Home » Opening of the 65th Session of the CND – Plenary Items 1, 2 & 3

Opening of the 65th Session of the CND – Plenary Items 1, 2 & 3

Item 1. Election of officers

Chair: Welcome. First. Introductory video.

CND Secretariat: Welcome. Reminds attendees of the guidelines related to COVID-19.

Chair: Wishes good health to people suffering with COVID-19. Before the formal opening, some procedural and organisational matters. Five meetings of the Extended Bureau. Thanks the Ambassador of Poland for her role in conducting the 64th Session. On Item 1 – At the end of its 64th Reconvened Session in December 2021, the CND opened its 65th Session for electing the new bureau. Amb. Miguel Camilo Ruiz Blanco (GRULAC) as 1st Vice Chair. Ambassador of Nigeria (Group of African State) is 2nd Vice-Chair. Ambassador from Belgium (Chair). January: Ambassador from Bangladesh to represent  Asia-Pacific Group for 3rd Vice Chair. Agreed? Decided. The Chair and Secretary have not received a nomination by the Eastern European Group for Rapporteur. Ambassador of Nigeria has agreed as 2nd Vice Chair to serve in the interim as Rapporteur, until the Group nominates a representative. Agreed? It is so decided.


Item 2. Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters

Chair: Organisational arrangements in the documentation. As you recall, in line with the measures of the host country and recommendations by the VIC Medical Service, special organisational arrangements have been made for the conduct of this session. These were adopted by silence procedure in February. Hence the hybrid format. 2 representatives per Member State. Working times as specified in the documentation. At 8pm, 15 minute break and continue with a night session from 8:15PM. Agenda item 5a. Voting by the 53 members of the Commission need to happen in person and cannot take place remotely. The CoW will hold 12 meetings this week. By the 14th February, 6 proposals have been tabled and will be considered by the Committee of the Whole. The Colombian Vice-Chair, who will Chair the CoW, will chair remotely. Inviting the CND to adopt this agenda and organisation of work.


Opening segment

President of ECOSOC: The world drug problem is exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. The mobility restrictions, social distancing and hygiene measures have affected access to services and affected vulnerable members of our societies. Organised criminals have adapted their way of working to continue trafficking during the pandemic. These challenges are intertwined with sustainable development. The efforts to achieve the SDGs and tackle the world drug problem are complimentary and mutually reinforcement. Important to coordinate efforts hand in hand with COVID-recovery efforts. Need to enhance cooperation between Member States and UN Agencies to ensure the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. Efforts to counter traffickers’ use of information technologies to carry out their work during the pandemic. Important to provide capacity building to countries most affected by pandemic. The CND, WHO, UNODC, INCB can bolster these efforts. All these elements were reflected in the Commission’s statement on the COVID pandemic adopted last session. CND as the policymaking body of the UN, with prime responsibility for drug control, plays an important role in the ECOSOC family and contributes significantly to the work of the Council. At our latest Segment, this work was highlighted. ECOSOC will endeavour to better integrate CND’s work to its own agenda. Encouraged by the upcoming HLPF on SDGs. The Commission has submitted a contribution to enrich our discussions at the meeting. Thank you.

