NCJ Number
229063
Date Published
2009
Length
58 pages
Annotation
This annual report addresses the activities of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) conducted in 2008 in its mission to address the threat posed by drug use and trafficking as well as other crime.
Abstract
Regarding the drug threat, the UNODC's crop surveys keep the world informed about the amount of opium in Afghanistan and Southeast Asia, as well as the amount of coca in the Andean countries. In 2008, a UNODC global assessment warned about the use of amphetamine-type stimulants, particularly in the developing world. Operationally, UNODC has promoted regional and international cooperation in stemming the flow of Afghanistan's opium through the Paris Pact. It has also promoted efforts to address the threat posed by drug trafficking in West Africa. UNODC has increased its efforts to reduce the vulnerability of Central America and the Caribbean countries to drugs and crime. UNODC has provided leadership and technical assistance for improving drug prevention and treatment internationally. This includes assisting countries to reduce the adverse health and social consequences of drug abuse, including the spread of HIV due to injecting drug use. Regarding crime in general, the UNODC is expanding its crime control activities designed to strengthen the rule of law, which is viewed as the foundation for socioeconomic progress. In 2008, a major commitment was made to fighting human trafficking, which gained recognition and commitment as a result of the Vienna Forum Against Human Trafficking. The UNODC is also intensifying its work in countering other emerging forms of crime, such as environmental crime and maritime piracy. In addition, the UNODC is working with countries to fight corruption, money laundering, and terrorism financing. Data are provided on UNODC funding.