A UNODC-WCO training equipped 16 Nepal Customs officers with practical skills in non-intrusive inspection. Participants improved their capacity to analyse scan images, focus inspections on high-risk cargo and reduce physical exposure to hazards, supporting safer, faster and more effective border controls.
UNODC, with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Bangladesh Police, is strengthening election preparedness in Bangladesh by training 610 command-level officers nationwide. The initiative aims to strengthen operational planning, accountability and decision-making, enabling rights-based, accountable policing during election-related operations.
UNODC supported authorities in the Maldives and Sri Lanka to strengthen responses to drug-related illicit financial flows and terrorism financing through two national validation meetings. The meetings brought together 21 officials from the Maldives and Sri Lanka to validate national assessments and generate concrete insights on financial investigation gaps, system vulnerabilities, data sharing and legal frameworks to guide reforms, training and cooperation in 2026.
Under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Passenger and Cargo Control Programme, two exchange visits strengthened Customs capacity in South Asia. 12 Maldives Customs Service officials deepened skills in passenger and cargo profiling through Türkiye, while 8 Nepal Customs officials enhanced knowledge and skills on risk-based controls and public–private cooperation through Sri Lanka, reinforcing intelligence-led enforcement and regional coordination.
India's apex curriculum body, the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) convened an expert group to develop educators'-focused modules on integrity, ethics and the rule of law. UNODC joined the group consultations to share insights and inputs drawn from national and global frameworks and interventions, and the RiseUp4Peace initiative.
Sri Lanka: Strengthening Partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka
Mr. Kristian Hölge, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia presented credentials to the Honourable Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. Vijitha Herath. UNODC reaffirms its support to the Government of Sri Lanka in strengthening justice, health and security.
Bangladesh: Strengthening Cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh
Mr. Kristian Hölge, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia presented credentials to Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain, Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UNODC reaffirms support to the Government of Bangladesh in advancing justice, health and crime prevention.
Nepal: Advancing BIMSTEC-UNODC cooperation
The BIMSTEC Secretary General, H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, received Mr. Kristian Hölge, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia at the BIMSTEC Secretariat. The discussions focused on cooperation in combating transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering.
Nepal: Shaping Collaborative Mechanisms against Trafficking
In Nepal, UNODC convened the South Asia Women's Network on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants with funding from the European Union, bringing together new network and advisory board members and fostering collaborative frameworks in response to human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
India: Championing SDG16, young people reflect on inclusion
The foundation of a peaceful and lawful society is inclusion. When educators champion inclusion and rights, they inspire young people to build a just, peaceful and fairer world. In support of RiseUp4Peace, students of Delhi's Bluebells International School shared powerful reflections on what exclusion looks like and why inclusion matters.
India: Sensitising students against addiction
In support of RiseUp4Peace, Ratlam Public School in Madhya Pradesh partnered with local stakeholders and UNODC to sensitise students against addiction. Through awareness sessions, posters, talks and group activities, students reflected on health and social risks as well as healthy habits and responsible behaviours.
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Our Partners
Our activities in South Asia are possible
due to the generous support of:
Australia
Canada
European Union
Germany
India
Japan
Joint UN Program Fund
Norway
Sweden
Portugal
United Kingdom
United States of America
UBRAF/UNAIDS
Government Partners:
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Sri Lanka
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) assists Member States in their efforts to combat illicit drugs and international crime. Over the past two decades, the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia(ROSA) has been working with governments and civil society in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, providing specialized assistance to address challenges pertaining to drugs, organised crime, security, justice and health. The commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, human rights and the rule of law is at the core of our mandate.
Contact Us
C-97 (Ground Floor), Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024, India
Email: samarth.pathak@un.org
