UNODC and Iran enhance cooperation in the field of drugs and crime

15 March 2023, Vienna - The UNODC Country Partnership Programme in the Islamic Republic of Iran for 2023-2026 was signed in an official meeting in Vienna International Center between UNODC Executive Director, Ms. Ghada Waly, and Secretary General of the Islamic Republic of Iran Drug Control Headquarters, Mr. Eskandar Momeni, on the sideline of the 66th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

This Programme aims to further strengthen the cooperation between the UNODC and Iran on drugs, crime, international criminal justice, corruption, and alternative livelihood through promoting United Nations standards and international best practices, as well as by facilitating bilateral, regional and international cooperation. Through the Country Partnership Programme, UNODC will support efforts made by the Iranian relevant national organizations in addressing challenges related to illicit drugs.



The Country Partnership Programme in Iran is made up of four sub-programmes:

Sub-Programme 1: Border Management and Illicit Trafficking, aims to strengthen national drugs, illicit chemical precursors' diversion interdiction capacities and regional/international cooperation initiatives.



Sub-Programme 2: Crime, Corruption and Criminal Justice, aims to assist the country in promoting the effectiveness of its crime prevention and criminal justice policies and apparatus as well as in ratification and implementation of international instruments on crime and terrorism



Sub-Programme 3: Drug Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation, and HIV Care, aims to assist national efforts in the areas of drug prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration, HIV treatment and care, harm reduction, and advocacy with a particular focus on vulnerable groups and settings.



Sub-Programme 4: Alternative Development and Sustainable Livelihoods, aims to support alternative livelihoods and sustainable development programmes at targeted areas of border provinces of Afghanistan and Iran.  



The Country Partnership Programme strategic goals is in line with the cooperation frameworks of the recently signed United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the Islamic Republic of Iran 2023-2027 as it envisages the drug prevention and drug control as one of main pillars of cooperation between the UN and UNODC with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.