United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed that contaminated medicines have led to the death of 1,300 people over the past 90 years.

About the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

• Established: In 1997, through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.

• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

Key Functions of UNODC

1. Combatting Drug Abuse:
   UNODC works globally to educate people on the dangers of drug abuse and strives to create awareness about the risks involved.

2. Action Against Illicit Drugs:
   It strengthens international action against illicit drug production, trafficking, and drug-related crimes.

3. Criminal Justice Reform:
   UNODC aids in improving crime prevention, enhancing criminal justice systems, and promoting rule of law. This is aimed at combating transnational organized crime and corruption.

4. Terrorism Prevention:
   In 2002, the UN General Assembly approved an expanded program for the Terrorism Prevention Branch. This initiative focuses on assisting states in ratifying and implementing 18 universal legal instruments against terrorism.

5. Funding:
   The UNODC relies mainly on voluntary contributions from governments to fund its operations.

Global Impact

The UNODC's ongoing efforts to prevent illicit drug trafficking and tackle organized crime play a pivotal role in maintaining global health and security. With organizations like the WHO and UNODC working together, there is a global drive to ensure that medicines are safe, legitimate, and accessible to those who need them most.