UNODC: We are convening during difficult times. Conflict is driving Europe’s worst humanitarian crisis in decades. Many Member States here are affected by this and other crises. We cannot ignore this fact or pretend otherwise. We can remember why we are here. Intergovernmental bodies such as CND cannot fix the world’s problems overnight but have an important job to do amidst crises. This Commission is part of a global system of global cooperation. Best change for sustainable solutions and development. CND ensures the integrity of the drug control system, including promoting health. The triple crises of conflict, environment and COVID are magnifying the impact of the world drug problem. People in difficult conditions are more exposed to use, disorders and impact. At risk of exploitation. In need of treatment face more obstacles resulting from movement restrictions and diminishing resources. Obstacles to pain relief and medicines. We are stepping up to support people in crises. In Afghanistan, which represents more than 80% opium cultivation, UNODC developed a stability grid. To address the escalating challenge of the synthetic drugs problem, we launched a relevant strategy. We are helping 300 laboratories in 90 countries to develop early warning. Through our family’s skill programme, we support families including in humanitarian settings. We promote robust drug control to capacity building that disrupts trafficking chains, including global maritime and container programmes. We advance evidence based treatment including through the UNODC and WHO Standards and support HIV response in treatment and care. Our office will be as determined and efficient as possible. We’re taking steps to implement the new strategies and thematic areas. Last month, from Bogota, a new Strategic Vision for Latin America and the Caribbean. We continue to adapt the African Vision for 2030. We update the flagship report; which this year will feature nexus drugs and environment and strengthen gender focus. WE cultivate expertise in relation to drug laboratories, various interdiction programmes trafficking supply chains. I call on you to devote your attention to the world drug problem and the balance needed in a crisis. Civil society and other stakeholders are key partners. We prioritise engagement with them and urge you to do the same. We reiterate our call to Member States to facilitate access to controlled substances, including in humanitarian contexts like the ones we face today. Solidarity with WHO to save and protect lives. In times of crisis, let’s make sure we live up to our spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility.

WHO: We meet at a very challenging time for global health. The COVID pandemic is far from over and the crisis in Ukraine is threatening access to healthcare for millions. Both crises have disrupted access to essential services for millions, including access to controlled medicines. At the same time, drug use is associated with transmission of a range of diseases. We have highly effective interventions to counter health harms but they’re not available enough. Treating and preventing the harms related to drugs whilst ensuring access to medical use are pressing challenges. Drug control and public health objectives are not mutually exclusive. Addressing the world drug problem means we address these in a balanced way. An approach that focuses just on limiting access, deprives millions from access to healthcare. Services for prevention, treatment , care and harm reduction for people who use drugs are an essential part of the public health responses to the world drug problem. These services must be acceptable, affordable, good quality and this including in emergency situations, The Conventions provide a unified framework to respond to drug use disorders. The UNGASS 2016 was a significant step forward for a comprehensive approach including public health and human rights. These document’s recommendations must be taken forward. WHO contributes to address the 3wordp and through our ECDD we provide recommendations on international control of drugs to improve health and wellbeing. For 45 years, WHO Essential Medicines List has been the global standards for drugs that must be available in all countries based on the best evidence. WHO, will work with UNODC and INCB to ensure access to controlled medicines for all who need them, including in humanitarian emergencies. We are committed to working with all governments to address the harms fo drug use, in line with sustainable, humane drug policies. If health is a human right, then so is access to medicines needed to protect health.

INCB: Importance of SDGs, including on health and peace, justice and strong institutions. Member States agreed to ensure access to drugs for medical and scientific purposes, as well as prohibiting other forms of use. This includes ensuring the availability of substances in emergency situations, especially relevant for the situation in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. We are deeply concerned about the health of the 2 million refugees fleeing Ukraine. There’s great inequality in the availability of controlled medicines. People are suffering unnecessarily from treatable pain and conditions. INCB is working with Member States including through the INCB Learning Project on this matter. INCB and WHO released a joint statement last year on access to medicines in emergency settings. With an increasing number of countries regulating the trade of cannabis, we are working with national authorities to ensure a common standard of reporting and monitoring in line with the conventions. Also in terms of precursor chemicals, including the scheduling of substances used in illicit manufacture and identifying options to address the scale up of using designer precursors. Also Art 13 of the 1988 convention on equipment used in drug manufacturing. This is reflected in INCB’s paper in the documentation. INCB’s GRIDS programme is building Member States capacity to address NPS and nonmedical synthetic opioids, with UNODC and regional organisations. I invite delegations to join INBC’s side events on these issues. INCB takes great pride in these initiatives, more so during the pandemic; work was able to continue despite restrictions. These initiatives demonstrate INCB’s commitments to support Member States to meet the goals and objectives of the Conventions. Full implementation of the Conventions will not only contribute to SDGs 3 and 16, but also the protection of human rights. This is because the ultimate aim of the convention s is to safeguard the health and welfare of humankind, this includes the full enjoyment of human rights. Human rights should be at the centre of drug control policies. Violations of human rights in the name of drug control are inconsistent with the Conventions. Responses to drug related offences should be consistent with the principle of proportionality, due process and the rule of law.

