Issue 69 | March 18, 2015
A quick and easy update of the latest UNODC and international drugs and crime news. Can't read this newsletter? View it online
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UNODC News
In closing the 58th Session of the CND, UNODC Chief calls for evidence-based practices in drug use treatment
Evidence-based practices are the best means of preventing and treating drug abuse and ending the misery of millions of people, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said in Vienna. The UNODC Chief was speaking at the closing of the 58th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which drew around 1,000 participants made up of national delegations, civil society, inter-governmental organizations and the media. [Read more]
Each person counts: Treating drug dependent people with respect
A special event was held this week as part of the 58th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to address the prevailing stigma with regard to drug use disorders. Over several years, UNODC has worked to build up an understanding of drug dependence as a health disorder with many complex factors. The event highlighted the need for evidence-based drug dependence treatment and care and showcased good practices from around the world. [Read more]
Alternative development products for a sustainable future
Chocolate and coffee are not ordinarily official topics of discussion at UN meetings, but at the 58th Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the role of alternative development and its commercial and social impacts was covered at an event held on the side-lines of the CND. 'Reassessing Alternative Development in the UNGASS 2016 process' - in reference to next year's UN General Assembly special session on drugs - brought together a diverse panel from across Governments, UNODC, community organizations and the private sector. [Read more]
UN General Assembly: Cooperation vital to combating organized wildlife crime
At a UN General Assembly thematic debate on Wildlife and Forest Crime, high-level officials called for a coordinated, international response to the trafficking of wildlife to tackle both the supply and demand of this illegal trade. Representing UNODC, Deputy Executive Director Aldo Lale-Demoz emphasized that Wildlife and Forest Crime is an urgent and serious transnational organized crime which requires shared responsibility if it is to be addressed. [Read more]
African Governments and civil society come together to work against corruption
Cooperation between African Governments and CSOs in tackling corruption was the focus of a recent workshop held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jointly organized by UNODC and the UNCAC Coalition, the meeting brought together some 60 participants from 23 African countries. The event was the first multi-stakeholder workshop to take place in Africa for CSOs and Governments working towards the implementation of the UNCAC and its review mechanism. [Read more]
UNODC chief outlines strategy to address smuggling of migrants across the Mediterranean
The smuggling of migrants across the Mediterranean poses both a humanitarian concern and a criminal threat. Each year, countless children, women and men - often those escaping conflict and other disasters in their countries - fall prey to organized crime. As part of the UN's work in addressing this issue, several organizations recently met to discuss responses being rolled-out around irregular migration. During this meeting, a new UNODC strategy to address smuggling of migrants across the Mediterranean was rolled out. [Read more]
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