How does UNODC research programme support UN inter-governmental bodies and their Member States to address the Drug Problem?

DPA/RAB June 2014

Research, analysis, statistics and forensics: Research, analysis, statistics and forensics: UNODC missionUNODC mission

1.Collect and disseminate accurate drugs and crime statistics and analyze trends and threats to support Member States in their comprehensive response to drugs and crime.

2.Strengthen national forensic capacity and support Member States to produce, disseminate and use drug and crime statistics within the framework of official statistics.

3.Develop forensic, methodological and statistical standards in the field of crime, criminal justice and illicit drugs in collaboration with national experts and relevant international organizations.

As mandated by various CND, ECOSOC, GA resolutions

Three sets of research tools 1. To support national capacity

– Surveys– National research capacity– National forensic capacity

2. To facilitate data and information sharing3. To provide knowledge on the dynamics of regional and

international drug markets– The World Drug Report– Global Assessment of Synthetic drugs and NPS– Annual reports to the CND– Regional analytical reports on Afghan Opiates and ATS

Parties to the International Drug Conventions are required to provide data on drug use and supply to the UN

Secretary General on an annual basis.

UNODC helps Member States to fulfil their UNODC helps Member States to fulfil their international commitments and to better international commitments and to better understand their national drug problemunderstand their national drug problem

Ex: UNODC and Member States jointly Ex: UNODC and Member States jointly implement implement

annual production and drug use surveysannual production and drug use surveysOur approach:

Consistent & Comparable methods• Quality standards & control• Harmonised methodologies• Transparent (reports published)

Participatory• Cooperation of national and international agencies• Transfer of technology, capacity building

Focussed on evidence for policy development•Support Member States in the development of their comprehensive counter drugs policies including: eradication, prevention of drug use, alternative development.

•Drug and precursor standards•Methods of analysis

•Seized materials•Biological specimens•2 Rounds a year

•Web-based secure portal•Real time evaluation

•International Collaborative Exercises (ICE)

Supporting 165 Labs in 57 countries

International Collaborative Exercise

Field identification kits

Kits available in all UN languages +

Computer Based Training

Guidelines for NPS identification

Enhancing Member States’ Capacity

Training on portable devices for rapid NPS detection

Facilitating data and information sharing

www.unodc.org/nps

Sharing Information on Legislative Responses

Providing knowledge on the dynamics of regional and international drug markets

www.unodc.org/wdr/

How do we produce research publications?

Analysis of Primary evidence + contextual information

Example : Methamphetamine flows as perceived by recipient country, 2008-2012

Transnational information system

In the spirit of international cooperation

UNODC Research Values• Transparency • Unbiased research• Evidence and Methodology lead the analysis and research findings • Research to support countries NOT against countries

– The purpose is not to “blame and shame” but to provide an accurate picture of dug markets

• All MS are equally treated in the analysis of data and in the dissemination of results

• Distinction between research findings and policy conclusions

Challenges

• Dealing with a complex phenomenon and 193 MS

• Lack of national capacity to regularly produce data but also in some instances lack of willingness to openly share information on national drug markets

• High demand and limited resources

Conclusion: Relevance of UNODC Research for Conclusion: Relevance of UNODC Research for MS and the international community MS and the international community

Putting the puzzle together•Monitoring compliance with international conventions and targets set at inter-governmental fora.

•Supporting evidence-based policy development and comprehensive responses to illicit drugs, including alternative development.

Supporting the monitoring capacity of Member States

•Identifying drugs (forensics)

•Providing knowledge on illicit drugs cultivation, production, use, and the drug economy (affecting social stability, economic development, health and national security).

•Monitoring the effectiveness of drug control measures and related development programmes.

For further information, please contact:

Angela Me, Chief

Research and Analysis Branch

UNODC

Angela.Me@unodc.org