On behalf of the group of 77 in China, allow me to congratulate you on your election as chair as the this CND.
The world drug problem remains a common and shared responsibility that requires increased cooperation. We need an integrated and balanced approach to supply and demand reduction strategies. The group calls on the international community to provide technical resources to member countries in addressing the world drug problem. The approach should be in full conformity with UN charter, international law and the UN declaration of human rights. Also, this should include the principle of non-intervention in other states.
The UN drug conventions constitute the cornerstone of the international drug control system and the group remains committed to the 2009 declaration.
The group considers that the UNGASS represents a valuable opportunity to carry out a fruitful review on the 2009 declaration.
The group looks forward to the interactive discussion to be held this week. It views these discussions as useful for all relevant stakeholders to contribute to it in a useful manner. The group calls for more enhanced regional and international cooperation in combating the trafficking and production of illicit substances.
The group reiterates the need to strengthen international cooperation by providing support to law enforcement authorities in developing countries. It underlines the challenges of authorities in developing countries and the issues they face in their efforts to prevent illicit narcotics reaching markets. These efforts must be supplemented through international cooperation. The international community is urged to enhance this cooperation.
The group recognises that the illicit production, trafficking and use of drugs remain a major challenge in countering the world drug problem. It notes that in some regions the production of drugs has diminished. The group promotes alternative crop programs in order to prevent and reduce the cultivation of illicit crops. These strategies should lead to sustainable results, including economic alternatives to regions affected by illicit production.
The group reiterates the need to strengthen regional and international cooperation to support alternative development programs, taking into account the UN principals on alternative development. The group urges countries to share experiences in this area so that a fair market can be created for licit crops.
At the same time, the impact of NPS highlights the need to develop integrated approaches to track this evolving phenomenon. The group encourages members to monitor trends of drugs not under control, in particular tramadol. These patterns with regard to misuse and non-medical use need to be monitored, and information on trends and patterns shared between states. Appropriate measures in accordance with national legislation can be taken to prevent non-medical use, while ensuring their availability for medical purposes.
A balanced approach to the world drug problem must take into consideration that addiction is a health problem, and include primary prevention, early intervention, recovery and social reintegration, and must take into account human rights commitments.
The group of 77 and China remains fully committed to ensuring this is a successful session.