The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding here on Thursday to build security and the rule of law in South East Europe, in order to address the challenges posed by illicit drugs and organized crime in the region.

According to the United Nations press release, the Memorandum of Understanding is the basis for technical assistance to strengthen national administrative and institutional capacities, develop legislation and policies, and implement United Nations and European Union standards and principles.

The aim is to strengthen national criminal justice systems and the protection of human rights, while promoting the independence and integrity of institutions by tackling corruption. The sharing of knowledge and best practices will also be facilitated, the press release said.

Joint activities, such as regional and national projects, training, assessment and research, and awareness campaigns will be conducted to combat money-laundering, the financing of terrorism, and asset recovery, as well as to support the prevention and treatment of drug-related problems, including the spread of HIV/AIDS, it said.

Source:Xinhua