UNODC presented global good practices in drug demand reduction and shared the latest trends in trafficking at the first National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads, convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. Inaugurated by the Union Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Amit Shah, the meet stressed zero tolerance to drugs, prevention through education, treatment and rehabilitation, and building resilience among youth.
21 judges, prosecutors and law enforcement from Bangladesh came together at a UNODC-OPDAT roundtable to strengthen criminal justice responses to trafficking and migrant smuggling. The dialogue emphasized stronger evidence use, victim protection, cross-border cooperation, and contributed to the amendment of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act (PSHTA) 2012.
Bangladesh Customs officers enhanced their skills in X-ray image analysis, risk profiling, and cargo screening through a specialised UNODC training. With improved ability to detect concealed contraband and make rapid, informed decisions, officers are now better equipped to secure borders, safeguard trade, and strengthen national and international enforcement cooperation.
25 faculty members from public and private universities across Bangladesh came together at a UNODC National Workshop to promote the integration of teaching modules on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants into higher education curricula. The initiative built on earlier milestones, including an online consultation and the launch of the university-level modules in 2023 with participation from 25 universities. In intensive discussions, participants representing disciplines such as law, criminology, and social sciences explored the 15 UNODC Teaching Modules, which provide both practical and theoretical insights to help educators deliver high-quality, contextualized content in their classrooms.
Targeted educational interventions help prepare children to imbibe positive values and integrity, resolve disputes peacefully, promote the rule of law and build a society rooted in justice and inclusion. That’s the idea driving UNODC’s RiseUp4Peace initiative, which supports schools reimagine themselves as spaces of resilience and hope. In September, schools, educators and young people across India took these efforts forward, from students pledging action in Salem, to creative collaborations in Kolkata, to advocacy on sign language in Delhi.
A provincial consultation led by UNODC gathered frontline insights on human trafficking to inform Nepal’s forthcoming National Report on Trafficking in Persons. By capturing real cases and systemic gaps, the process ensures evidence-based, victim-centred strategies and stronger coordination to counter trafficking nationwide. The discussions highlighted systemic gaps, including lack of clear victim identification guidelines, limited coordination among ministries for repatriation, and inadequate long-term rehabilitation centres.
Bangladesh: Strengthening digital data collection on human trafficking
Strengthening Bangladesh’s evidence-based response to human trafficking, the Ministry of Home Affairs, INCIDIN and UNODC convened 24 officials and experts to discuss ways to enhance digital data collection for the country's annual Trafficking in Persons report. Supported by the European Union, the workshop called for stronger data-sharing mechanisms and coordinated efforts.
Maldives: Enhancing maritime law enforcement responses
As part of UNODC's Global Maritime Crime Programme, two multi-agency trainings were held in the Maldives to strengthen maritime crime prosecutions, with support of the US Government. 30 officials enhanced their knowledge and skills in managing digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, the internet, and social media to support more effective investigations and prosecutions.
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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.
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Email: samarth.pathak@un.org