UNAIDS: Thank you Ambassador Ghislain D’hoop and Belgium as the Chair of the 65th Commission on Narcotic Drugs, distinguished members of the Commission, Member States, Civil Society and networks of people who use drugs, UN agencies and all colleagues I thank very much my sister Ghada Waly for your strong leadership of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and your unequivocal support for the United Nations common position on drug policy. I’d like to begin by expressing my solidarity for the people of Ukraine, who have suffered so much violence and injustice. For the last 15 years, Ukraine has had one of the largest and most successful HIV responses in Europe. Now the entire HIV response is collapsing, and the lives of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians living with HIV and the key groups are hanging by a thread. I call on all partners to work to restore essential services for people living with and affected by HIV in Ukraine. Last June, Member States adopted the 2021 Political Declaration on Ending AIDS.  The resolution contains bold commitments, including new targets for 2025 to bring the response back on track to end AIDS by 2030. Last year UNAIDS worked with all countries and partners to develop and adopt the Global AIDS Strategy. The golden thread of the strategy is on ending inequalities in an epidemic where 65% of all new infections are within particular groups – and these include people who use drugs and prison inmates. We know that if we continue as we are, if we do not close the inequalities in the HIV response – the world could see 7.7 million AIDS deaths over the next ten years. The global HIV response, which was already off track before COVID-19, is now under even greater strain as the COVID-19 crisis continues. And people who use drugs and prisoners continue being among the most affected! Globally, harm reduction services are not available at the level and scale that is required to end AIDS. And that’s true in the community and in prisons. In too many countries, they are not available at all. Without continued access to HIV and harm reduction services, we will not end AIDS among people who use drugs and prison inmates, and we will therefore not end AIDS at ALL. Key barriers to access to HIV and harm reduction services for people who use drugs and prisoners are criminalisation, stigma and discrimination. We will not end inequalities and end AIDS without addressing these barriers and removing punitive laws and policies. In particular, women who use drugs face legal, policy and social barriers to accessing life-saving HIV and harm reduction services; we need to invest in non-judgmental harm reduction services tailored to the needs of women. We have an ongoing funding crisis for harm reduction in low-and middle-income countries. Government and donors have invested just 5% of the funds needed for an effective response. We need to scale up investment now, with a focus on funding for community-led responses. They are the most effective. Members of the Commission, I believe in your leadership. We must value the health and human rights of every person who uses drugs and the dignity of every prisoner. We must implement our commitments to create enabling legal environments. We must promote and scale-up harm reduction as a safe and effective approach essential to end AIDS. We must remove punitive and discriminatory laws and policies. This includes laws that criminalize drug use and possession as set out in our new Global AIDS Strategy. Our work to end the inequalities that drive AIDS must be based on science, evidence and human rights. I urge you Commissioners to uphold these principles to get us back on track to end AIDS by 2030. I thank you all for your attention.


