Issue 100 | October 3, 2017
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
On 20th Anniversary, UNODC eyes the future with confidence and a d
etermination to help make world safer
"I am proud of the support UNODC provides to countries to tackle the interlinked problems of drugs, organized crime, terrorism and corruption," UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message played at a special event marking UNODC's anniversary. Acknowledging UNODC's important work, Mr. Guterres added: "We work together to strengthen our United Nations and help meet the challenges of our time." [Read more]
Violent extremism nourishes murderous acts of terrorism, says UNODC Chief at UNGA72 Event
During an event on the sidelines of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly titled "Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and the SDG Agenda", UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said, "Violent extremism nourishes murderous acts of terrorism, undermines prison systems and weakens the security and safety of all our societies." adding that there is a need to "uphold fundamental human rights in criminal justice responses to terrorism." [Read more]
Human trafficking laws must be utilized, UNODC Chief tells UN General Assembly
"Human trafficking is all around us, in all regions of the world," the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a high-level meeting to assess the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said: "We need governments to devote the needed resources to put laws into practice, to support victims, to train practitioners, and to enable inter-agency and cross-border cooperation." [Read more]
'Time to stamp out human trafficking,' says Guterres; UN pledges action to eradicate 'heinous crime'
With tens of millions of human trafficking victims worldwide, "now is the time to stand together and stamp out this abominable practice," Secretary-General António Guterres told a high-level meeting at which Member States adopted a political Declaration reaffirming their commitment to implement a United Nations action plan to end the scourge. "Human trafficking is all around us , in all regions of the world," said Mr. Guterres [Read more]
How the UN's cybercrime unit is helping to track paedophiles and protect children
Adults posing as young people are using chat apps and social networks to befriend children with the goal of sexually exploiting them, but such abuse can be limited by educating children and their caregivers about the threats online, said Neil Walsh, the head of UNODC global cybercrime programme, adding that criminals are increasingly using newer technologies to evade police, so children need to be empowered to understand the risks. [Read more]
Governor-General of Australia visits UNODC, discusses partnership on the challenges of drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism
His Excellency Sir Peter Cosgrove , Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, visited UNODC. Speaking about the meeting with the Governor-General, UNODC Chief Yury Fedotov said: "Australia and the Office have a close partnership dedicated to tackling the complex global challenges of drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism,"
[Read More]
UNODC promotes sport as tool for peace on Kyrgyz-Tajik border
UNODC is working to use sport as a vehicle to promote valuable life skills among youth. Under the Doha Declaration Global Programme, the organization is engaging youth who are at risk of violence, drugs and crime, with Kyrgyzstan one of the pilot countries where awareness raising sports initiatives will be conducted in partnership with the Government, sports organizations and civil society. UNODC is also delivering infrastructure to host activities. [Read more]
First multi-stakeholder workshop on UN Convention against Corruption in Southeast Europe commences
UNODC hosted the first multi-stakeholder workshop on the United Nations Convention against Corruption and its Review Mechanism in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the first such workshop to be held in Southeast Europe, the event aimed to develop capacities of around 60 participants across the region to contribute to the implementation of the Convention and its Review Mechanism. [Read more]
We have a generational opportunity to trounce the traffickers and smugglers of human misery
"When I refused to sell my body they sold me to another brothel". This is the heart rending testimony of a 13 year-old Nepalese girl named Skye trafficked by relatives to India. Skye's story ends better than most. Together with her sister, Skye escaped the brothel, returned to school, and now works for the Nepalese organization who rescued her: the globally renowned Shakti Samuha. But for every survivor like Skye, thousands are suffering in silence. [Read more]
UNODC increases its engagement to tackle terrorism, organized crime in the Sahel
UNODC is working on a plan of action to support the Group of Five (G5) Sahel joint force, with regard to civilian law enforcement, to ensure that the force complies with international norms and standards.UNODC has worked closely with the G5 Sahel States since its inception in 2014, to promote an integrated response. It assisted the new organization with the institutionalization and operationalization of its Security Cooperation Platform. [Read more]
UNODC supports prison authorities in addressing discrimination against women prisoners in Central America
Countries are struggling to address the specific needs of women in prison systems traditionally designed for men. As part of UNODC´s support to countries in addressing such prison challenges, a sub-regional meeting was held in Panama City to share good practices and review progress in the implementation of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules). [Read more]
UN anti-crime agency at 20; tackling terrorism, cybercrime vital for peaceful and sustainable future
Marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of UNODC, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the importance of justice to prevent conflict, promote peace and security, and achieve the SDGs. "I am proud of the support UNODC provides to countries to tackle the interlinked problems of drugs, organized crime, terrorism and corruption," said Mr. Guterres in a video message to commemorate the agency's anniversary. [Read more]
UNODC, MINUSMA help Mali fight terrorism financing and cash smuggling
Transnational organized crime, terrorism and drug trafficking are growing concerns as illicit networks have become powerful, dangerous, and highly adaptable. For criminal and terrorist networks to be effective, funds and financial infrastructures remain critical but they also represent a critical vulnerability. UNODC, with the support of the CENTIF and the MINUSMA, organized a workshop on disrupting the financing of terrorist networks. [Read more]
Bolivian high school students battle it out at the keyboard to promote justice and the rule of law
Following on from UNODC's successful hackathon (or coding challenge) in South Africa in July, a second #Hack4Justice event was held in Bolivia. Organized in partnership with the Higher University of San Andrés, some 36 secondary school students aged 13 to 18 gathered in La Paz, Bolivia to show off their ideas and compete to develop educational games focusing on justice and rule of law issues. [Read more]
We have a generational opportunity to help everyone live in dignity, says UNODC Chief
"Let us all work to end the cruelty of smuggling of migrants and human trafficking," Yury Fedotov told participants at a UN General Assembly event. "This is a generational opportunity to help every human being to live in dignity, and in safety and security. I also recognize the weight of responsibility placed on delegates to succeed in this goal,". Mr. Fedotov was welcoming participants to the thematic session on migrant smuggling and human trafficking. [Read more]
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