Secretary General OSCE: Mme Chairperson, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to address this 60th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). I thank UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov, an excellent partner of our organization, for the invitation and I thank his able team for organizing this important meeting.

The world drug problem remains a major challenge for the international community, threatening security and undermining human, economic and social development in many regions of the world. It is linked with violence – including terrorism – and organized crime. It causes serious health risks and affects the most vulnerable – including young people who are often attracted to the illusory opportunities that drug use and drug trafficking seem to offer.

As the largest regional security arrangement under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been joining efforts with many partner organizations – first and foremost the UN – to address the world drug problem. The OSCE-UNODC Joint Action Plan is a key tool for co-operation in this respect and I see this as an excellent opportunity to highlight its operational value.

In fact, the OSCE actively supports national governments in implementing the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action and the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) outcome document. In providing tailored support to our participating States and Partners for Co-operation, we draw upon a number of comparative advantages – such as our comprehensive and inclusive approach to security, the availability of specialized units offering specific expertise, and a network of 17 Field Operations across the OSCE area. And our annual OSCE-wide counter-narcotics conferences provide an effective regional platform for dialogue and sharing our recommendations for policy-makers, experts and practitioners, which are firmly grounded in OSCE commitments and highlight the importance of internationally co-ordinated drug control strategies based on scientific evidence.

Allow me to mention a few upcoming OSCE activities that illustrate our efforts in more concrete terms:

• New Psychoactive Substances – NPS – pose a growing threat, so we will soon conduct a pilot training in Eastern Europe on countering NPS and other drug-related cybercrimes facilitated by the use of the Darknet. This builds on two previous capacity-building initiatives in the region which received positive feedback. We will also hold an awareness-raising event on NPS in Central Asia.

• Since the flow of illicit opiates from Afghanistan continues to impact OSCE participating States, we will provide assistance to strengthen Afghanistan’s law enforcement and border management capacities. We also plan to host another Paris Pact Expert Working Group Meeting in South East Europe that will build on the success of last October’s meeting hosted by the OSCE Mission to Serbia. This year’s meeting will focus on financial flows linked to the illicit traffic in Afghan opiates along the socalled “Balkan route” for smuggling of drugs into Europe.

• Evidence suggests that migratory flows are being exploited for trafficking drugs into Europe, so we need to be conscious of that risk. This is one of many reasons why the OSCE remains committed to more closely involving our Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation in counternarcotics capacity-building activities.

• In July, the Austrian OSCE Chairmanship will convene our flagship OSCE-wide regional anti-drug conference. The conference will discuss the nexus between illicit drugs, organized crime and terrorism.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The world drug problem is tightly intertwined with a host of other transnational security challenges, and tackling them effectively calls for a comprehensive approach. So we need to step up our collective responses, build strategic partnerships and strengthen our operational impact. I am convinced that this meeting will strongly contribute to these goals. Thank you.

