Third Vice Chair (…)

Bulgaria (on behalf of the European Union) (Aligned: Turkey, (…), FYROM, Montenegro, Iceland, Albania, Bosnia, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Moldova and San Marino): We reaffirm the commitments of the Conventions. This needs to be complemented with overarching policies and priorities to solve and minimise social and safety threats resulting from abuse. Particularly among vulnerable members of society (women, children, youth). The UNGASS Outcome Document outlined ways forward in 7 areas. UNGASS reshaped and broadened the focus, including on the health aspects of the problem, and links to SDGs. We consider the document a milestone and a step forward in international drug policy. We are deeply committed to addressing the drug problem in a balanced and comprehensive manner. All the areas of the joint commitment. The 2009 Political Declaration and Action Plan were adopted almost 10 years ago. Practice and knowledge have evolved. The UNGASS Outcome Document is the latest consensus. The Review should highlight the Outcome Document. No new political declaration is needed. The Document complements the Political Declaration particularly in new challenges. It also adds in issues not included before, but needed to address complexity of challenges. While recognising the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach in implementing 2009, the EU and Member States highlight the following factors for success: CND and UNODC to play primary role in ensuring implementation of UNGASS Outcome Document, in close cooperation with other UN entities. The Intersessionals organised on this were commendable. EU and MS ask to continue these exchanges and see new ways to share information. We commit ourselves to contribute to these important debates. Bring the UNGASS recommendations in line with SDGs. Both mutually complementary and reinforcing. The review should be cost effective and transparent, include all UN agencies and CND, and civil society and scientific community. Not forget civil society role in elaboration and implementation. Without their experiences, we would not have information from the ground. Need to participate meaningfully in the MS2019, including in preparations. For instance, civil society forum prior to the opening. A report should be submitted to the forum. Collecting good data is key. Reinforce and streamline existing tools. We welcome the work on the quality and effectiveness on ARQs. Focus on particular two areas: ARQ should be concerned by Outcome Document, reporting rate needs to be improved by streamlining the questionnaire (existing mechanisms and targeted capacity building). UNGASS outcome document is a pivotal instrument in countering the world drug problem. It builds on our commitments 10 years ago, retaining what we’ve achieved. We should dedicate our efforts to implement it.

Iraq: I’d light to highlight the complementary and intrinsic relation of 2009, 2014 and 2016 documents. All these documents are the strategic framework, international in nature, to achieve the world programme targets on the basis on an agreed document that a majority endorses to counter the world drug problem. We highlight the significance of the MS2019 to supplement efforts. The MS should consider the following: 1) Conventions are a cornerstone of all action against drugs; 2) Highlight the essential part of the CND as the specialised unit in the UN system on the matter; 3) MS should cover options to postpone tha target date in terms of the implementation of 2009 document; 4) Review process with a clear calendar and political commitment to halt the world drug problem. We support what our colleagues said to emphasise the significance of the 2016 document. Efforts at the national level to implement this consensus. Finally, need for the international community and particularly developed countries to make available ways and means to step up efforts on the basis of shared and common responsibility.

Thailand: The process of stock taking in relation to implementation of targets of international community should be taken as soon as possible. The world drug problem needs to be addressed in accordance to the Conventions, the cornerstone. Thailand supports CND policymaking body on the matters. Welcomes role of civil society, including scientific community and academia in contributing and helping to counter drug problem. And role of UNODC in collaborating on these matters. We welcomed intersessional meetings to support implementation. These achievements should contribute to attend the SDGs. We welcome the Chair’s resolution to prepare MS2019, an opportunity for an in depth exploration of information, challenges and best practices. We are looking forward to the outline to be presented at the Reconvened and at the intersessional meetings.

United States: Welcomes ongoing preparations. MS2019 opportunity to recalibrate the response. Fully support UNGASS Outcome Document. Years of efforts and latest consensus. Outcome Document should be the focus on 2019. Opportunity explore innovative and immediate challenges. Using UNGASS to address and counter these challenges. Rapid proliferation of synthetic drugs. Debate on 2019 High Level Segment critical importance. We look forward to continuing these conversations in Vienna.

South Africa: We are less than one year away from the review of the 2009 documents as agreed by member states. This document has galvanised international momentum towards drug control. In March next year, member states will have an opportunity to again shape the agenda of the framework on these matters. In all regions, major achievements as a result of implementing the 2009 commitments (against illicit cultivation, criminal groups and clandestine laboratories, cross border sea and air cooperation against drugs, drug trafficking, etc.). Despite these achievements, many countries face challenges. Young people, including children, introduced to drug abuse. More of them enter treatment to live lifestyles free from drug. The internet and social media have brought a new dimension to trafficking and abuse, especially by young people. No one can clame ultimate success, but we should all take appropriate actions against the menace. No one should focus on profit over the lives of people. We should focus on a future without drugs. We should use the MS2019 to assess our success in implementing 2009, and other documents, in full conformity with the Conventions. Should focus on three pillars. Leading role of CND.

Singapore: The three pillar approach has been a guiding principle for the implementation of our commitments towards countering the drug problem, in line with the 2009 documents. My delegation reiterates that the High Level Segment is important for us to review progress towards 2009. Due consideration should be given with regard to both 2009 and 2016 documents as a way forward beyond 2019.