The Regional Programme for South Asia outlines the scope and strategic focus of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s programmatic action in South Asia from 2024 to 2028. As the region continues to be affected by drugs and crime-related risks, including the expansion and evolution of transnational organized crime, drug trafficking and terrorism, the Regional Programme for South Asia has been designed to address both present and emerging needs in South Asia and provides a strategic framework for UNODC’s work in support of Member States. Its ultimate objective is to secure and reinforce the rule of law, strengthen regional cooperation, and protect vulnerable groups and communities from drugs and crime.
With over 1.6 billion people, South Asia encompasses over 20% of the global population, with youth below 24 years of age constituting over 40% of its demographic. Despite commendable progress in meeting development goals and navigating through conflict and crises, the region grapples with instabilities and uncertainties influenced by global dynamics.
South Asia also ranks among the most vulnerable regions to climate change challenges, impacting its peace, security, and sustainable development prospects. Considering emerging global threats, the region faces considerable challenges to health, the rule of law and human security.
The Regional Programme for South Asia is aligned with the overall UNODC corporate strategy (2021-2025) and harmonized with the wider UN system’s approach to promote sustainable development in the region. It serves as a framework for UNODC’s action to support Member States in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as they pertain to the Office’s mandate. SDG Goal 16 – related to peace, justice, corruption and illicit financial flows – is of particular importance, as it ensures that these topics are embedded in the sustainable development agenda. The Regional Programme is also fully inscribed within the UNODC inter-regional approach and is linked to other Regional Programmes and global strategies – such as the UNODC Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (2022-2026).
The programme has been designed and developed through extensive and inclusive consultations with key counterparts and on the basis of various assessments, workshops, project evaluations and capacity-building initiatives. UNODC will engage with a broad range of partners, actors, and frameworks to promote and prioritize evidence-based inclusive policies and strengthen capacities to respond – and build the resilience of communities – to, drugs, crime and terrorism: member state governments, civil society organizations, UN funds and programmes, multilateral and bilateral funding partners, and regional organizations.
Five sub-programmes to address interlinked challenges
In line with the UNODC Strategy 2021-2025, the Regional Programme for South Asia is structured to serve as an overarching framework for programming. It focuses on five outcomes/sub-programmes that address the interconnectedness of crimes, their relation to corruption, and the rule of law.
