UNODC Full Form: For over two decades, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has worked to protect the world from drugs, social groups, corruption, and terrorism. They are committed to achieving universal health, security, and justice by addressing these threats and promoting peace and long-term well-being as deterrents. The Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA) of the UNODC is located in New Delhi. It carries out the organization’s objectives in six regional countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The agency’s priorities are drug trafficking and abuse, crime prevention and criminal justice, international terrorism, and political corruption. It belonged to the United Nations Development Group and had an estimated biannual budget of US$700 million in 2016-2017. Throughout this article, we provide detailed information about UNODC, like its history of UNODC, objectives, structure, members & much more.
Table of Contents
UNODC Overview
This section briefly overviews the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Let’s have a look.
| WFP | United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime |
| Headquarters | Vienna, Austria |
| Establishment | 1997 |
| Parent organization | United Nations Secretariat |
| Website | https://www.unodc.org/ |
| Type | Secretariat office |
What is UNODC?
UNODC stands for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is a United Nations office that was established in 1997 as the Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention by combining the United Nations International Drug Control Program and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division in the United Nations Office at Vienna and was renamed the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2002.
- Normative work to assist States in the ratification and implementation of international treaties, the development of domestic legislation on drugs, crime and terrorism, and the provision of secretariat and substantive services to the treaty-based and governing bodies;
- The agency focuses on the trafficking and misuse of illicit drugs, criminal justice and crime prevention, international terrorism, and political corruption. UNDOC is a member of the United Nations Development Group.
- Field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance the capacity of Member States to counteract illicit drugs, crime and terrorism;
- Research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and expand the evidence base for policy and operational decisions.
History of UNODC
The United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP) and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division in the United Nations Office in Vienna were merged to form the Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was renamed in 2002. UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all world regions through an extensive network of field offices.
Objective of UNODC
UNODC aims to assist the Member States in building their capacity through criminal justice reforms as appropriate to respect the rule of law and protect and ensure legal rights that individuals and groups enjoy under domestic and international law. UNODC’s global efforts contribute to providing access to justice for all, preventing violence, making the world safer from drugs and crime, promoting health and well-being, and increasing the knowledge base to advance human rights effectively.
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Campaigns of UNODC
UNODC launches campaigns to raise awareness of drugs and crime problems. On 26 June yearly, they mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. On 9 December every year, UNODC commemorates International Anti-Corruption Day.
“Do Drugs Control Your Life?” – World Drug Campaign
“Your No Counts” – International Anti-Corruption Campaign
“Think AIDS” – World AIDS Campaign
Blue Heart Campaign Against Human Trafficking
UNODC and India
- UNODC presence in India since 1987, headquartered in New Delhi.
- India identified as a major international trading center for illegal drugs by UNODC report.
- Widespread practice of ordering narcotics via Dark Web marketplaces discussed in the report.
- Heroin trafficking prevalent, with over 1,000 drug listings from India found on online crypto-market sites.
- India serves as a transit point and final destination for heroin and hashish from Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent regions.
- Pharmaceutical and psychotropic compounds, along with precursor chemicals, smuggled through Indian territory.
- Two-way unlawful flow of narcotics poses a serious threat to national security.
- India’s geographical proximity to Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle increases vulnerability to drug trafficking.
- Golden Crescent includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan; Golden Triangle includes Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.
- Historical significance of Golden Triangle as a major opium producer until the rise of Golden Crescent in the early 21st century.
Structure of UNODC
- Executive Director appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General.
- Headquarters located in Vienna, Austria.
- Approximately 3,400 employees globally.
- 115 field offices worldwide.
- Two liaison offices in Brussels and New York City.
- Secretariat of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
- Includes the Terrorism Prevention Branch.
- Member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.
Conclusion
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is an important world organization that fights drug trafficking, crime, corruption, and terrorism. With its main office in Vienna and field offices all over the world, UNODC works hard to help member states deal with these tough problems. UNODC works to improve safety, justice, and well-being through normative work, field-based projects, research, and campaigns. It makes important contributions to global efforts to make the world better and more fair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the UNODC do?
UNODC informs the world about drug abuse’s dangers and strengthens international action against drug production, trafficking, and drug-related crime. UNODC also works to improve crime prevention and assist with criminal justice reform in several countries.
Is UNODC a government?
The two Commissions govern the funds managed by the UNODC. Australia is a current member of the CND (until 2013) and is an observer of these two Commissions that control the funds managed by the UNODCough the Western European and Other States Group).
What is the complete form of UNODC?
The full form of UNODC is the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
How is Unodc funded?
Image results in Voluntary contributions from the Member States, multilateral organizations, the private sector and other sources comprise the bulk of UNODC funding in support of UNODC mandate areas associated with drug control and crime prevention.
What is the purpose of the UNODC?
UNODC aims to assist the Member States in building their capacity through criminal justice reforms as appropriate to respect the rule of law and protect and ensure legal rights that individuals and groups enjoy under domestic and international law.
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