Item 3. High-level segment (Thursday evening)

UN Web TV recording

Opening of the 67th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs<a href="https://www.unodc.org/documents/commissions/CND/CND_Sessions/CND_67/Documents/ECN72024_L6_advance_unedited.pdf">Outcome Document: High-level Declaration by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the 2024 midterm review, following up to the 2019 Ministerial Declaration</a>Chair: Welcome. Inform you that for the opening session of the HLS, there’ll be a video transmission of the proceedings from this Plenary into BR-A. The HLS will also be webcast on UN Web TV. Before I open, organisational matters that the CND must consider. Extended Bureau: 4 meetings to deal with organisational matters. Also discussed during the pre-session consultations held yesterday. Thanks colleagues in the Extended Bureau and Permanent missions in Vienna. Thanks to Miguel Camilo Ruiz Blanco of Colombia, Chair of 66th session. First item of the provisional agenda: Election of officers. CND opened its 67th session at the reconvened session. First Vice Chair: Bangladesh, Asia Pacific States. Second Vice Chair: Slovenia, Euro…. Third Vice Chair: Malta WEOG. Rapporteur: Colombia, GRULAC. Chair: Ghana, Africa Group. Chairing with support of Bureau and Extended Bureau. The provisional agenda and proposed organisational work for CND67 are in the documentation. [Chair recalls documentation relevant to organisational matters and provisional agenda and proposed organisation of work]. It is so decided. We will continue this agenda item on Monday for the regular session. Immediately after the opening segment, which will take place shortly, we will proceed with the general debate over the course of today and tomorrow. After the morning session, resume at 2:45 pm. And 7:30 PM for the evening session. Tomorrow, we will continue with the general debate at 10AM. And the last session will be at 7:30 PM until we exhaust the list of speakers. During the 2nd intersessional meeting of this year, the order of speakers was subject to drawing of lots. I’ll provide further details shortly. Organisation and chairing of the roundtables. Briefly outlining the organisation and chairing arrangements for the HLS roundtables in parallel with the general debate in the plenary. Themes agreed by CND resolution. Two roundtables: Taking stock: work undertaken since 2019 & The way forward: the road to 2029. Each roundtable is composed of a panel of 5 panellists nominated by regional groups. 1 by CSOs through the VNGOC. 2 speakers from UN entities. Each one is co-chaired by 2 reps of 2 regional groups. The roundtable discussion Taking stock: work undertaken since 2019, chaired by Bangladesh and Mexico. Tomorrow morning, from 10AM to 1PM, the roundtable discussion The way forward: the road to 2029, will be chaired by Germany and Slovenia. The roundtable discussions will take place in BR-A. The co-Chairs will prepare a summary of salient points. Summary is not negotiated. I now open the HLS. A profound sense of duty embraces us today as we reflect the journey since 2019. One of the most pressing challenges of our era: the world drug problem. The scourge of the drug problem knows no boundaries, millions of lives affected. Evident that no single entity or nation can confront this issue in isolation. As the world becomes more increasingly interconnected, collective response is essential, indispensable. Importance of collaboration. Sustainable solutions can only be forged through international collaboration and solidarity. We should not and cannot undermine multilateralism. We undertake the midterm review since 2019. Incumbent upon us not to only assess but reinvigorate our commitment to action. For this purpose, I launched the Pled4Action Initiative, seeking commitments towards the goals in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. Eagerly anticipate the strong pledges from the high-level representatives here. As we look to the final review in 2029, let’s be cognisant of the gravity of our mission. Safeguarding communities, preserving humanity’s dignity, and the future of our youth. Approach this issue with compassion, determination, and commitment to action. Open, constructive, and inclusive dialogue, steeped in evidence-based approaches. Now to the formal opening. Before giving the floor to our guest, the President of the UNGA, I’d like to proceed with the adoption of the Outcome Document. CND decided to adopt this document. MS conducted intense negotiations in the intersessional period ahead of this HLS. The outcome of this is the document to be adopted. As the silence procedure was not broken, I take it the Commission is ready to adopt the document. I invite the HLS to adopt the document: High-level Declaration by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on the 2024 midterm review, following up to the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. I see no objections. Outcome Document is adopted. Thank you for your cooperation and collaborative spirit in the preparation of this document. I invite the President of the UNGA.President of the UN General Assembly: Great pleasure returning to Vienna for the 67th session of CND. Extend my gratitude to the Chair of CND. Congratulate the Chair and Bureau on elections. Thanks to the UNODC Executive Director in implementing all commitments to address the global drug problem. My message to you today is that we need to supercharge our multilateral cooperation efforts. In every workstream. Including effectively tackling the world drug problem. Complex and multifaceted. Permeates every sector. Breeds corruption, terrorism and violence. 2016 UNGASS was an inestimable opportunity to assess achievements, challenges, and make additional commitments toward combating this scourge. Record level drug cultivation and consumption are beyond alarming. The geo-Political climate is fraught with crisis and conflict. WDP exacerbates existing challenges and conflicts, disproportionately harming those marginalised and vulnerable in our societies. Thoughts with those who have lost lives and loved ones to the global drugs pandemic [….].Lawlessness breeds trafficking. The most impoverished bear the heaviest burden as victims of drug abuse and trafficking. GLobal South endures the harshest consequences. Scourge is immense. No single nation can confront alone. We must shoulder the responsibility collectively, enhancing cooperation within the framework of SDGs. Both engagement with civil society, youth and affected communities; recognising links with other cycles of harm, such as poverty, abuse, and systemic disenfranchisement, critical to craft effective responses. Ferocious emergence of synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl, must also be decisively tackled in our response to this ever widening crisis. Addressing WDP requires coordinated efforts to approach different dimensions holistically, including protecting human rights, sustainable development, health, as well as the fight against corruption and organised crime. Welcome the Ministerial Declaration adopted by CND, where MS evaluates implementation of commitments. Clear path forward and we must advance its implementation leading up to its final review in 2029. Commend Pledge4Action initiative and encourage you to take pledges towards a brighter future. In closing, cannot overemphasise the importance of reimagining multilateral cooperation to secure a better future for present and future younger generations. As part of this, highlighting implementation of drug commitments and the Summit of the Future are paramount. These processes call upon us to envision how multilateral cooperation can address current issues affecting present and future generations. Encourage you all to engage and follow preparations for the Summit. From New York to Vienna, efforts to integrate drug control issues in SDG agenda must be synergised and bolstered. We can build equitable, resilient and compassionate futures.UN Secretary General (video message): The CND is a vital platform for solutions to advance drug policy commitments. More crucial as challenges grow complex. Our world faces record numbers of drug use, deaths and illicit production of many drugs. This session creates an opportunity to address WDP through balanced responses and collective action, countering trafficking, investing in prevention, equal access to health and treatment, protecting human rights and dignity of everyone, through our common position on drugs, we commit to provide support as you work to tackle challenges of illicit drug markets. Put people first by ending stigma, discrimination, stressing prevention and rehabilitation, human rights of people who use drugs, expanding prevention, treatment programmes and health services. Promote SDGs and leave no one behind.UNODC: Delighted with high level engagement and strong participation. INcluding civil society partners. As you review the implementation of all international commitments, ground discussions in reality. The WDP is ever more complex and contributes to holding back SDG progress. Synthetic drugs have changed the landscape, making it easier to traffick and produce extremely potent and often lethal substances. Drugs like fentanyl are causing a record number of deaths. While clandestine labs are sprouting up in all corners of the world. This phenomenon has added to but not replaced the threat of traditional plant based drugs. Cocaine market is expanding and spreading violence – biggest seizures in recent years in port cities like Antwerp and Rotterdam. Meanwhile, drug production methods and trafficking models are evolving, smaller, more fragmented, and highly specialised and network criminal groups are cooperating across different segments of the supply chain. The Internet is growing as a marketplace for drugs, precursors and chemicals, and technologies. Drugs trade overlaps with conflict violence, and instability. The trade fans the flame of gang violence in Haiti, threatens order in Ecuador. Tandem with other criminal activities in Myanmar’s borders. Complex situations in the Middle east, from Syria, to Lebanon to Iraq are becoming more grave. WDP undermines lives, livelihoods. First line responders are losing their lives every day. Commitments in 2019 are still relevant. As you review them, focus on goals that unite you. Delighted to know you have adopted an Outcome Document despite challenging geopolitical context. The spirit of Vienna prevails. Multilateralism can work. Division breeds inaction and this is a time for action. Commend Chair for Pledge4Action initiative. Looking forward, emphasis areas where action is needed: 1) Right to health – people with DU disorders need access to treatment. Women face greater barriers which intersect with other barriers. Affects people in contact with the criminal justice system, humanitarian settings, people who inject drugs who are more likely to live with HIV and HCV. Drug use disorders amplify harms and risks associated with other disorders. We must close gaps in treatment and care. Approach problems with treatment not punishment. Focus on children too, and adolescentes, more likely to develop disorders than others. We develop collaboration with WHO on overdose prevention, HIV prevention, treatment, and care for people who use drugs in prison. We work with civil society to reach those at risk of being left behind. 