Malaysia: Full support and cooperation to Chair and team for a productive session. Associate with statement from ASEAN and from G77 + China. Commitments have been translated into concrete goals and targets in 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action, 2014 Joint Ministerial System, and 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document. These documents are complementary and mutually reinforcing. These documents affirm our common and shared responsibility to address this issue in a comprehensive, integrated, and balanced manner. Continue to view illicit drug problem with grave concern. Increasing challenges and threats emerge, and without appropriate action, would have dire consequences. Dedicates unwavering commitment to promote a society free of drug abuse. Focused on demand and supply reduction through a number of measures. Implemented various preventative measures aimed at raising awareness of risks of drug abuse, as well as insulating youth from drugs problem. In 2016, implemented community-based program to enhance the awareness of society and increase commitment to fight against drug abuse through community transformation. 452 hot spot areas of drug users and 98 public spaces were transformed into livable community spheres. Improving the quality and accessibility of treatment. Rehabilitation and treatment for drug dependence, including for women and youth. Access to treatment and related services to persons in prisons. Pleased to announce that more than 80 independent treatment providers have voluntary participated in community-based program. Consistently pursued strict enforcement measures to curb illicit drugs. STING investigates and arrests king pins and drug smuggling syndicates. Seized illicit drugs worth more than 40 million dollars. Dismantled clandestine labs and arrested king pins. Dismantled clandestine lab producing ketamine. Vigilant on need to foster close cooperation with ASEAN members. Grave concern over use of country as a transit point to traffic illegal drugs. Arrested a total of 7,696 foreign nationals for drug offences in 2016. Support the conventions and role of CND. Pledge full commitment to ensuring adequate access to drugs for medical and scientific purposes. Expediting scheduling of NPS to ensure effective control and monitoring. Participate actively in regional and international initiatives. Stand united and in solitary with all ASEAN members to achieve a drug free ASEAN. October 2015 meeting of ASEAN in Singapore and adoption of a work plan. Committed to ensuring national policies are aligned with ASEAN drug plan. Support various platforms and mechanisms at the regional level. Recognizes the challenges of implementing evidence-based drug policy and measures in line with 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action. Pledge to enhance research capacity and cooperation with all stakeholders in support of global efforts to promote sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices of drug treatment and enforcement. As 2019 approaches, this commands a more persistent and resolute action to fulfill goals in 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action. We must be truthful that there are challenges in achieving those goals and these are insurmountable and vary from region to region. Some of these goals may not be achievable in the timeline. No one size fits all. Must respect sovereign right of countries to address national drug situation. Remaining unfulfilled goals in 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action must be seriously taken into account in 2019. This is paramount to support our determination to a sound strategy to address the drug problem in totality.

Czech Republic: We align ourselves with the statement made by Malta on behalf of EU. When we all signed the Single Convention, the solution was not clear, but today we know much more and we are much closer to what is achievable. We also have experience and we know what policies should be driven by science and not ideology. The abolition of the death penalty, especially for drug crimes, is key. Extra-judicial sanctions are not in line with human rights or the rule of law as stated in the UNGASS outcome document. Unfortunately after we signed the document we are witnesses to unprecedented breaches of the outcome document and the Single Convention itself, fueled by the notion that drug users deserve death. Since then many people have been murdered without a trial. We know that the idea of a drug-free world based on the belief that we can eradicate the supply and demand, was built of false assumptions, we have the evidence now that harm reduction and public health approaches are far more effective and cost effective. Policies should not be based on achieving a drug-free world, but by minimising risk and harms. We share responsibility. Any country that refuses to look at the evidence is a threat on a global scale. We face new epidemics such a HIV and hepatitis that don’t respect borders. The need to reduce epidemics among injecting drug users gives us a reason to find out what works. We would like to emphasise that the evidence shows that incarceration is ineffective and very expensive. Our country decriminalised drugs more than a decade ago. It did not create new harms, and allowed us to manage out budgets much more effectively. It led to fewer prisoners and weaker organised crime. Drug users coming early enough for help has been very successful. Hepatitis has dropped by 70%, and HIV is virtually non-existent.  There is no fear of being stigmatised, and strengthened by an early warning system. To conclude: we support the work of CND, and have submitted our application for a re-election to 2019 and would value your support.

