Thailand
The Thai delegation state that unsustainable alternative development can serve as a way to combat the cultivation of illicit crops and that law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. To achieve long-term success they state it is important to create infrastructure.
Venezuela
The Venezuelan delegation is of the view that despite the stepped up efforts the global drug problem still threatens mankind.
Venezuela is concerned that the cultivation of illicit crops, continues at high levels and they quote the text in the conventions that state that member states must assist transit and producer countries. They need support stopping drugs entering their country as well as being transited out.
The time has come to a more a more humane way to treat the problems caused by drugs and Venezuela wants to expand access to treatment. Venezuela also welcomes the Bolivian reservation and they highlight Bolivia’s continued dedication in combating drug trafficking and remind us of Bolivia’s petition for assistance in this regard. The Venezuelan delegation also make a plea not to politicize the fight against drugs and state that that they are disturbed by the security minded approach to combating global trafficking, and it should not be used as immediate reason for punitive military action. They stress that the security minded approach could distort the way we are tackling this problem and that the Security Council is not the adequate to deal with this issue.
They point out that progress in Latin America has been made due to international cooperation at the regional level.
Lebanon
The Lebanese delegation state that they have the goal of making Lebanon free of all illicit crops and they aim to do this by encouraging alternative development.
France
Faced with the global drug problem France is convinced of the need to work on both demand reduction and supply reduction and recognise the threat to security of drug trafficking. They state that in 2012 France will launch a new initiative particularly directed at drug trafficking in West Africa, aiming to build capacity in the region. They are also implementing initiatives to look at new drug trafficking routes in the region.
Iran
Iran states that regretfully the lack of equipment which has made it hard for countries neighboring Afghanistan to stop heroin coming out of Afghanistan.
China
According to the Chinese delegation the drug situation faced by china does not encourage optimism.
The delegation state that for China the Golden Triangle is the main source of heroin and also synthetic drugs, but also the Golden Crescent accounts for a lot of the heroin entering the country. China states that it is punishing criminals to reduce drug supply and also improving legislation to stop the diversion of precursors. Unfortunately according to the delegations opium cultivation in the Golden Triangle has increased but China has confidence that the UN are combating the problem with its initiatives.
China wants the cooperation of all member states to create a drug free world.
Philippines
Our new policy enacted in 2002 is a strong development of our supply side approach.
We have made substantial gains with significant arrests of methamphetamine traffickers. Many networks with links to Latin America and South Asia have been uncovered
We have many routes for trafficking including airports, seaports and large coasts through which traffickers can use. Cooperation with US agencies have been very effective.
International cooperation is vital . we have good bilateral cooperation and it is assured that we are abiding by international agreements with we are signatories too.
Pakistan
This year we have become poppy free. However, in terms of heroin, we have seized about 5% of what passes through Pakistan. Since the first convention opium of 1912, drug use has considerably increased.
The idea of legalising drugs should be looked at and there is a need for a study from the UNODC to see whether we are fighting a losing battle. The battle against drugs is a losing battle and there are undertones to this battle which very negative effects.
It seems this battle cannot be won. We will continue address supply side policies and are committed to a drug free world
Algeria
We have made significant moves into tackling drugs supply including may non nationals.
Cannabis remains the biggest problem in terms of drug that is used and trafficked. UNODC assistance is a priority so we can improve our national efforts.
Our delegation expressing concern that cannabis is still the most seized and used substance in Africa and last years session called for measures to set up our approach to tackling cannabis.
Mexico
Mexico’s experience has demonstrated the complexity of the drugs issue. Their unlimited coming to grips with the problem and their new strategy has 3 main elements;
• Revamping of law enforcement and judicial institutions at a federal state and municipal level.
• Rebuilding of the social fabric of communities.
• Containing the action of criminal groups
Amongst other activities, the Mexican authorities are updating and amending legislation of our federal laws involving precursors. The Mexican health authorities are designing monitoring programs for pharmaceutics in order to avoid misuse addiction and diversion for illicit uses. They are also starting an initiative to research illicit cultivation.
El Salvador
The El Salvadorian delegation states that the drug issue is a vast problem and its various implications have an effect on health, security and social harmony.
Approved in 2011 a new national drug strategy working in a balanced fashion on demand reduction as well as supply reduction.
This national commitment does require political support and technical assistance.
Colombia
Colombia has experienced devastating effects from the global drug problem. None the less Colombia has maintained its democratic regime and sound institutions. They state that they are having successes combating the drug problem and state they had the largest seizures of cocaine hydrochloride in the world, and have lowered coca cultivation by 60% however they are also expanding prevention measures and now they start being implemented at the primary school level.
However they still must appeal to the international community for assistance.
Senegal
According to the Senegalese delegation Indian hemp cannabis is the most abused drug amongst the population. They have few cocaine consumers but lots of cocaine being trafficked through the country and this increases consumption, there is political will to combat it but despite their efforts it is increasing.
Senegal is increasing its cooperation with member states especially those of the European Union aiding the dismantling of international networks.
On prevention, care and treatment of drug abusers, this is born of civil society, historically long time prevention was undertaken by NGO’s, but a specific ministry has been set up to look at the problems of young people and drugs.
There will be a whole week of awareness heightening activities and the ministry of health is working to combat HIV with the UNODC and promote harm reduction measures especially among IDU’s. They stress that for this to expand they need experts and physicians and international cooperation is required.
Morocco
According to the delegation Morocco is a trafficking hub of cannabis. However from 2003 cannabis cultivation has been reduced 65%. Since 2009 the delegation claim they have set up a program for alternative development as a process of a change of the mentality of these people. They stress that deeper penalization policies do affect the efforts made by Morocco in the fight against cannabis. They also highlight that more and more coke is being trafficked in Africa.