UNODC

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Context

• Dubai Customs celebrating the graduation of participants from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) programme.

Details

• Dubai Customs celebrated the graduation of participants from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) programme.
• The initiative aligns with the UAE's commitment to combat drugs and crime.
• The Anti-Drug Council, led by Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was established by the UAE Cabinet.

Attendees:

• The event was attended by Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of Human Resources, Finance, and Administration Division at Dubai Customs.
• Boris Zenamensky, Deputy Regional Representative for the UNODC, was also present.
• Several executive directors and department managers participated in the event.

Purpose and Collaboration:

• The programme was developed in collaboration with the UNODC.
• It aimed to empower Dubai Customs employees with specialized skills in border control, crime prevention, and risk management.
• Nine employees from different departments participated in the initiative.

Goals and Achievements:

• The programme prepared a cadre of experts within Dubai Customs in criminalistics, risk management, and border control.
• Participants completed training courses and obtained expert certificates in crime prevention and risk management.
• The training focused on combating cross-border crimes and addressing the smuggling of prohibited goods at local, regional, and international levels.

Commitment to Excellence and Competitiveness:

• Dubai Customs' commitment to the programme aligns with the city's progress towards global competitiveness and excellence in all sectors.
• The initiative reinforces Dubai Customs' dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring precision-driven services.

Security Training Programs:

• Dubai Customs has conducted 92 security training programs as of May 2023.
• A total of 973 employees have participated, accumulating 7,547 training hours.

UNODC Accreditation and Impact:

• By acquiring accreditation from the UNODC, Dubai Customs takes a significant leap forward in supporting other Arabic-speaking countries.
• Graduates become UNODC ambassadors, promoting integrity, transparency, and justice.
• They play a crucial role in transferring knowledge, shaping mindsets, and instilling professionalism, ethics, and the importance of upholding the rule of law.

About UNODC

• The UNODC is a United Nations agency responsible for addressing issues related to drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism.
• It was established in 1997 through the merger of the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.
• The UNODC operates globally, working with member states and other partners to promote peace, security, and justice.

Mandate and Objectives:

• Drug Control: The UNODC works to combat illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse. It promotes international cooperation, drug demand reduction, and alternative development programs.
• Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: The agency supports member states in preventing and addressing various forms of crime, including organized crime, human trafficking, smuggling, and cybercrime.
• Corruption and Economic Crimes: The UNODC assists countries in combating corruption, money laundering, and financial crimes that undermine economic development and stability.
• Terrorism Prevention: The agency plays a crucial role in supporting member states in preventing and countering terrorism, including addressing the financing of terrorism.

Programs and Initiatives:

• Research and Analysis: The UNODC conducts research, collects data, and provides analysis on drug trends, crime patterns, and related issues. This information helps guide policy development and decision-making.
• Technical Assistance: The agency offers technical support to member states, providing training, capacity-building, and expertise to strengthen national criminal justice systems and law enforcement agencies.
• Legal and Policy Frameworks: The UNODC assists in the development of international legal instruments and frameworks to address drug control, crime prevention, and counter-terrorism efforts.
• Public Awareness and Advocacy: The agency promotes public awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Member States: The UNODC works closely with member states to implement programs, share best practices, and strengthen international cooperation.
• United Nations System: The agency collaborates with other UN entities, including the Office on Counter-Terrorism and the Office for Disarmament Affairs, to address common challenges.
• Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations: The UNODC engages with civil society organizations to enhance partnerships, leverage expertise, and promote a comprehensive approach to drug control and crime prevention.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• The UNODC aligns its work with the SDGs, particularly Goal 16, which focuses on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.
• Its efforts contribute to achieving targets related to drug control, crime reduction, access to justice, and building effective and accountable institutions.

https://theprint.in/world/dubai-customs-celebrates-graduation-of-unodc-officials/1624448/