Afghanistan: Support for Chair and full cooperation in this session. Narcotic drugs pose a great challenge and threat to security, stability, and progress of Afghanistan and the world. Impact on addiction rates and health in our country. Main source of income for terrorists and insurgents. Taliban and other terrorist groups are directly involved in drug trafficking. These issues were raised at the UNGASS. Based on existing challenges and threats, we have taken a number of steps. First, combating narcotics and other drugs is one of our government’s priorities, alongside fight against terrorism and insurgency. Second, intense efforts to change counternarcotics laws and policies. Third, establishing a new committee on counternarcotics led by President. Fourth, preparing national implementation plan to counter narcotics. Fifth, intense efforts to review counternarcotics strategy. Despite decrease in financial support from international partners, government continuously involved in law enforcement. In 2016, more than 683,145 tonnes of drugs and chemicals were seized, marking a 196% increase compared to 2015. 2,572 drug traffickers were arrested, as well as 26 Taliban who were involved in drug trafficking. Destruction of 122 laboratories. A number of challenges and problems. First, transfer of cultivation and trafficking to insecure southwest areas controlled by Taliban and other terrorist groups. Second, direct link between Taliban and drug smugglers and Taliban involvement in drug trafficking. Third, lack of capacity in law enforcement institutions. Fourth, a lack of financial and technical support from international community and regional countries in efforts to counter narcotics. Fifth, a lack of equipment to identify drugs in airports and custom ports, and lack of border management and intelligence sharing. Sixth, lack of cooperation and control in precursors. Number of suggestions. First, give priority to fight against drugs in regional and international forums, and support countries were trafficking is high. Second, empowering law enforcement to counter drugs. Third, establish fundamental agricultural infrastructure. Fourth, strengthen regional cooperation and establish mechanisms to implement regional equipments. Fifth, strengthen border control management to prevent drug trafficking and export of precursors in Afghanistan. Sixth, provide equipment and machinery to decrease opium cultivation and heroin production. Thank UNODC and supporting countries, especially USA, UK, EU, and Japan, for providing capacity building for law enforcement.

Japan: The world drug problem continues to be a threat to be tackled in a comprehensive and balanced matter. We believe the UNGASS gave us the opportunity to accelerate our effort towards 2019. Japan is committed to the Outcome Document, the 2009 Declaration and the 2030 SDG. Japan has given high priority to the prevention of drug abuse in youth through awareness raising in schools and intervention programs based on cognitive behaviour therapy. Coupled with strict law enforcement, use in cannabis and methamphetamine are at 1% & 0.5%, respectively. We counter trafficking of drugs notably methamphetamine & NPS. We have 2,300 NPS under our regulation. Japan host the Asia-Pacific conference every year – we have implemented a project offering police training in Afghanistan law enforcement, over 100 officer have been trained. Alternative Development is a priority of Japan in tackling illicit cultivation of drugs. We have supported Afghanistan for over 10 years emphasising alternative development – moving from opium poppy to roses for example. Human security underlines the importance of long term support. We support efforts to combat organised crime and illicit drugs. To close: we are committed to implementing the 2009 declaration and UNGASS document. We believe the commission needs to accelerate its effort to alive our goals of 2019.

Israel: Israel remains committed to achieve goals before 2019. Effectively addressing the world drug problem is part of the broader goal of the SDGs. Needs to be a joint effort between all sectors, including government, civil society, scientific community, and private sector. Drug problem is a public health issue. Prevention begins as early as in kindergarten, emphasizing healthy life skills. Age appropriate and community interventions. Parent involvement and empowerment is important to prevention strategy. Target at risk students and those already using drugs. We must take into account needs of target groups based on age, gender, and other sensitivities. It is known that women are less likely to enter treatment and have fewer opportunities for reintegration, creating gender inequality. SDG 5 on women and girls is being reviewed in depth this year. Women-only facilities can provide safe and trigger free spaces. Israel established different types of recovery centers, including harm reduction and low threshold programs. Regarding operational recommendations on proportionality, our criminal justice system employs alternatives to incarceration including treatment, fines, and community service, when appropriate. Israel is decriminalizing the use of cannabis for first time offenders with fines and criminal charges pressed only for forth time offenders. The money generated is used for preventions and treatment which reflects a shift from criminal enforcement toward prevention, education, and treatment. Israel has highest number of cannabis patients for medical use. No legalization of cannabis but rather medicalization. Continue efforts to control NPS, and over 60 dangerous substances have been controlled. Israel believes in importance of trained an skilled professionals. Committed to sharing our experience with other countries.