2) Help farmers find livelihoods away from drug cultivation. Crucial in Afghanistan where 95% reduction of poppy cultivation without alternative sources of income – and in Latin America and SEA where cultivation increases. We need your support to generate more opportunities. Agile responses to disrupt drug markets. Criminal organisations should be targeted by their common characteristics. Profit motive and flow of money, cybertechnology, firearms and violence. More engagement with private sectors (chemical producers, transportation, tech, financial system). Threats and opportunities of AI. Monitoring darkweb. Avoiding traffickers exploiting machine learning. UNODC supports interdiction efforts. Adapt to new criminal models. 4) Vital importance of science, data, research and evidence. Over the past decade, CND placed 80 substances and precursors on international control. UNODC supports implementing scheduling, supporting laboratories, and UN Toolkit for Synthetic Drugs. We must keep up with the pace of criminal markets. UNODC strives to make global, reliable data available, including through WDR, regional and thematic reports, and cultivation surveys. We ended cooperation to address gaps (mainly in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Pacific). 5) Urgent need for balanced and collective responses. No amount of policing will end the illicit drug market as long as there’s enormous demand. No amount of prevention, treatment and harm reduction will change the situation if (…) No country can secure borders alone. Timeless goal of Conventions: health and wellbeing. Global common ground when international cooperation is needed most. In times of division and tensions, importance of common framework. Conventions are flexible and can be adapted to our time and practices. CND can support implementation today. We can promote responses that protect rights without surrendering the security of our communities to drugs and traffickers. UNODC stands with you for a healthier, safer, more prosperous future.INCB: Mr Chair, and distinguished ministers excellencies ladies and gentlemen. This road to 2029. comprises recommendations in the ICD annual reports over the period from 2023. Policies in two key areas..Two key areas: First, promote availability of controlled substances while preventing diversion. Secondly, health and evidence based drug policy that take into account human rights and provide responses to drug criminality that are proportionate. INCB contribution takes stock of board efforts since 2019 in implementing conventions and addressing emerging challenges. Supporting states to accurately estimate needs. Modules and seminars. 2022 Annual Report entitled ‘No patient left behind: Progress…’ following up on recommendations in UNGASS Outcome Document. The Board annually reviews 600 estimates, processes over 100 for psychotropic drugs, and thousands of shipments. INCB recommended 25 chemicals for international scheduling since 2019, complementing the scheduling functions over the past 5 years the government’s use of an improved export notification online system for precursor chemicals has prevented the diversion of nearly two tonnes of pseudoephedrine preparations To address the challenges of diversion equipment. New initiatives to facilitate private-public partnerships to prevent diversion of specialised equipment. Our systems have prevented significant amounts of ATS and GBL trafficking. INCB established the GRIDS programme. Cooperation has assisted South Asia governments to identify and arrest dealers in dark web and similar trafficking operations in Europe. Over 250 recommendations published for practical guidance in booklets, self assessment booklets. The number of incidents communicated through the ION project increased to almost 80,000. Some of the concrete ways INCB works with MS to safeguard health and welfare. Stand at the midpoint of implementing SDGs and the 2030 agenda. First section of the INCB contribution outlines how INCB’s work in contributing to projects, particularly SDG3 and SG16. Frustration as a health professional because. Too many people continue to suffer. Lack of access to controlled medicines and preventable substance use disorders. Keep the health and welfare of people and communities at the heart of your deliberations. The Conventions and CND came about from concern to wellbeing and health. INCB pledges its support.WHO: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, dear colleagues and friends, The non-medical use of psychoactive drugs leads to nearly six hundred thousand deaths each year, largely due to viral hepatitis, HIV, and overdose. These deaths are largely preventable, with the use of evidence-based services for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, in line with WHO and UNODC guidance. And while minimizing the harms related to non-medical use of controlled substances is important, many of them can play a vital role in patient care. Opioid analgesics and psychotropic medicines are indispensable for pain management, palliative care, and the treatment of mental, neurological and substance use disorders. However, access to these controlled medications remains largely inadequate – particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, many people who use drugs face barriers to accessing the care they need, and effective treatment is often not available or affordable. The lack of access is made worse by stigma and discrimination, as well as policies and laws that prioritize criminal sanctions over public health needs. It doesn’t have to be either-or. We can strike a balance between policies that protect people from the harms of drug use, while enabling access to treatment and care for those in need. WHO remains committed to working with the INCB, UNODC, Member States, civil society, and other partners to find solutions that protect health, are evidence-based, and grounded in human rights. Because health is a human right, and so is access to medicines and services to protect it. I thank you. OHCHR: I very much welcome the opportunity to address this Commission. At such a critical moment for global action on the world drug situation. After decades of following a largely punitive approach, we can see this simply is not working. Not by any metric. The number of people using drugs has sharply risen. Criminalization, including the use of the death penalty, has neither diminished drug use nor deterred drug-related crime. Instead, more and more lives ruined, not just by the use of drugs in itself, but also by the fallout of counterproductive policies. Mass incarceration; communities stigmatized, impoverished and plagued by violence; arbitrary detention; the escalation of lethal force that can descend into extrajudicial killings taking place with impunity. A list that goes on. Representing a roll-call of misery and violations of human rights. It does not have to be this way. We have the evidence of what works. And the means to implement it. With the 2024 mid-term review very much in mind, my Office issued a report last August on human rights challenges related to the global drug problem. Clearly setting out the serious human rights consequences of the “war on drugs”. And highlighting positive developments in the form of drug policy approaches that are health- and rights-centred. Approaches that do not resort to condemning people who use drugs as criminals. But, instead, view their situation through the lens of human dignity and rights. A number of countries have ventured down this path, applying an evidence-based harm reduction approach, and decriminalizing the use of some drugs. In Portugal and Switzerland, for example, decades of decriminalization of personal consumption and possession have lowered drug-use, overdoses and HIV infections. In Colombia, a new national drug policy is anchored in human rights and development. Focusing on improving the living conditions of communities that depend on the drug economy. Targeting prosecutions at those who benefit most from criminal activity while dismantling criminal networks. Pakistan ended capital punishment for drug-related offences last year. I urge all countries to embrace this positive shift to evolve their own approaches. Our report sets out recommendations on how to do this. Building on the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy. We need inclusive and gender sensitive drug policies that ensure access, on a voluntary basis, to medical care, drug dependence treatment and harm reduction services. And