PHL Ambassador Stresses to the United Nations the Need for Urgent Collaboration on Drugs, Corruption and Transnational Organized Crimes

Philippine Ambassador Maria Cleofe R. Natividad presents her credentials to Mr. Yury Fedotov

23 March 2018 VIENNA – Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other International Organizations Ambassador Maria Cleofe R. Natividad formally presented her letter of credentials to Mr. Yury Fedotov, Director-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office at Vienna and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on March 08.

During the discussions with Director-General and Executive Director Fedotov, Ambassador Natividad highlighted that combatting illegal drugs, trafficking in persons, criminality and corruption are major platform issues of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. In responding to these concerns, the Ambassador stressed the urgent need for collaboration and cooperation with UNODC. In response, Mr. Fedotov expressed hope that the Philippines will continue on considering UNODC as an important partner.

Ambassador Natividad shared the President’s deep concern that the Philippines might turn into a narco-state due to the current drug situation. She recalled the violence and crimes caused by the rampant use of methamphetamine in the country, adding that almost all families are affected by the drug scourge. In this regard, she underscored the need for strong, decisive action in tackling the drug problem and highlighted the need for respect for national sovereignty in deciding the best course of action to take in addressing each country’s particular concerns.  

Director General and Executive Director Fedotov acknowledged that the increase in the cultivation and manufacture of drugs remains a huge concern for all countries. He shared that the UNODC has available tools in areas such as law enforcement support and drug abuse prevention which countries can avail of. 

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, based in Vienna, was established in 1997. With a mandate to assist Member States in their efforts against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through its field offices. END

For more information, visit www.viennape.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippine-embassy.at or @pevienna on Twitter