United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

UNODC’s mandate is to support Member States in the prevention of illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. In the Millennium Declaration, Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions, to redouble efforts to implement their commitment to counter the world drug problem, and to take concerted action against international terrorism.

UNODC has country and regional field offices in 21 locations around the world, covering over 150 countries. They represent the operational arm of the organisation. Field staff work directly with institutions, civil society organisations and local communities to develop and implement drug control and crime prevention programmes that are tailored to the needs of assisted countries. The UNODC liaison office in New York coordinates activities with United Nations Headquarters and other international, regional and non-governmental organisations in North America.

The three pillars of the UNODC work programme are:

• research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and expand the evidence-base for policy and operational decisions

• normative work to assist States in the ratification and implementation of the international treaties, the development of domestic legislation on drugs, crime and terrorism, and the provision of administrative and substantive services to the treaty-based and governing bodies

• field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance the capacity of Member States to counteract illicit drugs, crime and terrorism.

UNODC advocates a balanced approach to drug control, emphasising the importance of preventive education and treatment for addicts, as well as measures to reduce production and trafficking. The Office stresses the public policy implications of the drug issue and advocates that governments address the root causes of drug abuse when formulating economic and social policies. UNODC works to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through drug abuse prevention and by providing opportunities for treatment and social reintegration to injecting drug users.

UNODC’s Global Assessment Programme supplies accurate and current statistics on illicit drug consumption worldwide, which is crucial for developing the best prevention strategies. The Global Youth Network increases youth involvement with the international community in developing drug abuse prevention policies and programmes.

UNODC assists law enforcement, working directly with governments to strengthen their interdiction effectiveness against illicit drugs, and developing their capacities to successfully investigate, dismantle and prosecute trafficking groups. Assistance is delivered through technical experts, modern training in best practice techniques and the provision of technical equipment to support front-line operations.

UNODC works in conjunction with its international and regional partners to analyse and share information on global trafficking trends and smuggling methods.