UNODC core funding

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 as a result of the merging of the United Nations Centre for International Crime Prevention and the United Nations International Drug Control Programme. UNODC supports member states in counter illegal narcotics, crime and terrorism. Its mandate covers narcotic drugs, crime prevention and criminal justice, organized crime, corruption and terrorism. UNODC’s field of work includes topics that are wide, central to human rights and prioritized by Finland, such as rule of law, women’s rights and equality as well as smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons. UNODC assists member states in ratifying and implementing international conventions under its mandate. The organization offers assistance in development of national legislation, while also conducting research and providing technical assistance to member states in need. Other activities of UNODC include work towards gender equality and mainstreaming, alternative development through projects as well as work towards improving HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment among people who use drugs or are in prisons. The Laboratory and forensic science services section assists member states in drug identification and safe handling of substances. Finland has positioned itself in the work in UNODC as follows; Finland is a supporter of preventive policies and harm reduction in connection to drug use; an advocate for quality control of drug testing laboratories; a promoter for reaching gender equality in the field fighting against drug trafficking and crime; a proponent for combating gender-based violence; a promoter of stronger civil society participation and an advocate for rule of law principles.