26 May 2015 – Philippine Ambassador Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, the new Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna, proposed to have a United Nations (UN) resolution against drug syndicates victimizing migrant workers.

During her presentation of credentials on May 19 to UN Undersecretary Yury Fedotov, who serves as Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ambassador Angara Collinson noted the rising trend of victimization of migrant workers by international drug syndicates as exemplified by the Mary Jane Veloso case. She strongly recommended to the UNODC Executive Director to put focus on this spreading criminality that poses a threat to security and progress.

Executive Director Yury Fedotov welcomed Ambassador Angara Collinson’s suggestion and expressed his appreciation for the active participation of the Philippines in UNODC’s programs and projects.

Ambassador Angara Collinson assured him of the strong commitment of the Philippines in the attainment of the objectives and goals of UNODC. She thanked him for UNODC’s continued support, particularly in the area of capacity building.

The UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It serves as the Secretariat of two Commissions, namely, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. END