Combating drugs and crime within the framework of cooperation with the United Nations: key outcomes and achievements”

In the context of globalization, the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychoactive substances, and their precursors is emerging as a serious threat to human security and sustainable development.

United Nation’s 2024 World Drug Report

According to the United Nation’s 2024 World Drug Report, approximately 300 million people worldwide (one in every 17 people) use drugs. Of these, more than 60 million suffer from opioid dependence.

Meanwhile, the spread of synthetic drugs is growing rapidly, especially their distribution via the internet (darknet) and with the use of cryptocurrency. This makes the process even more dangerous and virtually uncontrollable.

Today, there are more than 12,000 known types of drugs worldwide. In 2024 alone, over 180 new psychoactive substances were identified.

UNODC – United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) is a leading international body in the field of drug control, crime, and anti-corruption. The organization was established in 1997 as a result of the merger of the UN International Drug Control Programme and the International Centre for Crime Prevention.

Uzbekistan‘s cooperation with the UNODC is conducted through its Central Asian Regional Office, which was opened in Tashkent in 1993 and continues to operate today. This office provides practical assistance in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, as well as organized crime, corruption, and terrorism.

To prevent the threats mentioned above, Uzbekistan adopted its first-ever National Strategy on Combating Drugs and Drug-Related Crimes for 2024–2028 last year.

Paragraph 30 of this Strategy also notes the importance of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UNODC.

To strengthen cooperation with the UNODC and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), a task has been set to add the position of First Secretary to the staff of Uzbekistan’s embassy in Austria. This initiative will strengthen the country’s participation in international forums and its ability to systematically promote UN-related initiatives.

Additionally, paragraph 38 of the Strategy outlines the task of starting the process for Uzbekistan to become a member of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Consistent measures are also being taken in this direction.

In this regard, expanding Uzbekistan’s cooperation within the United Nation Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is a priority. The CND is the main policymaking body in the UN’s drug control system. Its tasks include regularly analyzing the global situation, developing proposals for anti-drug measures, and strengthening the control system.

Uzbekistan’s full membership in the Commission would allow the country to participate in global decisions, expand cooperation, and advance its own initiatives on the international stage.

Thus, the consistent development of cooperation with the UNODC and other international bodies is of crucial importance. This collaboration helps Uzbekistan align its national strategies and programs with international standards, improve prevention and treatment services, strengthen border security, and foster a zero-tolerance attitude toward drug use in society.

Uzbekistan has also joined international conventions and protocols adopted under the UN framework and has been taking consistent measures to ensure their implementation. In recent years, national legislation has been adapted to modern requirements, and legal mechanisms against new forms of crime have been strengthened.

The increasing scale of drug abuse in Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian macro-region requires countries to take joint action. In this process, the UN and its specialized bodies, particularly the UNODC, play a central role. This cooperation is of great importance for Uzbekistan, not only for effectively combating drugs but also for enhancing its reputation on the international stage.

Cooperation with the UNODC is conducted through the National Information and Analytical Center on Drug Control of Uzbekistan. From 2015 to 2024 alone, technical and practical assistance valued at $26 million was provided to Uzbekistan. Furthermore, in 2023–2024, 18 seminars, trainings, and courses were organized, where over 200 employees from relevant ministries and agencies improved their skills. The material and technical base was also strengthened with funds amounting to $468,000.

Furthermore, it’s essential to emphasize the unique and crucial role of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors in ensuring regional security in Central Asia.