EU Backs UNODC Mandate, Cites Synthetic Drugs and Online Child Abuse Risks
EU statement to UN General Assembly Third Committee reaffirms support for UNODC, flags synthetic drugs, organised fraud and online child exploitation, and asks about women who use drugs.
The story in focus
The European Union told a UN General Assembly committee it remains a major voluntary funder of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, supporting over 60 projects, and pressed the agency on women who use drugs and on online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
- The EU says it and its member states remain among UNODC's main budget contributors through voluntary funding.
- The EU cites UNODC reports on synthetic drugs, organised fraud, misuse of technology and corruption as enablers of organised crime.
- The EU asked UNODC how it addresses the needs of women who use drugs and how it will deepen support against online child sexual abuse.
Support for UNODC and reported threats
Speaking at the UN General Assembly's 81st session Third Committee interactive dialogue with UNODC Executive Director Monica Juma on 12 October 2026, the EU reaffirmed support for the office's mandate, tying it to human rights, international law and multilateral cooperation.
The EU said it and its member states remain one of the main contributors to UNODC's budget through voluntary funding, backing more than 60 UNODC projects worldwide. It took note of UNODC's latest reports, which it said point to expanding synthetic drugs, rising organised fraud and criminal misuse of technology, corruption as an enabler of organised crime, and pressure on criminal justice and prison systems.
Stated priorities and questions to UNODC
The EU listed three priorities: stronger action against transnational organised crime in all its forms, including drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, firearms trafficking, corruption, environmental crime and cybercrime such as online child sexual abuse and exploitation; a rights-centred, evidence-based drug policy; and coordinated multilateral action, including through the UN80 reform process.
It cited its new Drugs Strategy, aimed at preparedness, public health protection and harm reduction through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration, and the EU Action Plan against Drug Trafficking 2026-2030, which it said strengthens operational cooperation, partnerships, research and innovation.
The EU asked how UNODC addresses stigma, discrimination and violence faced by women who use drugs and what measurable results have been achieved, and how the office will deepen support against online child sexual abuse, including child-sensitive investigation, cooperation with technology companies and trauma-informed support for victims.
What did the EU ask UNODC about women who use drugs?
The EU asked how UNODC addresses the stigma, discrimination, violence and barriers to health and social services these women face, and what measurable results have been achieved.
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