NOK 30 million for fight against organised crime

The Norwegian Government will provide NOK 30 million for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre commented, “UNODC is one of our most important tools in the global fight against organised crime.”

Some of these funds will used to support the UN’s new working group on organised crime.

Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim said, “Norway is contributing NOK 30 million to the UN’s efforts against drugs and crime. We must ensure that the UN has the funding it needs to win the fight against international organised crime.”

In December 2010, the Government presented a white paper on the fight against organised crime, Kampen mot organisert kriminalitet – en felles innsats (Norwegian only).

Minister of Justice and the Police Knut Storberget said, “Organised crime is increasingly cross-border and international. In many countries it represents a security challenge. If we are to succeed in the fight against crime in Norway, we must contribute to the fight against crime at the global level.”

The funds from Norway will be used for efforts such as the fight against human trafficking, piracy at sea and drug trafficking. Norway will also support UNODC’s efforts to fight terrorism and corruption.

UNODC Executive Director Yuri Fedotov will today, Friday 24 June, brief the UN Security Council on the global challenges related to drugs and crime.