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:
UNODC 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 sharing
3. 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
 UNODC helps Member States to fulfil their
international commitments and to better
understand their national drug problem

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.
 Ex: UNODC and Member States jointly implement
annual production and drug use surveys
Our 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.
International Collaborative Exercises (ICE)

Drug and precursor standards
Methods of analysis

Seized materials
Biological specimens
2 Rounds a year

Web-based secure portal

Real time evaluation
International Collaborative Exercise

Supporting 165 Labs in 57 countries

 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?
 ARQ
IDS
Ad
hoc

Data
Int. provided
by MS
Org.
Acade
mia

Primary Evidence always reviewed by MS

Analysis of Primary evidence + contextual
information

Official
info from
open
sources

Scientific
literature

Primary
evidence
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
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