National Secretary on Drug Policies in Brazil
The convening of this important meeting to review the 2009 political declaration and plan of action is key. In Brazil, we reaffirm the focus of our country on drugs, based on the principle of common and shared responsibility.
Brazil’s drug policy has marked important breakthroughs in the past decade. We involved civil society at large, expanded care and treatment, and promoted scientific knowledge. Policies and legal frameworks in Brazil, in particular the national policy on drugs from 2006 which addresses treatment for drug addicts, operate on a balanced approach between drug demand and supply.
In Brazil, we launched a programme in 2011 focused on providing treatment to crack addicts which reaffirms the government’s health-based policies.
However, despite our efforts and that of countries, drugs continue to pose a major challenge for all of us. Drug use is a major health problem requiring a series of services. We must dismantle the marginalisation and stigmatisation of drug users. The impact on drugs goes beyond the body, it impacts also on society and community. It is essential to step up scientific research. We should understand the fact that drug users should not be penalised and deprived of liberty.
In the same spirit of openness, Brazil would like to have discussions on so-called new approaches. We have read with great attention the document by UNODC which was presented by the ED in December 2013. It states that the 3 UN conventions make up an adequate framework to continue the debate. We will attend the 2016 UNGASS with an open mind to discuss these alternatives in the spirit of international cooperation.
The Brazilian Government has set up budget for a partnership office with UNODC in Brasilia.
The document we will adopt as an outcome of this discussion will reaffirm our commitment to consider drugs as a priority issue. Brazil remains a partner for dialogue, exchanges of experiences with governments, international agencies and civil society.
Please click here to view the full statement: http://myconference.unov.org//Documents/Get/f10b6c0d-394c-4cc3-bdf2-b53260a381b9