UNODC Executive Director Visits Vietnam

In his recent visit to Vietnam, Mr Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), met with Mr Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Committee on AIDS, Drugs and Prostitution Control.

 

Mr Fedotov noted the country’s progress in economic and social spheres and commended the Government on its adoption of amendments to the Law on Handling Administrative Violations and its strong commitment to closing compulsory treatment centres. The Executive Director also praised the recent approval of the National Strategy on HIV and programmes pertaining to drug control and crime prevention. Mr Fedotov stated his belief that these changes would provide a clear pathway forward in the future.

 

During his visit, Mr Fedotov also met with a number of other key cabinet members. Issues discussed included drug control and organized crime.

 

Part of the One UN Plan for Vietnam, the UNODC country programme in Vietnam focuses on HIV prevention, care, treatment and support in prisons including pre-trial detention centres; supporting the strengthening drug law enforcement agency information collection and sharing procedures; improving criminal justice responses to human trafficking and migrant smuggling through enhanced border control capacities and international cooperation; providing policy advice and technical support to the government; and providing support for effective amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) prevention strategies.