which are designed, implemented and evaluated through processes that facilitate the meaningful engagement of people who use drugs, affected communities, youth and civil society organizations. We need urgent action to end discrimination in law enforcement against people of African descent, Indigenous Peoples and marginalized populations. And, as we revitalize efforts towards the 2030 Agenda, we must stop leaving behind people who use drugs, their families and affected communities. This means, as the Commission has recognised, investing in alternative development. We must also address the poverty, lack of opportunities, insecure environments – the whole range of underlying, structural, socioeconomic factors – that increase the risk of people using drugs or becoming involved in the drug trade. As for decriminalization of personal use, if well designed and implemented, this can also be a powerful instrument to ensure better protection of the rights of people who use drugs. Excellencies, colleagues, This mid-term review is a moment of great opportunity. For setting in motion the transformative change that is needed globally on drug policies. I welcome the renewed commitment to human rights in the High Level Declaration, adopted today, along with commitments to evidence-based policies, the mainstreaming of age and gender perspectives, and to the health of individuals, families and communities. In relation to the gaps that the Declaration identifies in meeting international commitments, I urge States, civil society and other stakeholders to implement the recommendations in my Office’s report. And to work with us and the broader UN human rights system to move forward together in embedding an approach to the world drug situation that is as humane as it is effective. Thank you. Item 3. High-level segment Chair: We will have one minute to allow the president of the General Assembly to leave. Please remain seated. Now let us move to agenda 3B – general debate. We have over 14x seats attended to the high level segment of the commission. With over 100 speakers. The commission has divided that the statements in the general debate should not exceed 5 minutes. I appeal to all the speakers that they strictly adhere to the speaking time, as also decided by the Commission, chairs of regional groups will be allotted the speaking time of seven minutes max. The Pledges4Action would also take place during our general debates. If you’re making a pledge, please read out your pledge or the end of your statement within the 5 minutes of speaking. Group 77 and China: In Vienna, the rates of commitment continue to work to address and counter the world drug problem. The group would like to express its appreciation for the commendable efforts of the chairperson and the secretariat for the preparation and organisation of the session. The group of 77 and China now welcomes the convening of the high level segment of the commission and expresses its support for the high level declaration of the CND and on the 2024 midterm review, following the 2019 ministerial declaration agreed by the member states. The group views this as a positive step forward. It is important for our joint commitment to address and counter the world drug problems, the group would like to express its appreciation for the work carried out in the negotiation process. The group also take a positive note of all initiatives and effects of its member states which contribute to the world to eh commission, in addressing the world drug problem is a common and shared responsibility that should be undertaken in a multilateral setting through effective concrete and increase subregional, regional and international cooperation based on integrated multidisciplinary mutually reinforcing balanced, scientific evidence base and comprehensive approach with a view to promoting group stresses the importance of international cooperation and has companies capacity building initiatives, programmes and activities, provision of equipment and technology and technical assistance, particularly for developing countries in an open, transparent and equitable way to allow them to have sufficient resources to address encountered the world drug problem. The group remains strongly convinced that the upholding alternative including supporting an effecting UN development system and avoiding creating and entering unilateral coercive measures and actions on the developing countries in accordance with international law and the charter of the UN is essential to proof solidarity international cooperating frame and the international cooperation framework and for the sustained stabilities to address and counter the world drug problem (….) the 1972 protocol, the Convention on psychotropic substances of 1971. The United Nations Convention against illicit trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances of 1988 and other relevant international instruments constitute the cornerstone of the international drug control system. The group reaffirms its committed to ensuring that all aspect of the main reduction and related measures like reduction and related measures and international cooperation are addressed in full conformity with the purposes and principles of the charter of UN international law and Universal Declaration of Human Rights with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states the principle of non-intervention internal affairs of other states or human rights, fundamental freedoms in the current dignity of all individuals and the principles of equal human rights and mutual respect among states. The group reiterates the efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals and effectively address a worldwide problem…and mutually reinforcing The growth nodes with great concern the persistent disparity some progress made in ensuring the access availability and affordability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, particularly for pain relief and palliative care. The group urges all member states to take concrete actions to ensure access availability, availability and affordability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes and remove any imposed barriers. The group acknowledges that drug use disorders face challenges that should be addressed effectively through treatment, healthcare, rehabilitation and recovery. The group recalls the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and recognises the importance The group underscores the significance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasising the need to support sustainable livelihoods for indigenous peoples and local communities affected by the illicit crop cultivation and drug trafficking. It highlights the importance of promoting domestic economic alternatives through long-term, inclusive, and sustainable development programs aimed particularly at those communities and regions vulnerable to illicit crop cultivation and drug-related activities in both urban and rural settings…..The group points out the detrimental effects of transnational criminal organisations on public security and societal well-being, advocating for a comprehensive approach to combat the spread of these activities. Concerns about the growing threats posed by synthetic drugs to the illicit drug market are raised, with a call for member states to prioritise addressing this challenge. The adverse environmental impacts and the broader consequences of drug-related activities are acknowledged, with a stress on the necessity of addressing these issues and their root causes. The group calls for ongoing support from the UNODC to assist member states in adopting integrated, multidisciplinary and evidence-based strategies to counter the WDP in line international drug control conventions and other intentional drug policy commitments. acknowledges the persistent, new, and evolving challenges in drug control, advocating for ambitious, effective, and possibly innovative actions within the framework of the international drug control conventions. Lastly, the group notes the conventions’ flexibility, allowing states to tailor national drug policies to their specific needs and priorities, reaffirming the principle of common and shared responsibility and adherence to international law. The group emphasises the need to integrate gender and age perspectives into drug-related policies and programs, focusing on the well-being and safety of individuals, families, communities, and society, with special attention to women, children, and youth. This includes promoting health and access to treatment. The group expresses concern over the lack of equitable geographical representation and the underrepresentation of developing countries in the UNODC…. on implementing this principle, the progress made, and suggestions for improving member state representation in the UNODC Secretariat. Furthermore, the group, including G77 and China, calls on the international community, especially developed countries, to provide necessary support to enhance efforts to address and counter the world drug problem, underscoring the importance of global cooperation and support. Group of African States: Chairperson, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Africa Group. At the onset, the Africa Group aligns itself with the Statement of the Group of 77 and China. The Group extends its warm congratulations to H.E Ambassador Philbert Johnson, Permanent Representative of Ghana on his election as Chair of the 67th session of the CND as well as to other members of the Bureau on their election. We thank the UNODC Secretariat for the excellent preparations for this session and assure you of our full support. The Group further congratulates Ambassador Johnson for presiding over this important session tasked with conducting a stocktaking review of the progress made in the implementation of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration and conveys its gratitude for his tireless efforts and leadership