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Mozambique: UNODC and the Government of Japan support SERNIC’s enhancement of operational capacity
11:18 CAT | 04 Sep 2024
Photo courtesy: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Government of Japan, is proud to announce the donation of a substantial quantity of fuel to the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) of Mozambique. This significant gesture underscores the ongoing commitment of Japan and UNODC to support SERNIC’s efforts in enhancing their operational capacity in the fight against terrorism and upholding security across the country.
The handover ceremony, that took place at the SERNIC premises in Maputo on 30 August 2024, witnessed the official presentation of the 26.700 litres of fuel donation, marking a key milestone in the partnership between UNODC, Japan, and Mozambique in promoting peace, justice, and the rule of law.
A boost to operational efficiency
SERNIC, as the principal investigative body in Mozambique, plays a crucial role in combating organized crime, including terrorism and its financing, and other illicit activities. This fuel donation, provided through the generous contribution of the Government of Japan and facilitated by UNODC within the framework of the “Project for the Enhancement of Counter-terrorism Capacity in Cabo Delgado Province”, will significantly bolster SERNIC’s logistical and operational capabilities, ensuring the agency can carry out its essential duties more effectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Antonio De Vivo, Head of Office at UNODC in Mozambique, highlighted the importance of this contribution:
“The Government of Japan’s generous funding and spirit of collaboration are indispensable to our mission here in Mozambique, enabling us to support the government’s efforts to combat the challenges posed by terrorism.” In addition, Mr. De Vivo, took the “opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts made so far by the Government of Mozambique, including the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), to ensure that those responsible for crimes related to terrorism and its financing are held accountable for their actions.”
In their turn, the Government of Japan, emphasized, “Given the situation in Cabo Delgado, contributing to the improvement of the security system in Mozambique has been one of the Japanese government’s priorities in our cooperation,” said Mr. Sogo Jikuhara, first secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Mozambique “We hope that this donation will increase the efficiency of SERNIC’s response to crime and investigations, and strengthen crime control capacity in Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado.”
In his speech, SERNIC’s Director General, Nelson Rego, thanked UNODC for this immeasurable support, which will make a huge difference to SERNIC’s needs and operationalization. “Without the support of its partners, SERNIC would not be at the level it is at now to meet the challenge of today’s crime, particularly organised and transnational crime (…) I also want to acknowledge that UNODC has done everything it can to ensure that SERNIC’s activities continue and that this effort has been unavoidable, particularly in terms of training, the provision of resources and equipment, as well as logistical support.” – he recalled.
Strengthening partnerships for peace and security
This initiative forms part of UNODC’s wider mandate to assist Member States in combatting crime and fostering secure environments conducive to sustainable development. Through partnerships like this, the organization works to ensure that national institutions, such as SERNIC, are well-equipped to address critical challenges in the areas of justice and security.
Further information
UNODC works to build the capacity of national criminal justice systems to prevent and counter terrorism more efficiently through capacity-building workshops at the national, subregional and regional levels, sharing legislation expertise on implementing antiterrorism legislation and other measures in compliance with the rule of law and international norms and standards on human rights, and promoting regional and international cooperation between Member States. For more information, click here
Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Media Release
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