the 2016 UNGASS is now approaching and we need to give weight to the process. We must not forget the existing legal framework. The 1961, 1971 and 1988 are the framework for international cooperation and they must remain so. It calls on all states to develop joint and balanced approaches.

Concerning the death penalty, France calls for the abolition of capital punishment.

The Convention states that governments should provide screening, prevention, treatment, rehab. We must therefore provide necessary care for users. The conventions also say that prevention and care must go hand in hand with a deterrent attitude for drug suppliers. Drugs undermine the security of certain states as a whole. Corruption always threatens the rule of law. We must fight all forms of trafficking and infiltration int he strategy.

We have set up a new strategy for 2013-2017. It’s premised on the fact that demand should go hand in hand with supply reduction. This should include prevention, treatment and harm reduction. It also enables us to protect public security. We must protect women and young people as they are particularly stigmatised.

France offers a balanced approach to target those who have been left to their own devices.

Pompidou Group recently adopted a guideline document on risk and harm reduction. It is important. For us, risk reduction is crucial.

A world without drugs is unattainable. I would go further still – we share the same objective: protecting our citizens and communities from the harmful effects of drugs. We also have a solid legal framework and substantial resources. We must together pave the path to succeed in combating the world drug problem. It is a shared responsibility – we have a duty to act together.

This meeting is a unique moment to share our progress, success and failures. Cooperation will be strengthened if we respect human rights.

Please click here to view the full statement: http://myconference.unov.org//Documents/Get/5a78b366-986d-4767-aa12-b4ef61da938a