Description

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Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU

Context:

The World Health Organization and UNODC released report highlights the continuous threat of contaminated medicines globally.

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME (UNODC)

It was established in 1997, by combining the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.

The headquarters is in Vienna, Austria.

It largely operates on voluntary contributions, mainly from governments around the world.

What are the Core Functions and Mandate of UNODC?

Research and Policy Analysis => Conducts research to understand global trends in drug production, trafficking, and abuse, as well as new forms of crime.

Its annual 'World Drug Report' provides insights into the global drug problem, including trends in illicit drug use and production.

Developing Laws and Treaties => Helps countries develop and implement international laws (conventions, treaties) to fight crime and drugs.

Two major conventions it oversees are the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Technical Assistance and Field Projects => Provide training, equipment, and expert advice to police, judges, prosecutors, and prison staff.

The WHO and UNODC released a report, titled 'Contaminated medicines and integrity of the pharmaceutical excipients supply chain'

Over the past 90 years, at least 25 documented incidents of contamination led to over 1,300 deaths worldwide, with many victims being children.
Contamination of medicines with industrial-grade toxic chemicals like diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG).

How does UNODC work with India?

Areas of Cooperation => Work closely on various fronts, including drug control, counter-terrorism efforts, and anti-corruption initiatives.

Regional Initiative => Colombo Declaration (2016) aimed to make the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) a drug-free zone.

Capacity Building => Training programs for Indian law enforcement agencies on investigating complex financial crimes and cybercrime.

Must Read Articles:

DRUG MENACE IN INDIA

DRUG ABUSE IN INDIA

Source: THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):

1. It was established in by World Health Organisation.

2. The 'World Drug Report' is an annual publication of the UNODC.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: UNODC formed in 1997 by merging the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and the Centre for International Crime Prevention (CICP); it adopted its current name in 2002.

Statement 2 is correct: UNODC releases the 'World Drug Report' annually, which provides valuable information on global drug abuse trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

UNODC's objective is to help UN member states fight illicit drugs, crime prevention, criminal justice issues, international terrorism, and political corruption.

UNODC was established in 1997 by merging the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, later adopting its current name in 2002.

UNODC's headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria.