The Government of Bangladesh, with UNODC and IOM’s support, launched a Bench Book for judges to enhance responses to human trafficking. Developed with the financial support of the European Union (EU) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), this comprehensive judicial reference tool strengthens victim-centred justice, standardizes court proceedings and equips the judiciary with practical guidance to protect victims’ rights and ensure fair, trauma-informed adjudication.
UNODC’s training enabled 29 frontline officials from Sri Lanka and Maldives to enhance their knowledge and skills in integrating forensic science and asset-based approaches to tackle synthetic drugs. Participants improved their understanding of operational safety, evidence management, and investigative coordination, building readiness to respond more effectively to evolving drug networks. Using UNODC’s crime scene investigation kits, officers worked through realistic mock crime scenes, practicing how to protect drug-related scenes, identify and collect evidence, prevent contamination, and maintain chain-of-custody standards.
A new Airport Control Unit (ACU) was formally established at the Velana International Airport in Male, under UNODC’s Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP). ACU members also received state-of-the-art communication and IT equipment, enhancing their operational capabilities. With upgraded facilities and tools, ACU members are now better equipped to apply intelligence-led risk management, profiling, and selective inspection techniques.
22 prosecutors and investigators from Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kathmandu enhanced their capacities to safeguard and uphold victims’ rights through effective judicial responses to human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. Through interactive discussions and group exercises, participants examined the key challenges surrounding victim investigation, prosecution, repatriation, and reintegration. The Hon’ble Attorney General of Nepal, the Deputy Attorney General and the Chief of the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau graced the occasion, underscoring a strong commitment to a victim-centered approach.
Bangladesh Customs officers at Dhaka’s Airport Control Unit enhanced their ability to intercept high-risk air cargo through UNODC’s condensed PCCP training. By combining intelligence-led targeting, concealment detection, and inter-agency coordination, participants gained practical skills to improve seizure rates, strengthen operational readiness, and respond effectively to evolving illicit trade threats.
With technical support from UNODC, the Government of Sri Lanka, is undertaking the development of a comprehensive national strategy to prevent and counter organized crime. 47 national experts convened to enhance and fine-tune the upcoming strategy, with a strong focus on better coordination and grounding the framework in human rights principles and frontline realities.
Bhutan: Advancing Partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan
Mr. Kristian Hölge, UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia presented credentials to Mr. DN Dhungyel, Honourable Foreign Minister of Bhutan, reaffirming mutual partnership. UNODC stands ready to support the Royal Government of Bhutan in advancing justice, health and crime prevention.
India: Strengthening Cooperation with the Government of India
Mr. Kristian Hölge, Regional Representative, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia presented credentials to Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. UNODC stands ready to support the Government of India with national and regional responses.
Nepal: Identifying gaps to strengthen efforts against synthetic drugs and precursors
In Nepal, UNODC experts held high-level institutional dialogues with key national counterparts and officials from Deputy Attorney General's Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs and Police, among others, to identify challenges and response gaps, and avenues of cooperation, in the fight against synthetic drugs and precursors.
India: Enhancing knowledge sharing on maritime law enforcement responses
UNODC's Global Maritime Crime Programme participated in the Maritime Information Sharing Workshop hosted by the Indian Navy and the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region, sharing critical insights on shifting maritime domain awareness, digital evidence and strengthening legal finish for maritime crimes.
Nepal: Boosting capacities on financial investigation techniques
In Nepal, provincial investigators received a capacity boost on financial investigation techniques, money laundering detection and asset tracing, through a European Union-funded UNODC consultation inaugurated by the Hon’ble Attorney General Sabita Bhandari.
Sri Lanka: Risk management training for Port Control Unit
In an effort to boost national and regional resilience, UNODC hosted an advanced risk-management training for the Port Control Unit at Colombo. The training enhanced customs’ capacity on legislation, risk indicators, insider-threat detection and container inspections.
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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
