Issue 94 | March 30, 2017
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
"Extraordinary" 60th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs closes with commitment to keep protecting people
"Together we have made a commitment under the international drug control conventions to the health and welfare of people and communities everywhere - an enduring promise to millions of children,women and men that we must uphold," UNODC Chief, Yury Fedotov, said at the closing of the 60th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. [Read more]
Kenya: UNODC launches manual on human rights and criminal justice responses to terrorism
Terrorism is a major challenge to the global community of nations. Acts, methods and practices of terrorism are activities aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy. In this context UNODC launched a new manual on
Human Rights and Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism
tailor made for Kenya.[Read more]
UNODC Chief welcomes landmark resolution on protecting cultural heritage from terrorist groups, and during armed conflicts
Recently, UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, welcomed a new UN Security Council resolution on trafficking in cultural property. "The resolution adopted by the SC addresses the vital issue of trafficking in cultural property as a source of terrorism financing, and sets out ways of protecting cultural heritage during armed conflict where it is most vulnerable. [Read more]
Nigeria: EU, UNODC and CTED partnership boosts human rights-compliant measures against terrorism
Nigeria continues to take important steps towards countering the terrorist threat facing the country. However, serious challenges remain and, in response to that, Nigeria, UNODC, EU and CTED are continuing partnering to strengthen Nigeria's criminal justice measures against the terrorist threat of Boko Haram. [Read more]
ASEAN region: UNODC helps to strengthen cross-border criminal justice cooperation
ASEAN countries have been benefiting from economic and infrastructure integration, but some challenges remain: TiP, goods, and capital between countries. TOC groups have been able to capitalize on regional connectivity and trade flows, while many justice agencies and authorities remain reactive and not well set-up to cooperate effectively across borders. [Read more]
Joint UNODC/WHO initiative addresses public health impact of community management of opioid overdose
Drug use and drug use disorders are a public health, developmental and security problem both in industrialized and developing countries. Out of a total of more than 200,000 drug-related deaths in 2014, overdose deaths contribute to between roughly a third to a half of this figure, and which are attributable in most cases to opioids. [Read more]
At Security Council, UN officials urge governments to implement rules on prosecuting traffickers
Human trafficking thrives in countries where the rule of law is weak or non-existent, top UN officials told the SC, calling on Governments to make better use of the tools created under the UN flag to stop the victimization of men, women and children. "At a time of divisions in so many areas, this should be an issue that can unite us," SG António Guterres said. [Read more]
UNODC Chief tells civil society: We need you!
Civil society is a crucial partner for UNODC's efforts to help countries tackle the world drug problem, UNODC Executive Director said recently. "Civil society's energy and experience enriches the sessions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and represents a vital resource for the international community. The simple truth is: we need you," he said. [Read more]
Alternative development can release farmers from the poverty trap of illicit crop cultivation
Alternative development can help farmers escape the poverty trap of illicit crop cultivation, but other factors are also involved, the head of UNODC Yury Fedotov said. "The transfer of skills and access to land, credit, and infrastructure, while promoting environmental sustainability and community ownership are all necessary," he said. [Read more]
Next phase of UNODC's youth crime prevention through sports outreach begins in Rio de Janeiro
During the past weeks started the phase two of UNODC's work in Brazil around using sports as a means to prevent crime, violence and drug use among youth. Following the start of the Office's 'Line Up Live Up' curriculum in Brasilia, UNODC held a series of discussions with Government authorities, civil society and key sports organizations.[Read more]
UNODC tackles drug trafficking across regions
Heroin trafficking on the Southern Route - a collection of illegal trafficking flows south from Afghanistan - creates a permissive environment for other organized crime, drives corruption and is also believed to be a key source of funding for the Taliban which poses a threat to regional security and stability. [Read more]
First sports training to prevent youth crime "kicks off" in Brazil
Brazil saw during the first weeks of March the start of UNODC's life skills training initiative as part of its global activities to prevent youth crime under the Doha Declaration Global Programme. The initiative focuses on sports in order to build resilience of youth by enhancing their life skills and increase their knowledge of the consequences of crime and drug use. [Read more]
Report: fentanyl's increasing flows fuel steep rise in overdose deaths
UNODC launched this month a report which sheds light on the rapidly unfolding public health threat posed by extremely potent synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and its analogues. Information in the report suggests that it is twice as likely to overdose with fentanyl than with heroin. The study is part of the Global Synthetics Monitoring. [Read more]
"We won't get a second chance," says UNODC Chief about fast disappearing wildlife and forests
UNODC Chief, Yury Fedotov, told an audience early in March that "while acknowledging that advances against the poachers and traffickers have been made, this progress shows how much the international community can achieve together when there is the commitment and willingness to do it, and should encourage us to do still more." [Read more]
UNODC Myanmar survey: Opium cultivation in Shan State is concentrated in areas with poor security
Stable governance and good security conditions have a considerable impact on the decision of farmers to cultivate opium poppy, according to a report released the 3 March by UNODC, at the National Reconciliation and Peace Centre. The report is the first of its kind dedicated to Shan State, highlighting reasons farmers engage in the opium economy. [Read more]
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