The UN Office on Drugs and Crime helps member governments reduce drug abuse, trafficking, corruption, and terrorism. It has 500 staff in 21 field offices worldwide and deals with issues such as corruption, human trafficking, and money laundering. The agency provides research, assistance with international treaties, and works to establish stable criminal justice systems. It also develops alternative livelihoods for those involved in drug production and focuses on preventing international terrorism. The agency’s budget is mostly made up of voluntary contributions from member governments.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is an agency of the United Nations that helps member governments reduce and prevent drug abuse and trafficking, corruption and international terrorism. The agency was created in 1997 when the United Nations International Drug Control Program and the Division of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice were combined. There are approximately 500 UNODC staff members working in more than 21 field offices around the world. Vienna is the agency’s headquarters as of 2011, and there are liaison offices in New York City and Brussels.
The agency deals with several international drug and crime-related issues. Widespread challenges include corruption, prison reform, and human and drug trafficking. The UNODC also advises member governments on the implementation of drug and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention programmes. Money laundering, terrorism and organized crime also fall within its jurisdiction.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has three functions. Provides research to help guide public policy. This is complemented by fieldwork and cooperation projects with individual Member States. Assistance is also provided for the ratification and implementation of international treaties relating to drug and crime prevention. UNODC also works to develop national legislation in accordance with the agency’s goals.
Anti-money laundering programs and illicit crop monitoring are two of the agency’s initiatives. It also works nationwide to establish stable and sustainable criminal justice systems and a strong rule of law. A stable and effective criminal justice system can help curb the influence of international organized crime and corruption.
In addition to preventing and monitoring illicit drug trafficking and cultivation, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime works with individual nations to develop alternative livelihoods for those involved in drug production. Its annual report, called the World Drug Report, is probably one of the most comprehensive pictures of drug trafficking and production. Also included are annual crop surveys of major drug-producing nations.
International terrorism has been a focus of the agency since its founding. Its Prevention of Terrorism branch was expanded in 2002 and helps countries ratify and implement counterterrorism legal instruments by providing legislative and technical guidance.
Voluntary contributions from member governments make up more than 90% of the agency’s budget, with the largest contributions from the United States and Sweden. UNODC maintains an extensive network of field offices that allows for local support in all regions of the world and works directly with non-governmental organizations and member governments. Drug and crime prevention programs are tailored to meet local needs.
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