use disorders for representatives of the Ministries of Health and Social Protection, Education, Justice and Interior,  made possible with the support from the U.S. State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

The training was inaugurated by Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Medicine of Tirana, and Chief of the UNODC Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section.

With the active participation of public governmental institutions, universities and prevention and health professionals, the training promoted a systematic, intersectoral and multidisciplinary approach in building a health- and human-rights-oriented response to the drug problem and the associated health and social consequences. This initiative is all the more important as it builds on the United Nations Special Session on World Drug Problem 2016 (UNGASS) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 5, 8, 10, 16.

The UNODC policymakers training package on the nature, prevention, and treatment of drug use disorders was developed in 2016, as part of UNODC's work in supporting Member States in their efforts to create humane, effective and evidence-based drug use prevention and drug dependence treatment and care services. This tool aims at supporting Member States in developing appropriate policies, strategies, programmes and interventions targeted at preventing drug use and increasing the availability of and access to comprehensive systems of care for people affected by drug use and drug use disorders.

For further information:

https://www.unodc.org/documents/drug-prevention-and-treatment/UNODC_Policymakers_TrainingPackage.pdf

UNODC participates in the 47th MAG meeting held in RACVIAC under Romanian Chairmanship

13 April 2022, online: UNODC participated in the 47th Multinational Advisory Group (MAG) Meeting organized under the Chairmanship of Romania and chaired by the General Director of the Strategic Affairs Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania. The Meeting started with a short introduction by the Chair and continued with a brief presentation of the Annual Report given by the Director of RACVIAC who highlighted RACVIAC’s successful completion of its mission during these rather challenging times. He stated “In terms of Programme implementation we delivered 18 activities. More than 800 representatives, experts and lecturers from our Members, different organizations, think tanks, private companies, diplomatic corps and academic institutes participated in them and shared their experiences”.

The Director also took the opportunity to assure the participants that RACVIAC remains committed to fulfilling its mission of fostering dialogue and playing a leading role in the area of confidence and security building measures. He thanked all RACVIAC Members, Associate Members, Observers, participants and partners that contribute to the Centre’s future performance and the overall stability and security of the region for the outstanding support and valuable engagement and asked them to continue to do so in the future as well.

Pursuant to the meeting agenda, RACVIAC presented its future projects and invited its Members and Associate Members to propose additional projects in the coming period, based on the needs of their respective countries and the South Eastern European region as a whole.

The participants agreed on holding the 48thMAG Meeting on 12 October 2022 on RACVIAC premises in Rakitje, Croatia and adopted the meeting conclusions.

UNODC attends celebration of 30 years of Customs Administration North Macedonia and the official opening of the UNODC supported Border Interagency Unit (BIU) in Skopje

8 April 2022, Skopje, North Macedonia: 8 April 2022 marked 29 years since North Macedonia (then known as, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), joined the United Nations which coincided with the 30 years celebrations of the country’s Customs Administration. UNODC joined celebrations at Skopje International Airport to mark 30 years of Customs Administration in North Macedonia, in addition to the official opening of the UNODC supported Border Interagency Unit (BIU). 

The UNODC representative presented congratulations to Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Director Customs Administration, Director of the Skopje International Airport and Director Public Security Bureau also highlighting the shared vision of an interagency approach, the clear benefits to the country and the commitment of continuing support to the Government of North Macedonia and its’ law enforcement agencies. UNODC acknowledged the support of implementing partners WCO and INTERPOL and praised the efforts of the Customs and Border Police colleagues in their clear dedication to the task whilst expressing expectation for a successful transition into an operational stance.

The BIU is composed of a UNODC-WCO-INTERPOL Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP) Joint Airport Investigation Task Force (JAITF) focusing on passenger threats and a UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP) Air Cargo Control Unit (ACCU) focusing on cargo.

In the last two years UNODC engaged in the unit’s capacity building and delivered a series of theoretical and practical trainings both online and in-person as well as a study visit for customs and border police officers who are part of the team. UNODC support also included donations of office furniture and IT Equipment for the BIU’s office located at the Skopje International Airport.

The establishment of AIRCOP/CCP inter-agency groups in the region is carried out in the framework of the EU-UNODC joint action on promoting rule of law and good governance through targeted border control measures at ports and airports, funded by the European Union and implemented by AIRCOP and CCP in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe.

UNODC holds a National Round Table discussion on action against trafficking in persons in Montenegro

8 April 2022, Podgorica, Montenegro:  In the framework of the project "UN.Locking Impunity of Traffickers and Supporting Justice for Victims of Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe", UNODC held a round table discussion with participants representing the relevant stakeholders in Montenegro (government, judiciary, academia, regional/international organizations) and expert practitioners from Belgium and France, aimed to identify, with precision, the gaps and weaknesses in the trafficking in persons (TIP) response at the national and regional level. The event was also joined by the Minister of Interior of Montenegro, Mr. Sergej Sekulovic and H.E. Judy Rising Reinke, U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro. The project is implemented by the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and with the financial support of the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

The expert discussion was focused on the findings of the national review and analysis of TIP cases (developed by engaged experts, under the substantive guidance of UNODC), as the first analytical document of this kind in Montenegro aimed to understand, from the earliest stages and throughout the process, how to identify instances of TIP, distinguish them from other offences, apply victim-centered approaches, substantiate cases by collecting adequate evidence, and consistently operationalize existing cooperation agreements and arrangements with other countries of the region and the EU. In addition to identifying the main gaps, the national review and analysis of trafficking cases proposed recommendations that lead to improvements in this area, but also identified good practices that should be followed by authorized police officers and judicial officials in dealing with concrete cases of TIP.

“Montenegrin legislative framework has been fully harmonized with international standards, but we must step up efforts on the application, implementation and enforcement.” said Mr. Sergej Sekulovic, Minister of Interior of Montenegro. He pursued by saying “The analysis developed will be basis for planning future multidisciplinary trainings for the police officers but also other relevant actors coming from prosecution and judiciary, covering high-liability TIP related topics related to dismantling of international organized criminal groups as well as tackling current issues of beggars and forced marriages.”

“Human trafficking is modern day slavery. The US is proud to help Montenegro to improve its efforts to prevent these crimes and protect innocent victims through a new HTMSS program which will boost regional coordination.” underlined H.E. Judy Rising Reinke, U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro. The Ambassador further noted that “Respecting human rights is a shared human value in Montenegro, NATO, EU member states. The latest US TIP report noted several areas of improvement. We hope this project will take Montenegro to the next step and improve ability to identify traffickers and to respond to the victims’ needs.”

The focal points of Belgium and France as mentor countries to the project also contributed to this round table discussion by delivering a presentation on their related experiences, best practices and lessons learned.

UNODC will continue to strengthen the partnership and to strive for an extensive interaction with government, judiciary, civil society, academia, regional/international organizations and other relevant expert practitioners in Montenegro in order to secure broad buy-in and propose final recommendations for proactive solutions to remedy gaps and challenges in fighting human trafficking.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets

UNODC presents the findings of the National Review and Analysis of trafficking in persons cases in Albania

7 April 2022, Tirana, Albania: UNODC convened the anti-trafficking stakeholders in Albania to validate the findings and recommendations that emerged from the national review and analysis of trafficking in persons (TIP) cases.

For the past three months, under the guidance of UNODC and engaged experts, a Working Group comprised of representatives from different state institutions and civil society organizations in the country, including the General Directory of State Police; Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK); Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime; Special Appeal Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime; and the National Coalition of Anti-Trafficking Shelters has been thoroughly analyzing 13 cases from the past 5 years.

The process aimed to map the strengths and weaknesses in the TIP response at the national and regional levels, from the first reporting or suspicion of potential TIP instances to investigation, prosecution, and adjudication in courts.

The cases selected for the analysis included transnational and domestic trafficking of both  minors and adults, cases of initial identification from service providers or other sources referred to the State Police, cases identified, investigated, and referred to the prosecutor’s office by the State Police, cases registered by the Prosecutor’s Office (either SPAK or District’s Prosecutor’s offices), investigated, and sent to trial; or dismissed and adjudicated cases.

The event was opened by the Albania’s National Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings who briefed on  the Government’s efforts to address this challenge, confirming the commitment to continue collaborating with UNODC in this area. Further interventions were delivered by the US Embassy who shared its observations expressing the recommendation from the US TIP report for the country and UNICEF-Albania who emphasized the need to enhance child protection and prevent child trafficking as the majority of identified victims of trafficking are children.

