Issue 110 | July 31, 2018
A quick and easy update of the latest UNODC and international drugs and crime news.
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UNODC marks world day against human trafficking, urges to better protect children and young people
Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Almost every country in the world is affected by this scourge, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims. On the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the UN is calling on the international community to urgently step up responses to the trafficking of children and young people, who make up one-third of all victims worldwide. [Read More]
UNODC offices mark World Drug Day
Each year on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, otherwise known as the World Drug Day, UNODC offices around the world organize and take part in local events to mark the observance. The theme for the 2018 edition of the Day, Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe, builds on last year's theme. It is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities. [Read More]
Nelson Mandela Centenary: UNODC reiterates need for humane approach to prison management
18 July marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela. Honouring his centenary and outstanding contribution to a culture of peace and freedom, UNODC draws attention to the more than 10 million prisoners worldwide as well as to the work of those entrusted with their safe, secure and humane custody. In his statement, UNODC Executive Director said: "The legacy of Nelson Mandela is vast, his life of service encompassing contributions to peace and reconciliation, promotion and protection of human rights, the fight against poverty and the advancement of social justice." [Read More]
South Africa presents replica of Nelson Mandela's shoes to United Nations
The Government of South Africa officially launched the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, named after Nelson Mandela, the late President of the country. In recognition of the United Nations' role in facilitating relevant negotiation process among Member States, the Government of South Africa presented to the Organization, through UNODC, a memorable gift: the replica of Nelson Mandela's shoes that he wore on the day of his release from prison. [Read More]
Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network in West and Central Asia becoming real
Tackling illicit financial flows and money laundering is a core element of UNODC's mandate. The Office works with Member States across the globe to strengthen their ability to implement measures against these crimes. With a view to enhancing cooperation in asset tracing, freezing and confiscation, UNODC's Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries recently organized an inter-regional meeting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The event provided a platform for participants to finalize the establishment of an Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network in West and Central Asia. [Read More]
Strengthening cooperation to disrupt illicit financial flows in West and Central Asia, South Eastern Europe
UNODC, through its Regional Programmes for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries and South Eastern Europe, held an inter-regional training workshop on 'Building Partnerships in Countering Illicit Financial Flows". The meeting, organized in partnership with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Croatia, took place in Zagreb. Assistant Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs of Croatia, welcomed the participants and commended UNODC for its innovative approach to enhance cooperation at the interregional level. [Read More]
Young justice coders compete in global hackathon
It is a well-established fact that children learn better and absorb their lessons faster when they are personally involved or when they participate in the actual development of tools meant to teach what they are learning. In an era of prevalent technology for children in homes and schools alike, coding and software development - including for games - are increasingly becoming an important and inescapable step in the education process, helping to enhance student's critical and computational thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy skills, creative thinking and determination. [Read More]
UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme States meet in Turkmenistan to enhance cooperation in detecting high-risk consignments
Every year, more than 720 million containers move around the globe by sea, transporting 90 per cent of the world's cargo. Most carry licit goods, but some are used to smuggle drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods. The Container Control Programme was therefore established in 2004 by the UNODC and the World Customs Organization to thwart these criminal activities by pooling the strengths of customs and other law enforcement bodies. [Read More]
UNODC co-organizes Security Council Arria-formula meeting to discuss maritime crime
UNODC co-organized with Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, the Netherlands, and the United States an Arria-formula meeting on maritime crime as a threat to international peace and security. The meeting held in New York, provided a platform for the Security Council to address the common and interlinked emerging crimes at sea, including piracy and armed robbery, arms and drug trafficking, fisheries crime, smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons. [Read More]
UNODC, Colombia launch report on alluvial gold exploitation in the country
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the Ministry for Mines and Energy of Colombia launched a study on alluvial gold exploitation in the South American country and the relationship of this activity with organized crime. Presented with the support of the United States, the report indicates that an estimated 66 per cent of this industry in Colombia is not established within existing normative frameworks. Findings show 6 per cent increase in areas affected by the exploitation: from 79,000 hectares (ha) in 2014 to 84,000 ha in 2016. [Read More]
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