Issue 99 | September 5, 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
International experts gather to develop new judicial ethics training under the Doha Declaration Global Programme
As part of UNODC's anti-corruption work within the judiciary, an Expert Group Meeting in Vienna focusing on the development of judicial ethics training took place in August. Key experts from over 20 countries offered extensive inputs and insights into this crucial issue. The meeting proved essential in hearing the views and recommendations on how to develop training tools in particular for newly appointed members of the judiciary. [Read more]
UNODC continues to support Field Offices in Sustainable Development Goals implementation
Adopted in 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is intended as a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity that seeks to strengthen universal peace. With the mandate to make the world safer from drugs and crime, UNODC is committed to support Member States in reaching their targets under the Sustainable Development Goals mainstreaming the Goals into actions and strengthening staff capacity in the field. [Read more]
UNODC cements close ties with Japan through strategic dialogue on drugs, crime and terrorism
UNODC's Executive Director Yury Fedotov met with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Satoshi Suzuki, to sign a revised joint action plan on issues of regional cooperation, Afghanistan, terrorism and violent extremism, human trafficking and cybercrime. At the signing ceremony, Mr. Fedotov expressed UNODC's appreciation for the support provided by the Government of Japan in past years and for the upcoming period. [Read more]
Helping judiciaries in their role as the guardian of the rule of law
In the run up to the launch of the Global Judicial Integrity Network in 2018, UNODC this week held its preparatory meeting for Europe, bringing together a diverse group of justice officials and associations from across the region. Following similar activities held in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean in 2016, and ahead of meetings for Africa planned for later this year, the discussion offered a forum to exchange good practices and challenges in judicial integrity. [Read more]
Business can blaze a trail against human trafficking, UNODC Chief tells forum
Partnership with the private sector is essential to address the challenges of human trafficking, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Yury Fedotov, told business leaders from the Pacific region. According to UNODC's report, most victims in East Asia and the Pacific are trafficked for sexual exploitation. Businesses have a capacity to stop crimes such as human trafficking and forced labour from gaining a foothold in the communities and supply chains. [Read more]
Southern Africa: UNODC, Africa's rangers at the frontline of the anti-poaching war
As the sun rises over the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, tourists from all over the world enjoy viewing the magnificent wildlife that Southern Africa offers. However, for the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks, every day they have a grim duty to perform. In the morning, patrols check their regions to see how many animals have been killed overnight by poachers - not for food or sustenance but for profit. [Read more]
Corruption in Nigeria survey reveals far-reaching impact
The first-ever household survey on bribery in Nigeria revealed the scope and impact of bribery on citizens when in contact with public officials. Conducted by UNODC and the National Bureau of Statistics, the research finds that on average, almost one bribe is paid by every adult citizen per year to public officials and that the average amount paid in cash for a bribe is equivalent to a fourth of the average monthly salary. The survey revealed that within a year a total of 82.3 million bribes were paid amounting to $4.6 billion. [Read more]
Lake Chad Basin: integrating gender dimensions to fight terrorism
Terrorism continues to pose a major threat to peace and security in Central Africa, in particular the Lake Chad Basin region. Terrorist groups commit grave violations of human rights. With a view to strengthen the effectiveness of criminal justice responses to terrorism UNODC and the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights organized a sub-regional workshop on "Gender Dimensions of Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism" in Yaoundé, Cameroon. [Read more]
UNODC advocates a balanced, evidence and human rights based approach to drug control in Nigeria
The right to health is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In line with both, the Government of Nigeria has put in place measures to tackle the drug demand, however, drug treatment is mainly concentrated in tertiary hospitals in capital cities and it remains expensive, with few civil society organizations having limited capacity and funding to respond to drug use disorders. [Read more]
On International Youth Day 2017, UNODC launches tool to help communities use sport to build resilience of their youth
Building on the work of the United Nations and others to help at-risk youth in marginalized communities avoid engaging in drugs, crime and violence, UNODC today launched its brand new Line Up Live Up Trainer Manual. Designed to assist coaches, trainers, youth workers and others looking to use sport as a vehicle to help 13 to 18 year olds cope with challenges in everyday life, the Trainer Manual has been designed for use in low resource settings across the globe. [Read more]
New UNODC report sheds light on the phenomenon of human trafficking into Thailand
The new report by UNODC and the Thailand Institute of Justice "Trafficking in persons from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar to Thailand" is the first joint report of its kind to explore human trafficking in the sub-region. It concludes that in order to tackle human trafficking from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar into Thailand, governments must first better understand it as part of the broader phenomenon of irregular migration from those three countries. [Read more]
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