Chair: The CND in its follow up process to the Special Session aims to foster cooperation with other ECOSOC commissions: status of women, statistical, science and development. This provides an opportunity for further collaboration, interaction and information exchange.

Head of Treaty Affairs, UNODC: As we know, the UNGASS outcome document reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in all aspects. The document reaffirms the leading role of CND on these matters, and UNODC as the leading UN entity. At the same time, it called upon both CND and UNODC to increase cooperation and collaboration with all relevant UN agencies. We actively support the Commission’s collaboration with other commissions of ECOSOC. UNODC has been tasked by the UNSG to lead on assisting states in the implementation of recommendations of the outcome document. OHCHR, UNAIDS, Children’s Fund, UNDP, Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women, WHO, Peacekeeping Operations, Economic and Social Affairs, Political Affairs, Executive Office of UNSG. Through a network of focal points based on decision of the Executive Committee, we have engaged in this dialogue and regular updates on progress undertaking this mandate. Since the decision of the UNSG Executive Office, we have also developed a matrix of UNGASS-related actions on the field and calendar of events. Allows to share comprehensive overview of joint and individual activities in this regard. We plan to develop adjusted formats to share with external partners subject to agreement by entities involved. Colleagues have come to Vienna for CND, positive. We met colleagues implementing this decision. And UN Entities partners to develop shared messages. Ex. Joint Letter sent by Exec Director of UNODC and Administrator of UNDP. (…) As highlighted by the SecGen, UNODC develops a comprehensive strategy that works on three UN pillars moving towards 2019. Examples of joint efforts: Conference Room Paper, report of SecGen on cooperation on the world drug problem. They’ve increased since UNGASS. A few examples: uNODC has enhanced cooperation with WHO by signing a MoU to promote greater collaboration and knowledge sharing across different areas. INCB, UNOC and WHO also collaborate on implementation of UNGASS. As you know, this week, the chiefs of all three agencies issued a statement on common ground. We led a side event with representatives of each organisation and our commitment to the UNGASS outcome document. And video of Head of WHO. (…)

European Union (and the following countries align themselves to the statement: FYROM, Turkey, Montenegro, Iceland, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, Norway, Andorra, Armenia, Georgia, San Marino): EU Member States emphasise that the outcomes of the UNGASS is a major step forward to address the world drug problem in a balanced way. The Outcome Document is the main policy framework for after 2019. We support the implementation of the document to strengthen the human rights and public health dimension. As much attention as law enforcement side. Progress: tackling emerging challenges and threats (NPS, darknet, AD). The EU underlines the success in implementation close partnership with UN entities. The CND is the policymaking body with primary responsibility of drug control matters in close cooperation with other intergovernmental organisations and civil society. We appreciate the efforts of UN, particularly UODC, in countering drug problem. Affirm the Treaty mandated role of INCB. We need to continue working consistently to implement UNGASS outcome document. UNODC should continue to further engage with other UN entities to develop joint strategies to design and implement comprehensive and balanced strategies, policies and cooperation programmes. EU a Member states underline the role of them in international health work. Including public health policy. We welcome MoU of UNODC and WHO.As foreseen Resolution on interagency cooperation, we’d welcome cooperation with other entities: OHRCHR, UNDP, INTERPOL, UNAIDS. A few examples were strengthened cooperation would mean improvement: CND to profit from human rights expertise by other UN bodies to mainstream human rights into drug policies. In controlled medicines, continue to work with other UN entities (such as INCB and WHO). Joint events with WHA and WHO to address access and availability. Importance of working with private sector and civil society on this. Alternative development, EU and member states support coordination meetings with UNDPC for a coherent response. The EU and member states welcome joint coordination meetings including WHO, INCB Secretariat, UNAIDS, UNHCR and UNDPC on the margins of regular session in March. We support the agenda of Secretary General. We encourage a chapter on collaboration between UN agencies.

Russia: The drugs problem is a battle of global proportions. It requires the collaboration of the world community. At the International Parliamentarians Conference Against Drugs. At this forum, the Chair of the Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation indicated that the drugs threat is a threat to humanity. Terrible scourge. UN is a unique mechanism able to bring together international efforts and channel them towards addressing most relevant tasks facing the community of nations including the problem of drugs. Russia is committed to its cooperation with UNODC. UNODC needs to have powerful means to respond to threats like darknet, cryptocurrencies, contact free drug trafficking and NPS. The UNGASS noted that the three Conventions of the UN are the cornerstone of the drug control system. These are the basis of international interaction and cooperation on drug control. Without them we would not have shared standards and basis. Hence, importance of compliance with the Conventions. Grateful to civil society contributing to addressing the scourge of drugs. Their voice and participation is required in addressing the drugs threat. We count on activists in practically implementing the Moscow Forum of Parliamentarians, as highlighted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. We advance towards a drug free of world. Difficulties and obstacles, but it is a chosen path. The road is conquered by the walker. We are convinced that this way we will fulfil obligations human rights. (…) The Declaration has been shared with this forum. It will help us save lives.

Thailand: Complex drug problem in Asia. Today, more advanced technologies are abused by crime syndicates. International cooperation and capacity need strengthening. We need to promote collaboration against precursor diversion. We encourage monitoring of precursors. Alarming rise of NPS. Needs appropriate response. Sharing information as early warning. New production patterns: NPS, new lab technologies. Exchange of information on drug profiling needed. Attention to be given to countries directly affected. Common and shared responsibility. We need to enhance cooperation: extradition, harmonisation of laws, information sharing among law enforcement to monitor patterns and trends, collaboration and knowledge sharing with the support of UNODC, WHO and INCB, and broader UN system. With High Commissioner Human rights, UNAIDS, UNDPC, Children’s Fund, Gender Empowerment, Peacekeeping, Social and Economic Affairs, Political Affairs of Secretariat.

Republic of Korea: Traffickers use our country as transit country and our nationals are recruited as couriers. Computerising enforcement systems. (…) To better counter increasing inflow of ATS from South East Asia, we established IPSCC in 2012 based on MoU, signed by 12 agencies of 12 ASEAN member states. (…)

United States: We reaffirm the CND’s leading role and the Treaties as the cornerstone of international drug policy. We fully support the UNGASS as the latest consensus. We must leverage knowledge and experience within the UN system through enhanced cooperation. Resolution 60/6 attributes CND coordination responsibility. The February 2016 MoU between WHO and UNODC is a good example. Great threat we face with synthetic drugs, we need to be better at scheduling controlling substances. Member States could work to inform Treaty-mandated review. We look forward to continue exchanging.