For information only - not an official document
UNIS/CP/788
3 November 2014
VIENNA, 3 November (UN Information Service) - The following is a statement from the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Yury Fedotov, after meeting Neven Mimica, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development.
"UNODC and the European Commission have formed a solid partnership across the world to counter illicit drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism.
Together, we hold a joint operational portfolio that delivers integrated support in the areas of public health, drug demand reduction, alternative development, human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, and maritime security, among others. Work that benefits millions of people.
I look forward to further expanding this close cooperation, particularly in the field of criminal justice reform, but also against wildlife and forest crime, which is doing untold harm to this planet's biodiversity.
These challenges are intricately bound to the achievement of development advances. In the absence of a strong rule of law, illicit drugs, crime and corruption can undermine development, and in doing so, deny prosperity, peace and security to families and communities.
I informed the commissioner that UNODC will continue its much needed work, alongside its partners, of strengthening criminal justice systems to ensure that development is shielded and encouraged."
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For further information, please contact:
David
Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
