UNIS/CP/486
11 May 2004
United Nations, Croatia Discuss Anti-Drug Efforts and Trafficking in Human Beings
VIENNA, 11 May (UN Information Service) -- Croatian Minister of Justice Vesna Škare-Ožbolt met today with Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Minister Škare-Ožbolt is in Vienna to participate in the work of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which started this morning.
Ms. Škare-Ožbolt and Mr. Costa discussed possible co-operation between Croatia and UNODC in efforts against organized crime, with a focus on trafficking in drugs and human beings.
Like many countries in South-East Europe, Croatia is a transit country for trafficking operations, conducted by international criminal networks. These networks are involved in various forms of organized crime including extortion, prostitution and trafficking in drugs, arms and human beings.
UNODC is currently running a US$ 2.2 million project in Croatia and six other countries in the region aimed at strengthening the capacities of the respective Governments for the collection and analysis of criminal intelligence in South-East Europe.
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