For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1306
19 December 2016
NEW YORKVIENNA, 19 December (UN Information Service) - The international community must remain committed to helping Afghanistan alleviate the impact of illicit drugs, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov told the United Nations Security Council today.
To help Afghanistan, Mr. Fedotov said: "UNODC will continue to work over the long term with partners, including the Afghan government, to counter illicit drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism in Afghanistan, in West and Central Asia, as well as along the main drug trafficking routes to the rest of the world."
He said the communique issued after the Brussels Conference in October called for countries to commit themselves to a sustained approach to dealing with the production and trafficking of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. These efforts involve tackling crime, including money laundering, corruption and terrorism financing, as well as treating drug users.
"Our own activities, delivered through our integrated and comprehensive projects and programmes, are targeting these and other challenges," said Mr. Fedotov.
UNODC's efforts include promoting cooperation through its Afghan country programme and regional programme for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, the Paris Pact Initiative, as well as a number of other initiatives encouraging greater sharing of information, border liaison and joint operations.
An Air Cargo Unit at Kabul international airport was recently established by UNODC and the country is one of the first to implement the Container Control Programme AIR segment focused on detecting illicit drugs.
Mr. Fedotov was speaking at the Security Council during a meeting on the situation in Afghanistan. According to UNODC's findings opium poppy cultivation has increased 10 per cent from 183,000 ha in 2015 to 201,000 ha this year, and the number of poppy free provinces has fallen from 14 to 13.
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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
