As forces undermine security, weaken institutions, fuel violence and threaten development, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is at the forefront of multilateral efforts to help countries prevent and address these interconnected challenges.

Established in 1997 and headquartered in Vienna, UNODC has grown into a global organization with a network of field offices covering more than 100 countries. It is the guardian of nearly universally ratified global conventions that set internationally accepted standards, and the only UN entity with a mandate to prevent and address interlinked drug and crime challenges. UNODC supports Member States through research and analysis, policy advice, norm-setting and technical assistance. Working with governments, civil society, the private sector and other partners, the Office helps translate international commitments into practical action on the ground.

Global response to the world drug problem

Drug production, trafficking and consumption continue to affect millions of people worldwide, contributing to insecurity, violence and public health challenges. Criminal networks are increasingly agile, taking advantage of globalization, technological advances, and new trafficking routes.

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), established in 1946, is the United Nations’ principal policymaking body on drug-related matters and oversees the implementation of the international drug control conventions.

UNODC serves as the Secretariat to the CND and supports Member States in addressing the world drug problem through balanced, evidence-based responses. 

The Office helps strengthen capacities to detect and intercept illicit drug trafficking, dismantle criminal networks and address emerging threats. It also promotes drug use prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery services, including in prison settings, supports HIV prevention programs, improves access to controlled medicines, and assists communities in developing sustainable alternatives to illicit crop cultivation. Through the annual “World Drug Report” and other research products, UNODC provides data and analysis to inform policymaking and international cooperation.

Tackling organized crime

Transnational organized crime generates billions of dollars in illicit profits every year through activities such as drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, firearms trafficking, and crimes that affect the environment. These crimes undermine security and governance, distort economies, and exploit vulnerable populations.

The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), adopted in 2000, is the primary international legal instrument to prevent and combat organized crime. It provides a framework for cooperation among countries in preventing, investigating and prosecuting serious transnational offences.

UNODC is custodian of the Convention and assists countries in strengthening legislation, criminal justice responses and international cooperation. The Office monitors global crime trends and produces research, such as the biennial “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons” and threat assessments that help governments better understand evolving criminal markets and develop effective responses.

A global framework against corruption

Corruption and financial crime divert state resources, weaken public trust, hinder economic growth and erode the rule of law.

Adopted in 2003, the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the world’s only legally binding international anti-corruption instrument and is the cornerstone of global efforts in this field. UNODC serves as the Convention’s secretariat and supports Member States in implementing its provisions including through the Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM), its peer review process. Implementation gaps identified through the IRM directly drive the Office’s technical assistance.

The Office helps strengthen anti-corruption institutions, investigate and prosecute corruption and financial crimes, recover stolen assets, promote integrity and transparency. The Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) further enhances international cooperation among anti-corruption law enforcement authorities worldwide.

Building safer and more just societies

Preventing crime and strengthening criminal justice systems are essential to building safe, inclusive and resilient societies.

The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), established in 1992, is the United Nations’ main policymaking body on crime prevention and criminal justice. Through the Commission, Member States develop common approaches to emerging crime challenges and advance the implementation of United Nations standards and norms.

UNODC supports countries in strengthening crime prevention strategies, improving access to justice, supporting victims of crime, reforming criminal justice institutions including prison systems, police, prosecution services and the judiciary, while enhancing their effectiveness, fairness and accountability. The Office also promotes measures that address the root causes of crime and reduce recidivism, contributing to safer communities and stronger rule-of-law institutions.

Combating terrorism

Terrorist groups continue to adapt their tactics, exploit new technologies and seek new sources of financing and support. Effective responses require strong legal frameworks, international cooperation and respect for human rights.

Grounded in international law and the universal legal instruments against terrorism, UNODC helps Member States prevent and counter terrorism through legislative assistance, capacity-building and technical support. The Office works with criminal justice practitioners, border authorities and other institutions to strengthen national responses, while promoting approaches that uphold the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

Addressing crime in the digital age

Rapid technological change is creating new opportunities for economic and social progress, but it is also providing new tools for criminal activity. Online scams, organized fraud, and other cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes increasingly harm people, businesses and governments across the world.

Recognizing the growing threat, Member States adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in 2024, the first comprehensive global treaty dedicated to preventing and combating cybercrime. The Convention provides a framework for international cooperation, information sharing and capacity-building, helping countries respond more effectively to crimes committed in and through digital technologies.

UNODC served as secretariat to the negotiation process and will support implementation of the Convention once it enters into force. Through technical assistance, training and policy support, the Office helps countries detect, investigate and prosecute cybercrime, strengthen digital evidence capabilities and enhance cross-border cooperation.

Looking ahead

As criminal threats become increasingly interconnected and technologically sophisticated, international cooperation is more important than ever. From drug trafficking and organized crime to corruption, terrorism and cybercrime, no country can address these challenges alone.

This year, countries adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration at the 15th United Nations Crime Congress highlighting how services, infrastructure and technology can be exploited by criminals. In this complex environment, UNODC will continue to provide a global platform for cooperation, helping countries strengthen the rule of law, promote justice and develop coordinated responses to shared threats to contribute to safer societies and sustainable development.