Brazil: We consider UNGASS as a milestone on the world drug problem. It was an opportunity for increased dialogue at all levels. It reflected the multidimensional levels of the problem and this cannot be left aside. For a meaningful path to 2019 we need to implement the 7 chapters of the Outcome Document and is vital for CND to maintain the momentum towards 2019. We should include housing, income and education policies especially for the most vulnerable. It must be based on science and ethics, and not rely on stigmatisation strategies. We underline addressing the health problem of drug use. Inclusion of human rights was one of the most important  developments at UNGASS and must be at the core of drug policies. Mainstreaming gender into polices is vital as well as race. We must condemn the death penalty, and all law enforcement activities must comply with human rights and the rule of law. Monitoring financial flows are important in countering trafficking and money laundering. Brazil has met with its neighbours to boost efforts against organised crime. Alternative Development should not be limited to rural areas, but also urban areas too to reflect the vast nature of the world drug problem.

Turkey: We have different priorities, but combing and mobilizing resources is important to reaching shared goals. Turkey has unwavering commitment to three conventions and other CND documents. Turkey as a transit and target country has been exerting great efforts. In April 2016, renewed national drug action plan was adopted. Guides relevant ministries and institutions. We have reached remarkable results for coordination. Turkey is a traditional opiate raw material supplier for medical and scientific purposes. Relentlessly control this production to prevent diversion. Sharing knowledge with other countries. Drug threats can’t be limited to health consequences. Size of drug markets ever expanding. Drug money is used for financing of terrorism. Terrorist organizations have enormous claim in trafficking. Combating these activities requires increased and genuine cooperation. Support for success of session

Belgium: A balanced approach is key. We view the world drug problem as a public health issue, and Belge policy focuses on the health and human rights dimension e.g. treatment for users and including civil society. We welcome the Outcome Document, which has a balanced and integrated approach while respecting the 3 pillars. Focus should be placed on implementing the Outcome Document and a vision for controlling substances for medical and scientific purposes. Our customs & Police have extensive experience in combating synthetic drugs and NPS due to our central geography. Our new strategy and early warning system will be implemented over the coming months. Major quantities were seized in 2016 thanks to the early warning systems. Thanks to UNODC for preparing this commission and coordinating drug control. Belgium is a candidate for a new term in the CND, and hope to contribute in the future by investing in new technologies and strategies.

Morocco: Align with G77 + China, and African Group statements. Morocco expresses caution against decriminalization and legalization. We have extensive experience in the use of methadone as a substitute in drug abuse treatment. Must take into account new realities. We cannot deal with this alone. Demands on international and regional cooperation. Undertaken a bold drug control policy. Creation of a national drug commission seeks to respond to UN recommendations. Due to geographical area, facing scourge of drug trafficking. Cooperation is more necessary than ever. Morocco is increasingly carrying out seizures of hard drugs at borders. Also suffer from psychotropic substance trafficking. Response to new drug routes via Africa. 3,500 km of border has no fewer than 11,000 specialized posts to tackle border trafficking. Stress the problem of drug crops and mass introduction of hard drugs. New trend related to major quantities of ecstasy coming from European countries to Morocco. Alternative development is essential to supply reduction. Also need to reduce demand. Public authorities eradicated large areas that grow drug crops. Effort acknowledged by UNODC and INCB. Encourage development of alternative development through financial and technical assistance from partners. Help to reduce and eradicate crops used for drug trafficking. Principle of common and shared responsibility as foundation of countering drug trafficking. Strengthening of cooperation and exchanging of information and expertise to tackle challenges effectively.

Panama: There is no doubt the multilateral dimension has been strategic in the discussion of the world drug problem, but also a global problem interconnected with various countries, going beyond capacity of member states to control on their own. A joint and balanced vision & strategy has been very present and highly appreciated by Panama. Our common objective should be to maintain the quality of life of individuals at the core of drug policy. We are seeking to building synergy in the SDGs of the 2030 agenda, and we need a broad range of indicators to view our progress and areas of improvement. Plenty more to be done to put in practice and better tools for evaluation are much needed to improve on our progress. We call on the CND to develop and improve the indicators necessary for monitoring drug control policy. We call on CND further to lead similar efforts with approaches for other areas of the outcome document going beyond seizures and numbers of drug users. Countries could develop better strategies with more indicators of progress and clarity of the world drug problem.  Panama is committed against Organised Crime and aware of our vulnerability to it due to our geographical position. The recent INCB report recognised our efforts to combat these challenges domestically. Further intelligence on all levels and international cooperation is key. Early warning system and exchanges of information across nations would be useful. Exploration of different approaches and encouraging better cooperation across member states is encouraged through the UNODC. To conclude, Panama is a transit country thus our efforts have focused on supply reduction and law enforcement.