The national round table discussion was enriched with interventions from experts from mentoring countries, Belgium and France, who shared their experiences, best practices and lessons learned. The working sessions in groups allowed the experienced practitioners to discuss the rights and access to services for victims of trafficking and the investigation and adjudication of TIP cases and were provide concrete proposals for capacity building.

This activity was conducted under the project "UN.Locking Impunity of Traffickers and Supporting Justice for Victims of Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe",  implemented by the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and with the financial support of the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

UNODC supports Serbia in the collection of electronic evidence in firearms investigations

5-7 April 2022, Belgrade, Serbia: The UNODC Global Firearms Programme (GFP) conducted a training on collecting electronic evidence (e-evidence), in illicit firearms trafficking and firearms-related investigations.

During the three-day training, Serbian officials from the relevant law enforcement units and prosecutors’ offices acquired knowledge on characteristics of e-evidence, digital forensics, cybercrime, new trends and challenges in handling e-evidence.

The practical part of the training was focused on the use of UNODC’s Guide for Requesting E-evidence Across Borders. The experts also applied the existing legal procedures in the exercises and received information about the contact points that can assist practitioners requesting and producing the e-evidence needed for trial. The issues related to data protection laws, mutual legal assistance (MLA) procedures and admissibility of e-evidence were elaborated and considered through the prism of international human rights standards.

The Serbian experts were further familiarized with UNODC’s Model Forms for interaction with internet service providers, various communication apps and social networks. The usefulness of Model Forms – for the purpose of filing an emergency disclosure request, preservation request and MLA request – was highlighted, and practical advice for its successful and timely drafting has been provided.

Additionally, the Serbian criminal justice practitioners practiced their skills by using the UNODC GFP case study, involving sub-regional illicit firearms trafficking and its resolving through the gathering of admissible e-evidence from social networks. They had an opportunity to utilize and effectively apply newly acquired knowledge on the subject-matter.  

In the upcoming period, UNODC GFP will deliver e-evidence trainings in other Western Balkan jurisdictions and will continue to work on the topic, pursuant to the great interest of the criminal justice practitioners in the region. 

This activity is implemented with the financial support provided by Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and Norway through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Trust Fund and supported by the European Union.

National efforts come together to follow up on UNCAC implementation and reviews in North Macedonia

5-6 April 2022, Skopje, North Macedonia:  UNODC coordinated non-state actors, including civil society and the private sector at a recent workshop, to aid in the effective implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in South Eastern Europe.

A two-day multi-stakeholder workshop in North Macedonia, organized by UNODC in partnership with the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation gathered 30 participants from civil society, public authorities and private sector. The workshop sought to increase participants’ understanding of the UNCAC Implementation Review Mechanism and discuss the recommendations stemming from the first and second cycle reviews that the country has already completed, in particular, how civil society can support the implementation of those recommendations through common platforms for dialogue and cooperation.

Speaking at the opening, the Deputy President of the Government in charge of Good Governance Policies said, "The prevention of corruption is a process where all entities should be actively involved, and jointly with the civil sector, we are building a systemic approach in creating and implementing anti-corruption policies".

The Minister of Justice of North Macedonia further added that “although there are seven institutions specialized in the fight against corruption, there is still serious work to be done in terms of achieving the goal”.  

In January 2022, the Government  of North Macedonia adopted a plan of activities for collecting and publishing updated data related to the implementations of the observations and to overcome the challenges identified under the second UNCAC review cycle, outlined in the full country report (2016-2024). One of the key objectives of this plan is to increase the transparency of the UNCAC self-assessment checklist, one of the stages in UNCAC implementation. Transparency efforts will be undertaken in cooperation with civil society to strengthen both the institutional and public awareness of the requirements set by the Convention. North Macedonia’s CSOs, such as the Centre for Civic Communications and the Platform of CSOs for the Fight against Corruption pledged to assist and request the Government to uphold those commitments.

UNODC will continue strengthening the multi-stakeholder involvement in the UNCAC implementation in the region, the next step being a training on private sector integrity on 10-11 May in Tirana, Albania.

