Issue 109 | June 29, 2018
A quick and easy update of the latest UNODC and international drugs and crime news.
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World Drug Report 2018: opioid crisis, prescription drug abuse expands; cocaine and opium hit record highs
The non-medical use of prescription drugs is becoming a major threat to public health and law enforcement worldwide with opioids causing the most harm and accounting for 76 per cent of deaths where drug use disorders were implicated, according to the latest World Drug Report, recently released by the UNODC. [Read More]
On Day Against Drug Abuse, UN calls for international cooperation to realize global commitments
On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the United Nations called on all countries to advance prevention and treatment services, ensure access to controlled medicines, and prevent abuse. "Together, we can ensure that all people can live in health, dignity and peace, with security and prosperity," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. [Read More]
Responding to global opioid crisis, UNODC launches strategy to protect public health
UNODC launched an organization-wide strategy to deal with the deadly global opioid crisis which is mainly affecting North America and parts of Africa and the Middle East, and threatening to spread more widely. Misuse of opioids, such as fentanyl, usually widely used to treat severe pain and in anaesthesia; its analogues, as well as tramadol, used to treat moderate and moderate-to-severe pain, are of growing concern worldwide. [Read More]
At least 2.5 million migrants smuggled worldwide in 2016, says UNODC study
At least 2.5 million migrants were smuggled in 2016, according to the first Global Study on Smuggling of Migrants released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Migrant smuggling occurred in all regions of the world and generated an income for smugglers of up to US$7 billion, equivalent to what the United States or the European Union countries spent on global humanitarian aid in 2016. [Read More]
A new chance for prisoners to mend their future, one stitch at a time
In its commitment to advancing the rule of law, criminal justice and crime prevention, UNODC has been working on the rehabilitation of prisoners, and reducing the possibility of recidivism by investing in their future and changing their outlook on life. [Read More]
International community gathers in New York, discusses coordinated action to tackle terrorism, violent extremism worldwide
During the first-ever United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week, the General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution stressing the need for countries to join forces as no one could tackle the scourge of terrorism alone. Introducing the resolution, Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák said: "the level of activity and participation we saw recently, shows that the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is as crucial as ever." [Read More]
Norway steps up the fight against illegal deforestation with UN and INTERPOL
The Norwegian Government announced a pledge of up to EUR 15 million (145 million NOK) to a partnership between INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the RHIPTO-Norwegian Center for Global Analyses to combat illegal deforestation. Halting and reversing land degradation and tropical deforestation could provide up to 30 per cent of the climate change solution. [Read More]
International community gathers in Peru, discusses modern crime statistics to deliver better data for less crime
More than 400 experts representing international organizations, government institutions, national statistical offices and academia from 35 countries recently gathered in Lima, Peru to discuss ways to modernize crime and criminal justice statistical systems. Organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and hosted by the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) of Peru, the three-day event focused on emerging methodologies to measure crime. [Read More]
UNODC technical consultation on family therapy for adolescents with drug use disorders
Adolescence is a critical window of vulnerability for the onset of substance use disorders, and the family environment can be both a protective and a risk factor. Communities and families affected by drug use disorders all around the world are facing grave challenges as they often find themselves without appropriate support and without access to evidence-based drug use disorder treatment. [Read More]
UNODC, China join efforts to counter illicit use of money or value transfer services in West and Central Asia
With a view to preventing and combating the abuse of money or value transfer services in West and Central Asia, UNODC, through its Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries, held an inter-regional training workshop in Beijing, China. Speaking at the workshop, Jeremy Milsom, UNODC Senior Programme Coordinator, said: "Money or value transfer services are widely used by individuals, businesses, organisations, and even Governments to remit funds domestically and abroad. [Read More]
UNODC and INTERPOL reinforce joint action to counter crime, terrorism
Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, visited INTERPOL headquarters in Lyon to discuss enhancing cooperation to support countries in countering crime and terrorism threats. The UNODC Executive Director and INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock opened a steering committee meeting to review progress under a joint action plan and cooperation agreement, as well as explore opportunities for further strategic and operational coordination, including through UNODC field offices. [Read More]
Italy, UNODC strengthen cooperation in support of prison reform in Lebanon
Italy and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime signed a new €500,000 funding agreement aimed at supporting efforts to improve prison conditions in Lebanon. The agreement, which covers the period 2018/2019, marks the continuation of a long-term partnership between the three, totalling more than €1.5 million in assistance since 2015. Ultimately, it aims to enhance prison conditions and the delivery of prison-based rehabilitation programmes, including vocational training and income generating activities. [Read More]
Anti-corruption action needed to safeguard sports as tool for peace and development, says UNODC chief
The international community must step up responses to prevent corruption and organized crime in sports and major sporting events, said Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the UNODC. Mr. Fedotov spoke at the conference on safeguarding sport from corruption, organized by UNODC, in partnership with Brazil, China, India, the Russian Federation and South Africa. [Read More]
World's aviation leaders meet in Australia, discuss ways to end human trafficking
In 2018, 4.3 billion travelers are expected to board planes on over 20,000 city pairs. While airlines provide a tremendous force for good, their services can be misused by criminals to facilitate the trafficking of men, women and children. Airline leaders and representatives of international organizations have gathered in Sydney, Australia for the 74th International IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, and discussed, among others, how the industry can help to prevent this crime. [Read more]
UNODC Laboratory holds first workshop on drug identification with electronic field-testing devices for West Africa
An increasing number of different drugs and precursors is trafficked in and through West Africa. Several of these substances are highly toxic and they pose a threat to public health. With a view to support Member States in identifying drugs and precursors, including new psychoactive substances, UNODC's Laboratory and Scientific Section organized a two-day training on the use of electronic field-testing devices. [Read more]
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