In his message to the opening of the 67th session of the Fee on Narcotic Medicine, Secretary-General António Guterres stated the proliferation of highly effective road medication and pharmaceutical misuse must be addressed by way of balanced responses and collective motion.
He known as for countering drug trafficking, investing in drug use prevention, and guaranteeing equal entry to well being care and therapy, whereas defending everybody’s rights and dignity.
“We should at all times attempt to place folks first by ending stigma and discrimination and strengthening prevention; stressing rehabilitation; upholding the human rights of people that use medication; and increasing prevention and therapy programmes and well being companies,” he stated.
“Collectively, allow us to unite round selling the well being and wellbeing of all folks, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and leaving nobody behind,” he added.
Fee on Narcotic Medicine
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs is the UN’s major policymaking physique on drug management and drug coverage. Established in 1946, it’s answerable for monitoring the worldwide drug state of affairs, overseeing the implementation of worldwide drug management treaties, and making suggestions on drug-related issues.
It consists of 53 member States elected by the New York-based Financial and Social Council for phrases of three years.
The 67th session of the Fee convenes towards the backdrop of an more and more advanced panorama together with drug trafficking networks, a record-high provide of sure illicit medication and restricted choices for therapy for drug customers, based on the UN Workplace on Medicine and Crime (UNODC).
Evolving challenges
“Drug challenges are evolving swiftly, as synthetics change the market, trafficking networks evolve their enterprise mannequin, and illicit markets overlap with battle and instability,” stated UNODC Government Director Ghada Waly.
“The worldwide response is at an vital juncture, and the Fee on Narcotic Medicine should use this milestone session to unite round balanced responses that safeguard our communities, promote public well being, and uphold human rights,” she added.
Ms. Waly additionally highlighted the pressing want for collective motion in combating illicit medication, calling for unity amongst nations to leverage worldwide treaties and frameworks in addition to better political will and monetary sources to confront the drug downside.
From pledges to motion
On the session, which runs by way of 22 March, States will announce new pledges on addressing the drug scourge and switch coverage commitments into motion on the bottom.
They’re additionally anticipated to undertake key resolutions on subjects associated to rehabilitation and restoration administration programmes, bettering entry and availability of managed substances for medical and scientific functions, and stopping and responding to drug overdoses.