Further resources:

UNODC Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe

UNODC supports the harmonization of the criminal legislation with the UN Firearms Protocol in the Western Balkans

6 April 2022, Belgrade, Serbia: The UNODC Global Firearms Programme (GFP) held a regional meeting on harmonization of the criminal legislation with the UN Firearms Protocol in the Western Balkans attended by representatives of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Ministry of Interior and Prosecutor’s Office from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

UNODC GFP presented and discussed a comparative legislative analysis of the domestic criminal legislations with the MoJ representatives and criminal justice practitioners, which was followed by further discussions on the current status of harmonization of the criminal legislation with the UN Firearms Protocol, based on UNODC GFP recommendations. As a result, the exchange of experiences was facilitated and the needs for the provision of further technical assistance by UNODC GFP were identified.

The role of the UN Firearms Protocol and UNTOC is vital for the process of harmonization of the criminal legislation as well as in bringing countries together to counter firearms trafficking and organized crime. The attending jurisdictions expressed commitment in this regard and discussed the need for establishing a dedicated platform in the Western Balkans where criminal justice practitioners could gather to collectively address issues related to criminal legislation and practice.  

This activity is implemented with the financial support provided by Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and Norway through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Trust Fund and supported by the European Union.

UNODC took part in the OSCE Conference on Extended Confiscation

4-6 April 2022, Tarcin, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Agency for the Management of Confiscated Assets of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBIH) organized with the support of the OSCE Secretariat a training conference on extended confiscation, associated persons and coordination of responsible agencies in confiscation processes. The event hosted 30 judges, prosecutors, university professors and other practitioners as well as UNODC, EU delegation and other international partners to discuss international standards in asset recovery and exchange on local court practices, promoting the concept of extended confiscation.

Over the course of two days, the participants listened to expert presentations on financial investigation practices from Croatia and other EU countries, best practices in Tuzla Canton and Sarajevo Canton courts, challenges and opportunities in financial investigations and the use of expert forensic accounting witnesses, as well as the use of extended confiscation for associated persons. Discussions around these institutes aim to improve in the long-term processes of asset seizure, freezing and confiscation in the court practices in FBiH.

UNODC and partners from the FBiH Asset Management Agency also used the opportunity to promote joint efforts in supporting judicial practitioners through the UNODC regional project "From Illicit Financial Flows to Asset Recovery", which aims to enhance capacities to seize proceeds and instrumentalities of crime with a view to ensuring increased confiscation, enhance regional cooperation and enable collection of appropriate statistics in the area of asset recovery.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets

UNODC supports the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between the Asset Management Agency and the Center for Education of Judges and Prosecutors of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

4 April 2022, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Federal Agency for the Management of Confiscated Assets signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Center for Education of Judges and Prosecutors of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) with the aim to increase cooperation in the field of professional development of civil servants, police officers and judicial officials in financial investigations and confiscation of proceeds of crime, as well as the implementation of the Law on Confiscation of Illegally Acquired Property in FBiH.

This agreement reflects continued and successful cooperation between the two institutions, as well as extends the framework of cooperation in acquiring new knowledge and skills in the area of asset recovery. Furthermore, the agreement focuses on incorporating modules on financial investigations and confiscation of proceeds of crime in the annual Initial Training and Professional Development Program with the support of UNODC and OSCE.

Additionally, trainings and activities organized by the Federal Agency for the Management of Confiscated Assets of FBIH and supported by UNODC and other partners will be recognized as compulsory education for the professional development of judges and prosecutors.

The agreement fosters a joint approach in meeting international standards for the institutional capacity development and professional advancement of legal practitioners, with a view to increase the use of asset seizure, freezing and confiscation modalities in the FBIH.

UNODC supports this activity  through its regional project on asset recovery, conducted within the framework of the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and funded by the Government of the UK.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets

For more information:

https://fbihvlada.gov.ba/bs/potpisan-sporazum-o-saradnji

UNODC meets with the Albanian authorities to discuss the development of an Asset Recovery Roadmap

1 April 2022, Tirana, Albania: UNODC conducted a consultative working meeting with the relevant institutions in Albania to discuss future cooperation in the area of asset recovery within the scope of the UNODC regional project “From Illicit Financial Flows to Asset Recovery”, funded by the Government of the UK.