Item 3. General debate

India on behalf of the Asia Pacific Group: We congratulate the new chair and bureau. The group extends its full support to the ED of UNODC and thank the Secretariat for the successful preparation of CND 2022. We reaffirm that UNODC is the leading entity within the UN system to address the world drug problem and CND has a central role. We appreciate the professionalism and preparation despite the difficult global situation. We reaffirm our belief that the World Drug Problem (WDP) is a multifaceted challenge that need an integrated comprehensive approach based on the principal of common and shared responsibility, reinforcing the need for regional and international coordination and cooperation. All efforts to counter the WDP must align with treaties and international agreements such as the universal declaration of human rights with respect to full sovereignty of states. We reaffirm that the three conventions constitute the cornerstones of the global drug control system as well as the mutually reinforcing documents of 2009, 2014, 2016 and 2019. The complexity of the WDP has dramatically evolved, we express the need to address the links with organized crime including cybercrime, terrorism, money laundering, etc. Such measures should be executed by a multidisciplinary approach with extensive data collection. The group is committed to address the specific needs of the most affected especially women, children and youth with integrated policies and programs.

Morocco on behalf of the group of 77 and China: We welcome the new chair and bureau, we fully support Madame Waly, ED of UNODC and we look forward to more progress in working together with you. We appreciate the preparative work during these difficult times. We reiterate that countering the WDP is a common and shared responsibility that should be done with integrated multidisciplinary, scientifically based, comprehensive approach for the wellbeing of all humanity. Enhanced capacity building and technical assistance are particularly necessary in these difficult times. Upholding multilateralism is essential to improve solidarity and an international collaborative framework. We recognize the efforts of law enforcement, education and health and other authorities to counter this issue. We recognize the three conventions as cornerstones of the international drug control system. We reaffirm our commitment to all aspect of demand and supply reduction in full conformity to the UN charter, international law, and international human rights with full respect to states´ fundamental autonomy, individual dignity and mutual respect… Illicit demand to be countered at scientific interventions to prevent social consequences. We reaffirm the need to address drug-related socioeconomic issues through the implementation of long-term sustainable programs. Transit states continue to face multifaceted challenged, so we reaffirm our continued support them and to enhance their capacities to effectively address problems in compliance with the 3 conventions and the 2009, 2014, 2016, 2019 documents. We emphasize the need for capacity building in developing countries, provision of technology and technical assistance. We continuously support integrated comprehensive scientific evidence-based approach. There are new, persistent, and evolving challenges that we recognize and that should allow sufficient flexibility to MS so they can address problems in the most locally applicable way. We actively promote a society free of drug abuse. Mainstreaming gender and age perspective should be respected, including access to treatment. We emphasize the need for the international community.

Egypt on behalf of African States: We align with 77 and China. Congrats to the new officers and bureau. We support the ongoing negotiations with WHO to aim to increase production of vaccines and treatment in light of the covid19 pandemic and we welcome the Africa 2030 vision. We take note of the decision to delete cannabis and cannabis resin last year – taking into consideration that MS have the right to further exercise national control. We reaffirm that the WDP is most effectively addressed based on the 3 conventions and the mutually reinforcing political documents of 2009, 2014, 2016 and 2019. We are continuously concerned by the global scourge of drugs especially among youth, that undermines the stability of our societies and supports illicit financial flows, cybercrime, terrorism, etc. We note with concern the harmful effects of opioids and we call for their placement under international control. We reaffirm our commitment to addressing drug abuse as a health and social issue. We are gravely concerned about the (lack of) availability of medicines, especially in the African continent. We appreciate the support of donors and call on the UNODC to continue to support this quest to enhance the capacities on the field. We reiterate the primary role of the CND and UNODC within the international drug control system. Recruitment policies of UNODC shall abide by the principle of gender and geographical balance.