in preparing for this High-Level Segment, including his constructive on behalf of Africa as the Chair of the CND, to reach a consensus on the Outcome Document and uphold the Vienna Spirit. The Group also expresses its support for the Chair’s innovative “Pledge4Action” initiative aimed at mobilizing commitment towards concrete and impactful actions to address and counter the world drug problem. Chairperson, The Group commends the Executive Director of the UNODC, Ms Ghada Waly, for her able leadership in guiding our efforts to address and counter the world drug problem. The Group also commends Ms Waly for the UNODC Strategic Vision for Africa 2030 and calls for sufficient funding of the Strategy. The Group further urges the UNODC, relevant partners and donors to provide sufficient financial and technical support to African countries, tailored to their needs and priorities, to ensure the successful implementation of the mandate of the Commission in pursuance of the SDG Agenda 2030 and 2063 AU Agenda. The Group emphasizes that addressing and countering the world drug problem is a common and a shared responsibility of all UN member states and reiterates its commitment to the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action; the 2014 Joint Ministerial Declaration; the 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document and the 2019 Ministerial Declaration (as well as its 2024 Mid Term Review Outcome Document Chairperson, The Group notes with appreciation the efforts of the African Union to craft a Common African Position for the Mid-term Review of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration, drawing attention to the challenges faced by the continent to improve the health, security and socio-economic wellbeing of its people, and further welcomes the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2025) . The Group notes with grave concerns the persistent disparities on progress made in ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, particularly for the relief of pain and palliative care. The Group urges all Member States, the UNODC, and the private sector, especially the pharmaceutical industry, to take concrete actions to ensure access, availability and affordability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes and remove any barriers in this regard. Chairperson, The Group is concerned over the interlinkages between drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime including corruption, illicit financial flows, cybercrime, and terrorism and calls for enhanced sub-regional, regional and international cooperation, including technical assistance and capacity building for law enforcement agencies, to counter this scourge. Chairperson, The Group takes note of the decision to delete cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule (IV) of the 1961 Convention and placing it under International Control in Schedule (1) based on the WHO recommendation, while we recognise that Member States shall have the right to further exercise domestic control in accordance with Article 39 of the 1961 convention in this regard. The Group expresses concern regarding the increasing threats caused by synthetic drugs and their impact on the illicit drug market and, urges all Member States to decisively tackle this challenge. The Group continues to note with concern the harmful effects of the increasing nonmedical use of pharmaceutical opioids including Tramadol and invites Member States to collect and share data to facilitate the consideration of placing of the substance under international control to prevent its diversion for illicit use while ensuring its access and availability for medical and scientific purposes. The Group also denounces the online illicit trafficking of drugs, especially on the Darknet and increased illicit trafficking in precursor chemicals and synthetic drugs. The Group urges Member States to effectively counter these new and emerging challenges. We reaffirm the role of the CND as the principal policy making body of the United Nations in drug control matters, and our support for the efforts of the relevant UN entities, especially the treaty-mandated roles of the INCB and the WHO. The Group commends the Executive-Director for ensuring equitable geographical representation and gender balance are fully incorporated in the recruitment policy of UNODC, particularly at the senior levels. In conclusion, we reaffirm our resolve to review in 2029 progress made in implementing all our international drug policy commitments and undertake to accelerate and improve their implementation in the period from 2024 to 2029. Group of Asia-Pacific States: Chair, ED, excellencies, delegates,etc. On behalf of the Asia Pacific group we thank and congratulate the chair. We congratulate other elected members. Extend full support to ED of UNODC and DG of UN Office in Vienna. We work together on collective efforts to tackle drug use. We affirm that UNODC is the principal entity to tackle drug related issues and the CND is the principal fora. We acknowledge with appreciation the adoption of high level declaration and note the work to prepare for this session. We affirm our belief that the world drug problem is a multifaceted challenge with a need for a multidisciplinary approach within the principle of common and shared responsibility. We recognize efforts of national authorities in law enforcement, criminal justice, health and education and recognize the provision of technical assistance for these authorities where necessary. We recognize efforts to counter the world drug problem through demand reduction, supply reduction, and through international collaboration through principles of UN charter and with respect for international law and sovereignty of states as well as principles of equal rights and respect among states. We recognize that efforts to counter the world drug problem and to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals are complementary and mutually reinforcing. We recognize the key drug control conventions as the cornerstone of the international drug control system, as well as the 2009 Political Declaration, 2014 Ministerial Declaration, 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, and 2019 Ministerial Declaration. Group fully supports efforts to counter illicit cultivation, production, trafficking and drug supply and demand, as well as precursor chemicals. We note the need to strengthen interregional and international collaboration and exchange of information where appropriate. In the context of this mid term review we reflect on the achievements and challenges in these commitments from the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. We express with concern the threat of spread of amphetamine type stimulants, especially methamphetamine and new psychoactive substances and non scheduled precursors. We ensure we will work towards comprehensive access to treatment programs in compliance with control conventions. Chair: We will have one minute to allow the president of the General Assembly to leave. Please remain seated. Now let us move to agenda 3B – general debate. We have over 14x seats attended to the high level segment of the commission. With over 100 speakers. The commission has divided that the statements in the general debate should not exceed 5 minutes. I appeal to all the speakers that they strictly adhere to the speaking time, as also decided by the Commission, chairs of regional groups will be allotted the speaking time of seven minutes max. The Pledges4Action would also take place during our general debates. If you’re making a pledge, please read out your pledge or the end of your statement within the 5 minutes of speaking. Group 77 and China: In Vienna, the rates of commitment continue to work to address and counter the world drug problem. The group would like to express its appreciation for the commendable efforts of the chairperson and the secretariat for the preparation and organisation of the session. The group of 77 and China now welcomes the convening of the high level segment of the commission and expresses its support for the high level declaration of the CND and on the 2024 midterm review, following the 2019 ministerial declaration agreed by the member states. The group views this as a positive step forward. It is important for our joint commitment to address and counter the world drug problems, the group would like to express its appreciation for the work carried out in the negotiation process. The group also take a positive note of all initiatives and effects of its member states which contribute to the world to eh commission, in addressing the world drug problem is a common and shared responsibility that should be undertaken in a multilateral setting through effective concrete and increase subregional, regional and international cooperation based on integrated multidisciplinary mutually reinforcing balanced, scientific evidence base and comprehensive approach with a view to promoting group stresses the importance of international cooperation and has companies capacity building initiatives, programmes and activities, provision of equipment and technology and technical assistance, particularly for developing countries in an open, transparent and equitable way to allow them to have sufficient resources to address encountered the world drug problem. The group remains strongly convinced that the upholding alternative including supporting an effecting UN development system and avoiding creating and entering unilateral coercive measures and actions on the developing countries in accordance with international law and the charter of the UN is essential to proof solidarity international cooperating frame and the international cooperation framework and for the sustained stabilities to address and counter the world drug problem (….) the 1972 protocol, the Convention on psychotropic substances of 1971. The United Nations Convention against illicit trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances of 1988 and other relevant international instruments constitute the cornerstone of the international drug control system. The group reaffirms its committed to ensuring that all aspect of the main reduction and related measures like reduction and related measures and international cooperation are addressed in full conformity with the purposes and principles of the charter of UN international law and Universal Declaration of Human Rights with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states the principle of non-intervention internal affairs of other states or human rights, fundamental freedoms in the current dignity of all individuals and the principles of equal human rights and mutual respect among states. The group reiterates the efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals and effectively address a worldwide problem…and mutually reinforcing The growth nodes with great concern the persistent disparity some progress made in ensuring the access availability and affordability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, particularly for pain relief and palliative care. The group urges all member states to take concrete actions to ensure access availability, availability and affordability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes and remove any imposed barriers. The group acknowledges that drug use disorders face challenges that should be addressed effectively through treatment, healthcare, rehabilitation and recovery. The group recalls the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and recognises the importance The group underscores the significance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasising the need to support sustainable livelihoods for indigenous peoples and local communities affected by the illicit crop cultivation and drug trafficking. It highlights the importance of promoting domestic economic alternatives through long-term, inclusive, and sustainable development programs aimed particularly at those communities and regions vulnerable to illicit crop cultivation and drug-related activities in both urban and rural settings…..The group points out the detrimental effects of transnational criminal organisations on public security and societal well-being, advocating for a comprehensive approach to combat the spread of these activities. Concerns about the growing threats posed by synthetic drugs to the illicit drug market are raised, with a call for member states to prioritise addressing this challenge. The adverse environmental impacts and the broader consequences of drug-related activities are acknowledged, with a stress on the necessity of addressing these issues and their root causes. The group calls for ongoing support from the UNODC to assist member states in adopting integrated, multidisciplinary and evidence-based strategies to counter the WDP in line international drug control conventions and other intentional drug policy commitments. acknowledges the persistent, new, and evolving challenges in drug control, advocating for ambitious, effective, and possibly innovative actions within the framework of the international drug control conventions. Lastly, the group notes the conventions’ flexibility, allowing states to tailor national drug policies to their specific needs and priorities, reaffirming the principle of common and shared responsibility and adherence to international law. The group emphasises the need to integrate gender and age perspectives into drug-related policies and programs, focusing on the well-being and safety of individuals, families, communities, and society, with special attention to women, children, and youth. This includes promoting health and access to treatment. The group expresses concern over the lack of equitable geographical representation and the underrepresentation of developing countries in the UNODC…. on implementing this principle, the progress made, and suggestions for improving member state representation in the UNODC Secretariat. Furthermore, the group, including G77 and China, calls on the international community, especially developed countries, to provide necessary support to enhance efforts to address and counter the world drug problem, underscoring the importance of global cooperation and support. Group of African States: I have the honour to deliver on behalf of the African group. We align ourselves with the G77 and China statements. Warm congratulations to his excellency for election as chair. We thank the secretariat for excellent preparations for this session as he is tasked with conducting a stock taking review on progress made on 2019 MD and thank you for tireless efforts and leaderships and work to reach consensus and uphold Vienna spirit. We express support for innovative pledges for action to ensure impactful efforts to address WDP. Commend Ghada Waly for able leadership and guiding our efforts to address WDP and strategic vision for Africa 2030. We urge UNODC to provide sufficient financial and technical support for African countries to ensure successful implementation of SDG mandate and agenda 2030. Addressing and countering WDP is common and shared responsibility and we reiterate our commitment to the 2009 Political Declaration, 2014 Ministerial Declaration, 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, and 2019 Ministerial Declaration. We note appreciation of efforts of the African Union to craft collaborative submissions to mid-term review. Welcome African Union plan of action on drug control. We note grave concerns on disparities of accessibility and affordability of controlled substances for pain and palliative care. We urge the UNODC, member states and the private sector, particularly the pharmaceutical industry, to remove barriers in this regard. We are concerned about linkages between organised crime such as terrorism, financial crime, and drug trafficking, and call for collaboration with law enforcement agencies. We take note of the decision to delete cannabis and cannabis resin from schedule 4 and place it in schedule 1 while we note that states have domestic control in this regard. We express concern about the threat of synthetic drugs and urge states to tackle this challenge. We note with concern the increasing non-medical use of medical opioids and note we should consider placing these under control while ensuring access for medical and scientific purposes. We note the increasing use of the dark net and increased trafficking of precursors. We affirm the role of CND as principle decision making body on drugs and treaty mandated roles of INCB and WHO. We commend ED for ensuring geo representation and gender balance in recruitment policy of UNODC. Resolve to review 2029 progress made on commitments and ensure efforts to reach goals in period 2024-2029 Group of Asia-Pacific States: Chair, ED, excellencies, delegates,etc. On behalf of the Asia Pacific group we thank and congratulate the chair. We congratulate other elected members. Extend full support to ED of UNODC and DG of UN Office in Vienna. We work together on collective efforts to tackle drug use. We affirm that UNODC is the principal entity to tackle drug related issues and the CND is the principal fora. We acknowledge with appreciation the adoption of high level declaration and note the work to prepare for this session. We affirm our belief that the world drug problem is a multifaceted challenge with a need for a multidisciplinary approach within the principle of common and shared responsibility. We recognize efforts of national authorities in law enforcement, criminal justice, health and education and recognize the provision of technical assistance for these authorities where necessary. We recognize efforts to counter the world drug problem through demand reduction, supply reduction, and through international collaboration through principles of UN charter and with respect for international law and sovereignty of states as well as principles of equal rights and respect among states. We recognize that efforts to counter the world drug problem and to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals are complementary and mutually reinforcing. We recognize the key drug control conventions as the cornerstone of the international drug control system, as well as the 2009 Political Declaration, 2014 Ministerial Declaration, 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, and 2019 Ministerial Declaration. Group fully supports efforts to counter illicit cultivation, production, trafficking and drug supply and demand, as well as precursor chemicals. We note the need to strengthen interregional and international collaboration and exchange of information where appropriate. In the context of this mid term review we reflect on the achievements and challenges in these commitments from the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. We express with concern the threat of spread of amphetamine type stimulants, especially methamphetamine and new psychoactive substances and non scheduled precursors. We ensure we will work towards comprehensive access to treatment programs in compliance with control conventions. Group of Latin American Countries and the Caribbean: GRULAC recognises that despite progress, the WDP continues to pose challenges to health, citizen safety and the wellbeing of our people and countries of the region. The progress in raising awareness on the impact of drug activities on the environment is positive. The WDP has worsened internationally. We must redouble our efforts to find joint solutions to tackle this challenge. Our region is affected by the rapid transformation and expansion of these challenges and the links between illicit drugs and arms trafficking. Undermines the forces of law and order. Drug trafficking and rise of violence, have a negative impact on the well-being of our people. Urgent need to adopt ambitious, innovative, preventive, multidisciplinary, balanced