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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.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Discuss the role and effectiveness of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in addressing global challenges related to illicit drugs, organized crime, and corruption. Suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of UNODC in the changing dynamics of global crime. (250 words)

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