Issue 83 | March 30, 2016
A quick and easy update of the latest UNODC and international drugs and crime news. Can't read this newsletter? View it online
here.
UNODC News
59th CND Session closes with eye on April's UNGASS 2016 Session
"The 59th Session was especially important given that we now stand on the threshold of UNGASS 2016, which is to be held in New York next month," said UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, in his closing remarks. "I warmly welcome the
agreement on the outcome document to be adopted at UNGASS 2016 in New York in April. The document can now be used to forge the action needed
to assist millions of women, children, and men around the world."
UNODC Executive Director meets with civil society at 59th Session of the CND
UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, commended civil society organizations (CSOs) for their global activities, including their invaluable field work. "UNODC works with over 500 non-governmental and civil society organizations at the local, national, regional and global levels. Together, we have helped increase access to evidence and rights based treatment and care in over 40 countries," said Mr. Fedotov in his opening statement. special session.
Opium poppy farming in Afghanistan less lucrative in 2015
UNODC presented a socio-economic analysis of the latest Opium Survey in Afghanistan, which revealed that opium poppy farmers gained considerably less in 2015 compared to the previous year. Figures in the analysis show that the gross income from opium decreased to $3100 per hectare in 2015 - 18 per cent less than the 2014 value of $3800 - and the lowest level since 2002, shortly after the end of the Taliban opium ban.
UNODC Chief: disproportionate responses to drug related offences do not serve justice, or uphold rule of law
Alternatives to conviction or punishment, where appropriate, can be pursued by countries under the international drug control conventions, the head of UNODC, Yury Fedotov, stressed today at a side event on the margins of the 59th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).The discussions ahead of the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS 2016), to be held in April.
At 59th CND Session, UNODC Chief says UNGASS 2016 is about "putting people first"
UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said the CND's work, including preparations for the UN General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS 2016), to be held in April this year, was promoting a comprehensive understanding of the world drug problem and the need to put people first. Crucially, the UNGASS 2016 process has focused on lives lost and the needless suffering caused by illicit drugs.
UNODC's new drug compendium now out
UNODC have published its newly updated third edition of the manual 'Terminology and Information on Drugs' . This edition of the publication - the first revision since 2003 - offers a much needed and timely resource, given the evolution and changes in drug markets in recent years.The content of the manual reflects the need to provide accurate and evidence-based information on the range of substances of abuse; from plant-based drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
Programme to enhance container security extends its global reach
The Container Control Programme (CCP), developed jointly by UNODC and the World Customs Organization (WCO), aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities in seaports and other similar facilities. The Programme seeks to minimize the misuse of containers in the transnational shipment of illicit goods. Additionally, it helps in the development of strategic alliances between customs and other law enforcement bodies,
Heads of UNODC and OSCE sign new Joint Plan of Action with combatting smuggling of migrants and terrorism prevention high on the agenda
UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, stated, "the Joint Action Plan provides a welcome framework for UNODC and the OSCE to leverage their respective strengths." The new plan, he said, has been successfully expanded from seven to eight key areas and now includes police development and reform. He then acknowledged the importance of counter-terrorism cooperation.
UNODC and Japan strengthen cooperation with eye on security and development, 2020 Crime Congress
UNODC's Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, met today with the Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations in Vienna, Ambassador Mitsuru Kitano, to sign a new funding agreement worth some $16 million. The agreement is aimed at delivering several projects in various regions of the world to tackle illicit drugs and bolster preventing terrorism as highlighted in the Doha Declaration.
World Wildlife Day 2016: New Public Service Announcment call for people to get #SeriousAboutWildlifeCrime
The third annual World Wildlife Day (WWD) was held to raise awareness about the devastating impact of wildlife crime, UNODC, the World Bank, the World CustomsINTERPOL and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - collectively making up the 'International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime' - have launched a powerful new Public Service Announcement.
Anti-Corruption knowledge boosted with online platform
The UNODC Global eLearning Programme launched a new Anti-Corruption course on its Learning Management System. This course consists of two eLearning modules - "Introduction to Anti-corruption" and "Advanced Anti-corruption: Prevention of Corruption". The modules have been designed by UNODC anti-corruption experts aiming to improve the learners' understanding of the provisions of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
Transnational crime in fisheries sector tackled by global experts
Large scale criminal activity in the fisheries sector is rampant and highly lucrative. With these crimes frequently being of a transnational and largely organized nature, the sector is vulnerable to multiple issues including illegal fishing, corruption, document fraud, and human trafficking. UNODC together with WWF convened a meeting in Vienna to address fisheries crime through the criminal justice system, extending beyond the traditional realm of fisheries control.
Other Resources
|