policies in addressing WDP respecting national legislation and on the principle of common and shared responsibility. In keeping with the principles in the Treaties and all relevant instruments that are the keystone of the UN drug control system, and in lights of the UN Charter, international law, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we recognise the importance of the critical reviews with scientific basis organised by WHO in contributing to implementing the Treaty-based system. We acknowledge the measures by countries to promote such reviews of substances, products and plants. More integrated responses are needed to tackle the economies linked to illicit drugs and related crimes. Deplore impact on the environment and the damage caused to remote communities and Indigenous peoples. We understand the need to strengthen all efforts towards promoting viable alternatives among affected communities. Particularly those risked being affected by illicit crop cultivation and production of drugs and other illicit activities related to drugs in rural and urban areas, including by developing alternative sustainable and inclusive alternative developments programmes. Indigenous peoples have a right to their traditional medicines, including through their medicinal plants, in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. GRULAC highlights the importance of international cooperation, capacity strengthening programmes and activities, and technical assistance, equipment, technology, etc. In particular for developing countries so that states have sufficient resources to tackle and curb the world drug problem in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. Concern for trafficking of NPS and synthetic drugs that lead to irreversible harm among the youngest and underscore the need to strengthen solutions. Commend the Chair for the Pledge4Action initiative to progress commitments in the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. GRULAC is committed to examining, at the CND in 2029, the progress achieved in complying with all international commitments, and review our policy for the health, safety and wellbeing of our peoples. Congratulations on the Outcome Document. European Union: It is my honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The following countries also align themselves with this statement: North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and San Marino. As we gather today, we are witnessing conflict and violence in many parts of the world. The EU and its Member States call for the full respect for the UN Charter and International Law and International Humanitarian Law, whether in relation to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, or the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, Ethiopia, DRC and elsewhere. The EU and its Member States strongly and unequivocally oppose the use of the death penalty under all circumstances, including for drug-related offences. The challenges posed by the world drug situation are increasing. Recent data on drug-related deaths, as well as on the production and trafficking of drugs and their consequences cause great concern. The latest World Drug Report tells us that over 128.000 people died in the world in 2019 due to drug use disorders. Seizures of drugs, in particular cocaine, keep on growing, having gone up in the EU by more than 400% over ten years. In particular, drug production and trafficking are at an all-time high and criminal groups and networks are becoming a bigger threat. At the same time, the sharp rise of new psychoactive substances comes about with new health challenges and the production of drugs damages our environment. We deeply regret the continuous unequal impact of the world drug situation on the most vulnerable individuals, families and populations. Still today, access to and availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes remains extremely low in many parts of the world, resulting in immense suffering for individuals, families and communities. The European Union and its Member States are convinced that the situation can be tackled in an effective and sustainable manner only through an evidence-based, integrated, balanced and multidisciplinary approach that upholds human rights. The three international drug control conventions, with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and in particular international human rights law, should remain cornerstones of international drug policy. We must continue and accelerate the implementation of all drug policy commitments, and in particular the commitments agreed upon in the UNGASS 2016 outcome document. Without a doubt, our common efforts should contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals set out for 2030. The EU Drugs Strategy and related Action Plan 2021-2025 set out the EU policy in this field. The European Commission will evaluate the implementation of our policies and actions in 2024 to guide the future EU drugs policy. In response to the increasing challenges linked to organised crime and drug trafficking, the European Commission recently published an EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime. Together with EU Member States, the Commission is undertaking several priority actions, such as the launch of a European Ports Alliance, ongoing efforts with all stakeholders to protect ports from criminal infiltration, more targeted actions against high-risk criminal networks, or increased efforts of crime prevention, including preventing the recruitment of young people into organised crime. Furthermore, drug use is first and foremost a health issue. There is no single cause to drug use nor is there a single solution to address drug use disorders. Following the scientific evidence, the EU and its Member States are implementing policies encompassing activities in the areas of prevention, early detection and intervention, risk and harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, social integration and recovery. This includes the implementation of innovative services, such as online treatment, or developing community-based programmes and mobile services in order to reach the most vulnerable populations. Should we therefore be complacent? No. Drug health policies must constantly improve and respond to new health challenges and thus, by definition, be innovative. Firstly, we have to protect the most vulnerable. As stated by Executive Director Waly in the latest UNODC report: ‘It is the vulnerable, the poor and the excluded who pay the highest price’. Stigmatisation of people for their drug use is unacceptable and counterproductive and should therefore be tackled and eliminated. Secondly, as policy makers, we must listen to civil society and people with lived experiences. Thirdly, gender equality. Access to healthcare for women is more limited than for men and the stigma on women who use drugs is ever so hard, especially when they have children. At the same time, women are convicted proportionally more than men for drug-related offences. Finally, data. The European Union and its Member States underscore the essential role of collecting data, monitoring and scientific research. As from July this year, the current European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction – EMCDDA – will become the European Drugs Agency (EUDA) with a reinforced mandate. We will improve our capacity to react to both current and future drug challenges. With a view to enhancing the implementation of all international drug policy commitments, and in addressing the challenges that the range of drugs and drugs markets are expanding and diversifying, I therefore pledge for the European Union to increase its preparedness and capacity to react to future developments by empowering its European Union Drug Agency to carry out proactive threat assessments and to develop a rapid European drug alert system complementary to our already existing Early Warning System that will contribute to safeguarding public health and security. Mr. Chair, The challenges are many, and only jointly we can face them in a sustainable manner. Thank you Colombia (video message): The international drug control regime, with its gravity center in Vienna, has failed. The latest World Drug Report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime demonstrates this. Illicit drugs are readily available to all, while controlled medicines do not reach the patients who need them most. In other words, this global, anachronistic, and indifferent system has failed to destroy the illicit substance market or promote the legitimate medicine market. It insists on pitting the state against the market and thus endangers our countries and our people. This war on drugs has failed primarily due to: The increase in fentanyl consumption in the United States, resulting in over 100,000 deaths per year. One million murders in Latin America, making it the most violent region in the world due to drug criminalization. Tens of millions of people imprisoned throughout the drug trafficking chain, including peasant farmers who produce coca leaves. The destruction of democracy due to corruption and the armed takeover of territories by criminal organizations in Latin America. The health of our societies is at stake. The risk posed by the use and abuse of illicit drugs, both natural and synthetic, can only be mitigated through a harm reduction policy that prioritizes a public health approach. Colombia calls on the membership of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to place the right to health at the center of its debates. The health of our democracies is at stake. Drug mafias, created by prohibition and criminalization, transfer their money northward to benefit the financial system controlled by major capital, leaving violence and destruction in our global South. They do not want strong institutions to combat them, nor empowered and educated populations with their basic needs