France on behalf of the European Union: Our statement is supported by a number of non-EU countries in the European continent. Russia brought war to Europe. This unprovoked war against Ukraine is a violation of the UN charter and international law. This harms global and European security. We called on the Russian federation to seize its operations immediately and to respect territorial integrity. In the context of this session, the military action and humanitarian catastrophe is having a radical effect on PWUD, the medical field as well as health care in general. We call on Russia to meet its responsibilities and cease their attack. Video message from the Minister of Solidarity, France: Considering the seriousness of the situation, we must declare our solidarity with Ukraine and seriously condemn Russia whose action undermines international stability. I thank the UNODC for hosting this event even under these special circumstances. COVID will have lasting impact on our lives from the point of security and health alike. We are committed to a balanced approach – the EU drug strategy was crafted in this spirit, in cooperation with international partners. New information technologies and maritime routes are concerning as consumption is on the rise while treatment remains insufficiently effective. The NPS trend is posing an increasing threat, along with the pandemic. We state the need for unfailing respect of human rights, dignity and fundamental rights – we strongly stand against the death penalty and inhumane punishment. We call for further strengthening of balanced legislation. The treaties constitute the cornerstones of our international framework as well as the outcome document of the 2016 UNGASS. We support the emphasis on prevention and risk reduction. This is necessary to support the most vulnerable populations, especially children and youth. Aware of the realities of our world, we call for greater consideration of environmental issues. We must not miss this critical opportunity to protect our environment and achieve the SDGs. CND is a demonstration of collective abilities, partnerships with civil society actors. We will continue to work, driven by the conviction that success will be dependent on strong collaboration.

United Kingdom: I would like to say a few words about the situation in Ukraine. We are united to condemn Russia’s unprovoked attack on a sovereign state. Russia’s assault on Ukraine violates the UN Charter. As a permanent member, Russia has a particular responsibility to uphold peace and security. Instead, it’s causing suffering. Solidarity with the people of Ukraine and call for Russia to de-escalate. 22% rise in the number of people using drugs. Shocking problem that we feel in the UK. We published a 10 year Drug Strategy to drive down drug misuse. Three key areas: 1) Renewed attacks on the supply chain – critically, looking at it as a business; focusing on mechanics of business, money flows, and turning a low risk high return business into a high risk and low return business; hopefully leading people to work in legitimate businesses. Interfering supply chain logistics, telecoms, apprehending individuals in business with unique skills. 2) Prevention – delivering a world class treatment system and prevention. Rebuild our ability to turn around the life of addicts, bringing together the public sector in specific geographies with focused programmes linking treatment, housing and other support services, to diminish demand of heroin in crack cocaine. 3) Reduce all demand – large number of people who don’t regard themselves as addicts but use occasionally, sadly recreationally. This demand is bringing organised crime to the UK; driving violence elsewhere – work hard to bring in a set of sanctions for that kind of consumption which will have meaning for those individuals and will lead to behaviour change. We will stamp out this evil scourge.

Colombia: Times such as these demand strengthening international cooperation and efforts by Member States. To tackle this scourge based on the principle of common and shared responsibility. Tackling the world drug problem has a positive dividend for sustainable development, peace, security and human rights. Actions undertaken by states in this area and cooperation also contribute to Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. That is why we must step up our actions based on public policies that address this problem in all their roots and dimensions: social, cultural, economic, political, environmental. This is the vision that Colombia under the precedence of Ivan Duque Marquez has worked on to shape a more equitable country, based on law and entrepreneurship. Promoting a comprehensive policy to tackle the roots of the drug problem. Robust policies to do this include reducing vulnerabilities in affected territories, and change these environments positively providing alternative entrepreneurship and positive development opportunities through state assistance. As a result, our country has reversed the principal trends of these problems. Implemented a programme to prevent the use of drugs entitled Strong Families – 44,000 families nationwide have benefitted. Addressing youth – Programme of judicial support for drug treatment as part of the criminal responsibility system for adolescents, instead of custodial measures for adolescents who have committed drug offences – these young people receive treatment as part of a process towards inclusion and restorative justice. We have reduced illicutiv cultivation, a 17% decrease compared to the figures reported at the start of our government period. Milestone in manual eradication by the Armed Forces: 361 hectares eradicated. In terms of opportunities for farmers who have voluntarily decided to leave illicit cultivation – many families have benefited: 400,000 colombians. 669,000 kg of cocaine chlorhydrate have been seized. 88,000 kg of cocaine base paste. 239 cocaine chlorhydrate laboratories dismantled. 43,000 individuals arrested for their involvement in supply offences – 12% increase in arrests from 2020. These are some of our achievements. Undoubtedly geared to upholding commitments internationally. Contributes to SDGs. Our delegation upholds an unequivocal position rejecting the violation of the UN Charter by Russia, and condemning the premeditated, unprovoked and unjustified attack against Ukraine. Our position is not against the people of Russia, which have made valuable contributions to humankind, but rather against the deliberate decision to attack and independent state.