Algeria: Align with statements of African Group and G77 + China. Global drug problem is complex and causes harm for health and wellbeing of millions of people and leads to various forms of transitional crime, as well as terrorism. Tight links between terrorists and traffickers. Terrorists using financing from trafficking. Call on international community to fight this phenomenon. Algeria is committed in the fight against drugs and the integrity of three conventions, as their effective implementation has effected a clear response to the drug problem. Algeria is concerned with recent legalization of drugs, including cannabis, for non-medical and scientific purposes. This is a weakening of supply and demand reduction. Algeria is a site of transit. Measures to promote data collection and analysis, including monitoring of routes. Seizures of psychotropic substances increased. Led to increased in consumption among young people. Called for great efforts in prevention and treatment. Drop in seizures of cocaine. Heroin seizures also decreased. Shows efforts of security forces. Efforts for technological systems to be made available to combat crime. Continuous scientific training. Strengthening personnel capacity. Welcome resolution from Russian Federation on strengthening law enforcement capacity. In combating the use of internet for drug related activities, we have training cycles and new equipment being provided. Algeria involved in prevention efforts. New centre for treatment of addicts. Considerable increase in access to opioids for pain management. Cannabis resin most popular drug consumed among young people. Support three conventions and declarations. Ministry of interior signed convention with ministry of education to prevent and combat violence and consumption of drugs in schools. Development strategy of 2018 to 2022 for prevention of drugs and drug addiction with integrated and balanced approach. Media awareness campaign addressing young people. Importance of international cooperation. Joint action to combat scourge. Following consultations being carried out with resolution submitted by Pakistan. Having everything possible to fight and prevent drug problem. Reaffirm political will and resolve to continue to contribute to achieve common objectives to combat drugs and terrorism.

Netherlands: We always emphasise health and law enforcement equally for drug policy, and welcome the initiative taken here. We are strongly encouraged by UNGASS. We have evolved to include human rights and health in our debates. This process allows us to share information and experiences and is invaluable. We are responsible for engaging with other UN bodies and benefit from experiences and expertise. If we want to live up to ambitions including the SDG 2030, we need to improve monitoring, sharing data, and indicators. We call on member states to provide information to the Commission concerning human rights, welfare and safety of individuals. We call on CND to improve drug statistics – key for informed decision making. We need to ensure availability and access to public health measures. This includes prevention, care, rehabilitation and harm reduction measures – based on best practice, helping us move forward and developing the best policies. Mistakes can be learned from and are also important. Effective criminal justice systems are crucial. Overcrowded jails are a major issue. I call everyone to embrace harm reduction services, measures which are so needed to meet common and renewed commitments and crucial to meeting our SDG’s of 2030.

Dominican Republic: Align with statements of GRULAC and G77 + China. The Dominican Republic is committed to the three conventions with full respect for human rights. UNGASS was a precious opportunity for member states to examine progress and achievements. Reaffirms support for operational recommendations in seven thematic areas of UNGASS Outcome Document. Support strengthening subsidiary bodies of CND. Made significant progress in prevention and prohibition of drugs. Constant challenges in supply and demand reduction. No country may act in isolation on this issue. Must bolster exchange of experience, political dialogue, and technical expertise. More funding for transit countries. Developing an array of measures for comprehensive prevention to reduce risk factors in various population groups. “Building Strong Families” project as an example. We commit to guaranteeing availability and access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. We are on the route between producer and consumer countries. Committed to controlling the supply so our territory stops being a bridgehead. Participate actively and with good results in airport communication project, project on cocaine route, etc. Amendment to law against laundering of assets, seeks to equip instrument with more effective resources. Firm commitment to tackling and combating global drug problem.