The regional initiative supports the Western Balkan jurisdictions, including Albania, in enhancing their capacities to seize proceeds and instrumentalities of crime with a view to ensuring future confiscation, enhancing asset recovery capabilities through national coordination and regional and interregional cooperation; and enabling the collection of appropriate statistics on the different steps within the asset recovery process.

The meeting hosted representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Financial Intelligence Unit, General Prosecutor’s Office, State Police – Economic Crime Branch, Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), and– Asset Management Agency (AAPSK). During the meeting, UNODC provided an overview of the objectives of the regional initiative related to asset recovery processes and shared plans for the development of an Asset Recovery Roadmap for Albania, mapping out the priorities for the jurisdiction. Similarly, the counterparts provided insights on the current state of play in Albania and discussed in depth their needs to establish and position the future Asset Recovery Office, together with the subsequent legal amendments and requirements as well as operational and capacity building needs for the practitioners.

As a result of these comprehensive consultations, a draft Asset Recovery Roadmap for Albania was created, and will further be discussed and consulted upon with stakeholders prior to finalization.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets

UNODC holds the National Round Table discussion on action against trafficking in persons in Serbia

1 April 2022, Belgrade, Serbia:  In the framework of the project "UN.Locking Impunity of Traffickers and Supporting Justice for Victims of Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe", UNODC held a round table discussion with 22 participants representing the relevant stakeholders in  Serbia (government, judiciary, civil society, academia, regional/international organizations) and expert practitioners from Belgium and France, aimed to identify, with precision, the gaps and weaknesses in the trafficking in persons (TIP) response at the national and regional level.

The national expert discussion served as a platform to review the findings of the national review and analysis of TIP cases (developed by engaged experts, under the substantive guidance of UNODC), which represents the starting point for intensive consultations with the involved stakeholders to understand, from the earliest stages and throughout the process, how to identify instances of TIP, distinguish them from other offences, apply victim-centered approaches, substantiate cases by collecting adequate evidence, and consistently operationalize existing cooperation agreements and arrangements with other countries of the region and the EU (European Union).

On this occasion representatives of the Ministry of Interior, Republic Public Prosecutor’s Office, Supreme Court of Cassation, NGO Astra and NGO Atina adopted conclusions that were detailed  by the mentioned review and analysis, and proposed final recommendations for proactive solutions to remedy identified gaps and challenges, while IOM, OSCE, Council of Europe and GIZ delegates highlighted current and planned activities in order to avoid overlapping and  duplication of work in the area of fighting TIP.

In addition, the focal points of Belgium and France as mentor countries to the project contributed by delivering a presentation on their related experiences, best practices and lessons learned.

In line with the adopted conclusions and recommendations, the following project activities will focus on the design, development and adoption of a sustainable national training plan, and implementation of national multidisciplinary thematic workshops and trainings using the methodologies of mock investigation/mock trial, with periodic half-day follow-up online meetings.

The project is implemented by the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe and with the financial support of the U.S. Department of State's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly Target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets

UNODC delivered a Basic Practical Training for Air Cargo Control Unit at Sarajevo Airport

31 March-1 April 2022, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP) organized a five-day Basic Practical Training for the customs and police officers of the Air Cargo Control Unit (ACCU) unit at the Sarajevo International Airport.

The on-site interactive training covered areas of risk profiling and risk management, while practical inspections of Air Freight and Fast Parcels enhanced the participants’ knowledge on current modus operandi used by individuals and groups engaged in criminal and smuggling activities through air freight operations.

During the training, the ACCU officers conducted several inspections of the inbound air fright as well as parcels coming through the fast courier services that are operational in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The team of the WCO trainers/experts also discussed the topics of insider threats and airport safety and security, sharing updates on important information in these areas.

Throughout the training, ACCU officers assigned by the Indirect Taxation Authority and Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina took part in collaborative exercises and demonstrated a high level of cooperation and engagement through joint work, information sharing and teamwork.

The training was delivered within the EU-UNODC joint action on enhanced border control, currently implemented in South Eastern Europe by AIRCOP and CCP in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe with the funding from the European Union.

This activity contributes to SDG 16, particularly SDG 16.a on strengthening relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.

https://sdg-tracker.org/peace-justice#targets