UNODC

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a United Nations agency that supports member states in addressing illicit drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism through research, policy development, and technical assistance. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, it operates globally with regional and country offices to help governments implement international norms and strengthen the rule of law.

UNODC was established in 1997 by the United Nations General Assembly, consolidating the UN’s drug-control program and related crime-prevention work under one umbrella. It functions as part of the UN Secretariat and reports to the UN Secretary-General. The office coordinates international efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, human trafficking, corruption, and terrorism financing, with an emphasis on governance, justice reform, and capacity building.

Core activities include policy analysis and research, support for the implementation of international drug-control and crime-prevention conventions, and assistance to law enforcement, judiciary, and corrections systems. It provides technical advice, training, and financial investigations support, and helps countries strengthen border controls, money-laundering controls, and interception of illicit finance. UNODC also works on cybercrime, smuggling of migrants, and other transnational crimes, promoting cooperation across borders and sectors.

The agency publishes statistical reports and analytical products, such as global and regional drug market assessments and crime trend analyses. It collaborates with governments, civil society, other UN bodies, and international organizations to monitor progress toward international conventions and to guide policy options and best practices.

Leadership and structure: UNODC is led by an Executive Director and supports its work through divisions and field offices, operating under the UN framework with a mandate to promote the rule of law and protect human rights.