Singapore: Our comprehensive strategy has been successful at keeping the situation under control. Upstream preventive education, strict laws and rigorous enforcement, and effective rehabilitation. This strategy is underpinned by strong community partnerships and community support. Effective strategy. Survey shows that most of our youth (80%) are aware of the harms of drugs and support a zero-tolerance stance against drugs. The number of abusers arrested has gone from 6,000 in the 1990s to 3,000 today. Recidivism rates for release of people attending rehabilitation to 24.5% now. We will share our education approaches for at-risk individuals at two side events. We welcome Member States to join discussions. Singapore recognises the CND as an important platform to foster international dialogue and coordinate joint action to address the drug problem. We have supported the work of CND through contributions to drug policy discourse and collaboration with the UNODC to provide technical assistance to other countries to enhance  capabilities to combat trafficking. At the 64th CND, we became candidates for CND membership. We are committed to supporting evidence-informed and effective drug control policies. And capacity building efforts and sharing information on trends. We seek support for our CND membership bid 2024-2027. We are committed to the Conventions and their implementation, as well as supporting the CND. We will continue to work constructively with the international community to foster closer cooperation and dialogue for the safety and future of our people.

Belgium: Belgium aligns itself with the EU statement. In my national capacity, special attention to: 1) Strong condemnation of the aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine – this violates the common principles of the UN. This context should not prevent countries who are faithful to the principles of the UN to work together to improve the drugs situation. In emergency situations like today, everything should be done to protect civilians, especially children. This includes our efforts to ensure the availability of medicines and pain treatment. Full solidarity with Ukrainian people suffering today. 2) During its 65th Session, emphasis will be placed on additional efforts needed to implement national drug policy commitment to improve availability and access of controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes. Belgium has financed activities in this regard. We thank INCB, UNOD and WHO for their technical support; and the relevant NGOs for their work in this area. 3) We work on an integrated approach. When bringing offenders to trial, we give attention to treating the underlying reasons leading people to drug abuse – Hence we tackle drug prevention and treatment and reduce criminality and corruption. In drug supply reduction, we have made efforts through, for instance, a new law to ban access of people on induction of drug offences, like dockers and truckers. We conclude with the importance of rights and needs of vulnerable people.  The way we treat the most vulnerable is the most convincing and expression of values of human rights we agreed upon.

Sweden: Sweden aligns itself with the EU statement. As raised by others, we condemn in the strongest terms the invasion of Ukraine by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Violation of international law and the European security order. Endangers peace and security. As a member of CND, Sweden promotes increased focus on public health, human rights, and gender equality in drug policy. Gender equality, including intersectionality, is key to drug policies nationally and internationally. More efforts are needed to strengthen focus on gender equality in drug policy, both in supply and demand reduction. Together with the EU, Sweden supports UNODC efforts and other UN entities, including Common Position on Drug Policy. The role of civil society is also key, especially in the prevention and rehabilitation process. Access to care and support for women with drug use disorders must be improved. Tackling gender based violence must be tackled. We organise a side event on this topic entitled Mainstreaming a gender perspective in the treatment of drug user disorders. Finally, gender equality should not be a specific track but integral to all drug policies.

Spain: Given recent circumstances, our statement by the Ministry of Health will be delivered via a video message. We align with the statement of the EU and we reiterate our support for the integrity of Ukraine. Russia´s actions have undermined international security and is inexcusable.