Italy: Our approach to drugs has evolved over a decade – the UNGASS document shows cooperation. Human beings have been placed at the centre of drug policy and is a fundamental principle of any policy. We adopt a multifaceted response to the drug problem, while respecting human rights and minding gender and age. In order to promote health and welfare of human kind, we must ensure access to a set of rules : prevention, treatment, and special attention to the needs to women & children. We encourage CND to address the issue of death penalty in light of calls made by the INCB and high commission of human rights, to abolish it as it hinders our efforts for a drug free world. Much more needs to be done. Italy supports evidence based targets and tools to measure progress to launch tailored initiatives for member states. It is necessary to encourage a wider participation of civil society and scientific community. Enhancing coordination between the international community, and encourage continued work across the UN organisations are vital. Every cent invested in these efforts is precious. NPS are easily available online and pose a range of serious problems. Early warning systems are crucial in combatting NPS. Italy is fully committed to fighting drug trafficking, including money laundering and terrorism. We encourage all states to strengthen the implementation of 1988 convention, especially money laundering to dismantle criminal organisations involved in drug trafficking. The future of society is at stake, let us redouble efforts to fight together the spread of illicit drugs and abuse.

Pakistan: With two years left until 2019, the task is uphill but doable. From now until 2019 we must fast track the implementation of the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action. Enhancing our political will. Close gap between goals and implementation. Must match with adequate resources. Build partnerships with government, financial institutions, and civil society. We will have to work across the entire spectrum to achieve a world free of drug abuse. Legalization for non-medical and non-scientific purposes is of huge concern for us. Urge the INCB to play a more active role. Outcome of UNGASS is about accelerating the goals of 2009. They are mutually reinforcing. Must keep learning from everyone to avoid duplications. CND should give special attention to international cooperation and especially those areas that require assistance, including in transit states. Our policy is people-centered and balances demand and supply reduction. Set to launch national drug use survey in our country. Growing consumption is a concern. In 2016, our drug law enforcement seized over 400 tonnes of drugs and precursors. Regional cooperation is a priority. At 13th Summit of ECO in Islamabad, all the leaders resolved to strengthen regional effort to combat drugs and organized crime. We will continue to seek close cooperation with countries. Accelerate global, regional, sub regional and national efforts so we can tackle the common and complex challenges of the world drug problem.

Kuwait: We are committed to the 2009 declaration. We stress the importance of enhancing the solidarity of countries in confronting drugs which pose threat to health, economy & security. Efforts must be based on reducing supply & demand in cooperation with local and national bodies. We have signed a document to reduce demand costing $2 million. We are committed to treatment services and awareness programs warning of the dangers of drugs. We are satisfied with UNGASS results, by adopting the outcome document and combatting the drug scourge. The challenge posed by drugs still looms, worsened by new technologies. We must strengthen our efforts against organised crime.

Costa Rica: Welcome achievements of UNGASS. Although this was a controversial negotiation, it allowed us to demystify clichés around drug addiction, which is crucial to designing national strategies that are consistent with international law and 2030 SDGs. Chilling scale of illicit drug trafficking. Overnight solution not available. CND must make use of largest possible available resources to carry out its work. CND must continue building bridges with countries and funds and programs in UN system. Dealing with ever more sophisticated criminal behaviours. We have a broad international legal framework in area of health, human rights, and law enforcement. Framework must prompt us to carry out periodic reviews in our counties to determine if the way we are carrying out policies and measuring their effectiveness are appropriate. Need new research to bolster scientific evidence in undeveloped aspects. UNODC performs an important role. Technical assistance it provides is essential. We restate our condemnation of the death penalty in all circumstances. There exists no evidence that capital punishment and extrajudicial executions have any deterrent effect. Such punishments are contrary to international legal instruments. On no grounds can they be considered legal or legitimate. Read the full speech (in Spanish)

