For information only - not an official document

UNIS/CP/1049
1 June 2018

Statement attributable to the UNODC spokesperson on the situation in Bangladesh

VIENNA, 1 June 2018 - In response to media and civil society enquiries regarding reports from Bangladesh on anti-drug operations that have allegedly resulted in dozens of deaths, the following statement was issued by the spokesperson of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime:

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is closely following developments in the situation.

UNODC urges all Member States to adhere to their commitments to promote balanced, human rights-based approaches to drug control, in line with the three international drug control conventions and the outcome document of the United Nations General Assembly special session on the world drug problem.

We stand ready to engage with all countries to help bring criminals to justice with the appropriate legal safeguards, in line with international standards and norms, and to promote evidence-based prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration.

* *** *

For further information, please contact:

Sonya Yee
Speechwriter and Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-4990
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-4990
Email: sonya.yee[at]un.org