Video Message: One year ago, I provided an overview on the history of addiction in Spain. Since then, we established a seized assets fund and a new national strategy. Multiple stakeholders have been consulted, health workers, researchers, civil society – all of which are a guarantee for proper implementation. Our policies are embedded in human rights, equity, universality and proportionality. Our policies are based on science, on our clear commitment to quality, transparency and gender perspective, as well as striking a balance between the reduction of supply and demand. Our new strategy was accepted unanimously – our main points: coordination, prevention, understanding new patterns, including a mental health strategy. Spain is engaged in the EU´s plan of action in place until 2025. In our view, international cooperation is key – we partook in bilateral cooperations with Latin America and regional programs funded by the EU. We work closely with UNODC and a number of international organizations. Shared legal framework is key – we underscore our commitment to international law and the 3 conventions. We are ready to uphold the principle of common and shared responsibility to keep our people safer and healthier.

Lithuania: Considering of the seriousness of the situation, it is impossible to remain silent. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign peaceful country by Russia with the support of Belarus. We stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and call on Russia to stop their unreasonable actions. I thank UNODC for making this meeting possible in the challenging situation of the past years. We align with the statement of the EU. From our national perspective, we … strongly support the abolition of the death penalty. In light of our national strategy and the UNGASS outcome document, we implemented a new strategy focused on harm reduction and treatment. In order to adopt effective decisions, we engaged a number of stakeholders – we must communicate, we have to be open and rely on evidence even if it contradicts our opinions. We foresee a successful cooperation.

Slovenia: CND is a technical commission, but we can’t pretend to live in a vacuum. We strongly condemn unjustified military action in Ukraine. Russia has violated international law and showed their disregard for international norms. This was a decision of leadership and not the Russian people.I am convinced that we can achieve important results and successfully conclude these sessions. We align with the statement of EU and in our national capacity, we are happy to address you as we became CND members for the first time since our independence. We contribute focusing on the topic of early intervention. We submitted a resolution (L5) on …The area of prevention saw important developments, it is now possible to talk about the science behind as we have a much  better understanding of successful interventions. Prevention has to focus on the competences of children at every stage of development. Interventions must address vulnerabilities that are not unique to substance use, promote mental health and academic competences. Early intervention is fundamental in addressing the World Drug Situation. Cross-regional support is necessary as is reflected in the regional representation of the sponsors of L5. We are holding a side event on Tuesday to discuss our resolution proposal.  We appreciate the role of UNODC and their development of the Standards on Drug Use Prevention and Slovenia decided to renew its financial support of the Office. We celebrate 30 years of membership of CND and we nominated someone for the UN Security Council on this occasion. We are committed to a peaceful and sustainable World. Empowering women and girls is a part of the 2030 agenda, and while there have been important achievements, further cooperation is needed for further success.

Italy: Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine is unacceptable and we condemn it. Violates international law and the UN Charter, causing death and suffering of civilians, including children; which is totally unacceptable. Italy stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainian people. (…) I had a very wide consultation process involving civil society, health sector, public services, scientific community, law enforcement and international layers. We discussed this at our national conference on auditions in November in Genovea. The objective was to strike a balance on the implementation of statutes on addiction, leavinging no one behind; putting people at the centre of policy making, with a particular attention to community, prisons and streets. Fighting social stigma and promoting social inclusion. The conclusions of the conference were sent to Parliament to inform legislative work. Importance of evidence-based policies, including monitoring situations online, including due to the rising challenges of NPS. In prevention, we implement measures guided by specific needs of the person, which is why we’re in favour of adopting the gender dimension of drug policy. Italy recognises the role of the EU in improving cooperation and strengthening the EWS. In this framework, we welcome the proposal to reform the EMCDDA to improve effectiveness. We appreciate the positive impact of the Council of Europe in the promotion of human rights in drug policy, which is why we are applying for precedence of the Council.

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