El Salvador: We endorse statements from G77 and GRULAC. We are committed to the  2009 declaration, 2014 document and UNGASS outcome document. We seek to decrease supply and demand of drugs with 2019 as a target and support the 62nd session to be used to measure progress in these areas. We see the drug problem in a special way – we are a transit country. In 2016 drug seizures were tripled compared to 2015 levels. In February 2016 we began the new drug countering strategy 2016-2021, with comprehensive engagement and cooperation. As to supply reduction we have participation in various projects at international levels. As to medical use we have implemented electronic prescriptions including all pharmacies and doctors coming later. The international community must come together to combat the world drug problem.

Korea: Reaffirm role of CND as primary body with responsibility for drug control. Notable success, but new and emerging challenges, including NPS and use of the Internet for drug crimes. Actively joining international efforts to overcome challenges through implementation of UNGASS Outcome Document. Committed to building a society free of drug abuse. Developing integrated and balanced policies focusing on supply and demand reduction. National anti-drug coordinating committee established. Policy coordination between drug controlling agencies. Launched a pilot scheme to monitor in real time all relevant information on narcotics to avoid over prescribing and diversion. Held a 2016 meeting that brought drug officials together. We reaffirm our commitment to the goals and objectives of the three conventions, which constitute the cornerstone of international drug control. Committed to implementing 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action, 2014 Joint Ministerial Statement, and 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document. Support efforts of UNODC. Support for the session. We will actively contribute.

Croatia: We support Malta’s statement on behalf of EU. The CND gave us a platform to share experiences and leads us to our common goal of the most effective drug policies. There are still challenges ahead. Tackling the global problem requires more than punishment and we need to include human rights and public health. Croatia are satisfied with UNGASS in facilitating a paradigm shift. Prevention interventions should include all addictions and addiction behaviour. Croatian government has employed domestic policies that reflect this. The NPS threat is growing on a global level. Exchange in information and sharing responsibilities may also influence NPS market. We held an international conference in Oct 2016 and launched discussion on alternative treatment approaches. Progress will be presented today. Our project of social reintegration has been active for 10 years and fosters the recovery from addiction. There is a need for a gender based approach, and appreciate the balanced language of the outcome document.

Ecuador: Endorse statements from GRULAC and G77 + China. Drug policy needs a radical change because of meager results achieved with the current approach. Only achieved slim results. Must revisit our approach. Undeniable that no mater how strong our commitment to reducing supply, as long as there is a demand, there will be a supply. Latin America has most felt the impact, namely in terms of violence. We have suffered. Environmental destruction because of eradication programs. As long as the developed countries don’t control money laundering, the countries of the south will be suffering from the prohibitionist policy. There is a hidden hegemonic agenda turning the northern countries into judges of democracy, placing southern countries on lists when we know money is being laundered in northern countries. We have to consider new approaches and alternatives to prohibitionist and punitive policies. Reaffirm principle of common and shared responsibility. Comprehensive, integrated, balanced, and multidisciplinary manner. Important to tackle social economic dimension of drugs. Strategy for drug policy must avoid marginalizing, stigmatizing, and discriminating against consumers. We have made significant progress in social economic phenomenon on drugs and need a well structured and gender-based approach. Comprehensive prevention should be based on education, social inclusion, community security, recreation, culture, and sport. Firm resolved commitment to eradicate poverty to reduce inequalities. Essential to have joint efforts to tackle and prevent micro-trafficking. Will continue promoting sustainable development, and strengthening the state in rural and urban areas that are affected or at risk of being affected by drugs. Strengthen involvement of population in social and economic progress. Involve strategy of alternative development. Call upon all states to strengthen cooperation. Cannot delay any further change in approaching this social phenomenon looking beyond a model of supply and demand reduction. Individuals, not substances, must be at the centre of these policies. Guaranteeing the respect of human rights. UNGASS is a milestone. We can talk about a before and an after to set the line of action for the next years in this area.