Shared Responsibility

UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov today started a two day official visit to Mexico and praised the country’s efforts in countering organized crime, while warning the international community against viewing this as a localized problem.

"Organized crime and the criminals behind these networks pose a massive threat to the region and are increasingly impacting on other parts of the world," said Mr. Fedotov speaking after his first official meeting with President Felipe Calderón which was held this morning. "These criminals are responsible for the death and misery of people across the globe through their increasingly diversified illicit operations. We have to remember however that such violent crimes form part of a much bigger, worldwide picture in which we face a complex and shifting threat; we have to remember that while the crimes are often violently local, our solutions must be global."

The Executive Director’s visit comes on the back of UNODC’s current discussions with the Mexican Government as the two move towards establishing a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening a regional consolidated response to organized crime in Central America.

The meetings with President Calderón and a number of the country’s senior leaders look to discuss areas from human trafficking and migrant smuggling through to illicit drugs and corruption. Reflecting on those who are often most affected by organized crime, the head of the UN’s anti-drug and crime office expressed his solidarity with the people of Mexico: "On too many occasions, it is the citizens who have become victims while attempting to pursue a peaceful existence." Recalling last months abhorrent violence at a casino in Monterrey, the Executive Director pledged his Office’s continued support to Mexico – a country whose location at the intersection between South and North America often places it at odds with criminal groups working to undermine peace and security.

Read more: UNODC and Mexico Build Strategic Alliance to Counter Organized Crime

Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), praised Colombia for demonstrating strong political will to counter transnational threats. On his first visit to the country, he thanked the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, for his Government’s generous funding towards UNODC technical assistance projects in the area of illicit drugs, crime and terrorism prevention. Colombia’s contribution, combined with that of other donors, is worth around US$ 250 million.

These efforts have paid off. Ten years ago Colombia was by far the world’s leading producer of cocaine, now its share has shrunk significantly. Its economic growth in the last decade shows a distinct correlation between increased national security and a declining drug economy.

"Colombia’s progress in drastically reducing drug production has had a positive global impact in terms of security and public health. UNODC is prepared to continue to support Colombia in addressing existing and future challenges related to drugs and crime," said Mr. Fedotov.

Accompanied by Ambassador Freddy Padilla de Leon, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations Office at Vienna, throughout his trip, Mr. Fedotov visited Antioquia province, where many alternative development programmes are taking place. He commended those successful efforts, which have helped wean poor farmers off coca crop cultivation by encouraging them to pursue legal livelihoods.

Read more: UNODC Head Tells President Santos That Colombia Plays Vital Role in Fighting Drugs and Crime