met. They need them weak to corrupt and co-govern. They need them poor and subservient to cultivate, produce, and traffic. Colombia urges the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to recognize that arms trafficking, money laundering, and corruption are part of the engine of the global phenomenon of illicit drugs. Colombia implemented all the wrong formulas imposed on us from outside for a war on drugs. We bore the dead, entrusted soldiers and police with an impossible mission, wasted money from our budget, turned our peasant, indigenous, and Afro communities into enemies, violated rights massively and systematically, contributed to destroying our ecosystems, and sacrificed our development for a war others wanted. What the world calls the global drug problem reflects above all the loneliness of millions of people in developed societies today addicted to drug consumption and the lack of opportunities for communities within legitimate economies. There is no drug problem, but rather one of development and existence. The denialist spirit prevailing in the face of the multilateral drug system’s shipwreck is forcing countries to respond within the framework of flexible interpretations of conventions. Colombia is doing this on two levels. Internally, our national drug policy places the fundamental rights of Colombians at the heart of our action. Coca leaves are part of our history, and they are not the problem you have in Vienna. We will provide oxygen to the peasant farmers who cultivate coca leaves and suffocate those who profit from trafficking cocaine. This drug policy is part of the quest for total peace within and beyond borders, peace with local communities, and peace with nature, the right to life above all. Internationally, Colombia has called for a reassessment of the global drug situation. We will start in our region of Latin America and the Caribbean and want to bring this debate to the rest of the world. A former president of the United States said, and I quote, “with the United Nations when possible, without the United Nations when necessary,” end quote. We believe that everything should be done with the United Nations, but not with a United Nations that is deaf, blind, and silent. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1549653769147031">Video message also available here.</a> Colombia: Making this statement on behalf of a group of countries (Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor Leste, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay). This group of member states convey the following messages at the opening of the HLS of the 2024 midterm review. We are gathering at a time when the international community needs urgent action against drug challenges that endanger the health, human rights, wellbeing and security of peoples. Then demand for and supply of drugs have reached unprecedented levels with illicit trafficking and manufacturing leading to violence, causing people to fear and lack of protections and lack of trust in their government’s capacity to protect them. At the same time, despite their indispensability, millions of people suffer because of inadequate access to and availability of controlled medicines due to affordability, and other system obstacles. In many communities, illicit drugs are available, controlled drugs aren’t. This leads us to conclude the international drug control system as currently applied needs rethinking based on concrete evidence to make progress together. Drug related organised crime thrives worldwide, disrupts governments, diminishes democratic institutions, incentivises corruption, leverages the internet, undermines rule of law. Proceeds of crime exacerbate an array of illegal economies including human trafficking and crimes against the environment. Disrupt societies, harms the functioning of states, economic costs, hindering the achievement of the SGDs. Patterns are changing rapidly. Synthetic drugs are expanding at an alarming pace. Global threat against young people. Extreme lethality and ease of traffic. Unprecedented overdose deaths and poisonings. Ultimately, human rights issues directly impact the health and wellbeing of our people. The number of people with drug use disorders: 39.5 million. 45% increase in the last decade. Evidence shows these disorders are multifactorial health conditions that need rights based inclusive harm reduction healthcare, social protection, rehabilitation, and protection within the context of health systems that provide non-stigmatising approaches. Those in need of treatment of services face significant obstacles. Importance of harm reduction approaches grounded in human rights and gender perspective. To contribute to the realisation of gender equality and enjoyment of all human rights. Putting people first is part of our broader efforts, prioritising public health, developing prevention, eliminating stigma associated with drug use disorders, and ensuring access to availability of controlled substances for medical purposes. Our global policy should be to treat people with dignity and uphold their human rights. It should increase viable economic alternatives, including through alternative developments, including economic solutions for people of african descent, indigenous people, homeless population, youth, women…at risk for drug related activities. We regret the impact of drug use and trafficking on marginalised people. International guidelines on human rights drug policy is important. Welcome report by OHCHR as a tool for further discussion. And the presence of representatives from UN bodies here in Vienna. Important step to avoid working in silos. Enhance exchanges between Vienna, Geneva an dNew York. We commend civil society’s role in developing effective policies. We appeal for global solidarity and cooperation to relieve the harms of this worldwide phenomenon. If we want to impact households around the globe, transformation of our vision on drug policy. Realistic evidence based assessment and pragmatic response. We are committed to collectively reviewing and strengthening the international drug control system, ensuring that implementation challenges are addressed and that our focus remains on protecting the rights and well-being of humanity. In this critical and decisive moment, let’s act for the sake of future generations. Despite the challenging social and political climate we currently navigate, let’s come together for the betterment of our people.Starting here and now. Now allow me to voice the pledges and commitment on behalf of Colombia: 1) Design and implement an international harm reduction network so that this approach becomes a lynchpin of global drug policy. 2) Adopt a pragmatic approach that protects rights. Bolivia (Plurinational State of): Natural coca leaf is like an emblem that protects the identity of the ancestral Andean Masonic people’s brothers and sisters. In 1961, the United Nations organisation took the political decision without scientific basis that the coca leaf is the same as cocaine. Classifying the natural coca leaf for over six decades as a drug was an error and a scam. In order to monitor analyse the industrialization of the natural coca leaves for energy drinks, and pharmaceuticals without in any way stamping out the use of coca leaf for drugs for increased crime, my man for murder and for dirty profits for the transboundary industrial peoples living in the territories of Bolivia Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The natural coca leaves. There is a profound social purpose conciliatory in nature, providing equity and respect among peoples. Classifying for over 6 decades as a drug was an error and a scam, in order to monopolise the industrialization for energy drinks and pharmaceuticals without stamping out the use of coca leaves for crimes… murder and dirty profits. For us, living in the territories in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, the coca leaf has a profound purpose – equity, respect among peoples. This proof, that the coca leaf is not a drug, is gaining ground in our collective word . The first step was decriminalising the chewing of coca leaves in our national territories. It cannot be considered a drug, for millennia, it has been used to support the survival of our civilization, an excellent therapeutic and nutritional guide and spiritual tool. It is a perfect genetic masterpiece of mother earth – A balanced combination of proteins, amino acids, minerals, oils, antioxidants, and vitamins supports the digestive, immune, lymphatic, nervous, and glandular systems. Recognizing the importance of respecting the rights of ancestral peoples in drug control policy, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues has recommended such respect, a stance reaffirmed by recent resolutions of the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council of the United Nations. These resolutions emphasise the right of indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making processes affecting their cultural integrity. An essential step toward aligning the drug control system with the rights of indigenous peoples is re-evaluating the current classification of coca leaves as a drug under Schedule I of the 1961 convention. Bolivia’s request for this review has been submitted and is currently being considered by the WHO’s expert committee. We have advocated for the WHO to incorporate a traditional medicine perspective in this critical review process. The review of the coca leaf presents a prime opportunity for the World Health Organization to engage with indigenous communities and bridge the gap between academic and natural medicine. In our arguments for the critical review, we have reiterated our commitment to ensuring that the drug control system—based on the 1961, 1971, and 1988 treaties, which govern drug control and prohibit the cultivation and use of coca leaves for illicit production—respects and integrates the legitimate uses and cultural significance of the coca leaf.Our request was submitted and is being reviewed by the WHOs relevant committee. This is an excellent opportunity to engage in dialogue with indigenous peoples and forge bridges between academic and natural medicine. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the drug controls system – based on the three conventions that control illicit production of coca leaf. In turn, in the reservation under the single conventions, we have ratified that Bolivia will take necessary steps to … we restated our strategic commitments in our national counter-drugs policy with results we shall present during a side event later today. Freeing the coca leaf will generate great health benefits and opportunities for marketing and industrialization, for humankind. Spain (video message): Distinguished chair, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, warm greetings. As the Minister of Health of the Spanish government, I am honoured to address the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, a pivotal multilateral forum of which Spain, as a member since the First Vienna session, fully aligns with the declaration delivered by the European Union. We gather here to engage in the midterm review of the 2019 ministerial declaration. I wish to emphasise the importance of a shared roadmap to evaluate the progress we have achieved and to outline future steps towards fulfilling our commitments. In Spain, our national addiction strategy is spearheaded by the government’s delegation for the National Drug Plan. This strategy is the result of a comprehensive consensus among public governance, the scientific community, civil society, and both the public and private sectors. Through our collaborative efforts, we have been able to establish priorities and design tailored responses within our national drug plan, demonstrating our commitment to addressing addiction comprehensively. This is a balanced approach and actions are based on full respect for human rights and are aimed at creating better awareness, safety and health of all people – free from discrimination and stigmatisation. We place importance on the most vulnerable. These findings underscore the critical need to address drug-related disorders, which often coexist with other mental health issues. This represents a particularly vulnerable group within our population, including young individuals. Furthermore, international cooperation is essential, based on shared responsibility and commitments outlined in international treaties and laws. Our collaborative efforts extend across various regions, with a particular focus on the Americas. We are committed to strengthening partnerships between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), through a series of programs funded by the European Union. On a multilateral level, we provide both technical and financial support to various projects. Additionally, we participate in the coalition against synthetic drugs led by the United States, underscoring our dedication to tackling the global challenge of drug-related disorders through international collaboration and support.A number of programs are funded by the EU and we are providing technical and financial support to a number of initiatives, worldwide. The Ministry of Health emphasises the necessity for decisions to be informed by reliable data and scientific evidence, particularly in the realms of prevention and treatment of drug-related issues. Highlighting the importance of political support and adequate resources for these activities, Spain plans to address this topic further during a side event next Monday. In support of the “Pledge4Action” initiative launched by the chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Spain commits to enhancing the implementation of international drug policy commitments and tackling health service and drug treatment challenges. This commitment includes actively promoting the development of treatments based on scientific evidence, adhering to international norms and standards, and focusing cooperation efforts on countries in the Latin American region. Spain will continue its collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, particularly in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, by providing institutional and technical support, and actively contributing financial support through to 2024, with intentions to sustain funding into 2025. As the Minister of Health, I extend our best wishes for success in our ongoing and future endeavours. Kazakhstan: Dear colleagues, it is an honour to participate in this commission’s review of our international policy commitments. Kazakhstan, as a signatory to all three major narcotics conventions, steadfastly adheres to the principles of the UN Charter in addressing global challenges. Nationally, our approach transcends enforcement, emphasising respect for human dignity, which aligns with our President’s guidance and the essence of the 2019 ministerial declaration. Last year, Kazakhstan introduced a comprehensive plan to counter drug trafficking, developed in close collaboration with local experts, the UNODC, and other international bodies. This plan is grounded in compassion and understanding, while also updating law enforcement techniques. Its implementation has already led to significant achievements, including the arrest of numerous traffickers and the dismantling of 81 illicit labs. This strategy exemplifies our commitment to both humane principles and effective action in the battle against drug-related issues. Trafficking transcends national borders and personal boundaries. International collaboration has a critical role in addressing this challenge. We must address root causes and tackle impacts on communities. Our priorities in combating trafficking in central asia are: monitoring the infamous northern route, confiscation of synthetic drugs have increased more than 10 fold that poses a major risk to our national security. Therefore we will convene with UNODC next month and join efforts to address these synthetic drug threats. Addressing the situation in Afghanistan, it’s important to note that international isolation only worsens the country’s humanitarian and socioeconomic crisis, potentially leading Afghan farmers to return to cultivation practices.In our efforts to address security issues, including drug trafficking, we are actively pursuing meaningful, multilateral dialogue with the de facto authorities in Kabul. In this vein, we propose the establishment of the United Nations Centre for Sustainable Development for Central Asia and Afghanistan, based in Almaty. This centre aims to embody the “One UN” approach and enhance collaboration among international organisations. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this critical initiative, embodying the principles of multilateralism and good faith. Given the global impact of drug trafficking, a perilous social issue affecting states and regions worldwide, our collective response must be rooted in compassion and expertise. Together, we can forge a brighter future, aspiring for a world where every child can grow up in an environment free from the scourge of drugs. In addressing the challenges of drug treatment, I declare that Kazakhstan will build specialised health and rehabilitation facilities. I am honoured to be joined by the whole family of those fighting against illicit drug trafficking. Honduras: The government of Honduras restates our commitment to the three drug control treaties, political declaration, UNGASS 2016 outcome document to combat world drug problem, and Ministerial Declaration of 2019. We recognize the need to cooperate to combat drugs. At this time it is clear that we need joint efforts and a resounding response and equally fundamental that we address other crucial issues such as poverty, health, education, based on respect for human rights. Need to ensure we can tackle multifaceted challenges effectively. Purpose of our democratic and socialist government is to forge an equitable country, however the world drug problem poses significant obstacles and without cooperation progress is unlikely. We are here to take stock and learn. Recognize the link between production and consumption and need to tackle the increase in production. Need to promote social wellbeing and protection of our people. We face multiple challenges as a country of transit but we are fully committed to this global challenge which has had severe impact on our region, compelling families to leave their homes. We are committed to tackling challenges of organised crime over the past dark years in Honduras where trafficking invaded the state to unprecedented degree. Our country has made headlines due to the conspiracy of the former president to traffic drugs into the United States. This was forged by funds from the state, leading to electoral fraud and tens of thousands of deaths among the civilian population. This was initially stemming from a coup in 2009 overthrowing the President. In this time we shifted from being a country of transit to a producer country and we are committed to making Honduras a safe country to prevent and combat trafficking once again. We have announced flagship interventions and have achieved a reduction of 11 points in homicide rate, to 41 per 100,000 people. We have announced a state of partial emergency in conflict areas under cartel control. We have eradicated 4.5 million coca plants, 4.7 tonnes of cocaine, 11.5 tonnes of weed, as well as 11,000 doses of fentanyl, highlighting the need to tackle the increase in synthetic drugs. We request the UN to establish a mechanism to tackle corruption. To this end the General Assembly adopted a resolution mandating Secretary General Antonio Guterres to implement this mechanism and continue to make progress to this end. We see multilateralism as a key component to tackling the scourge of drugs. We hope to build a more equitable country and equally tackle difficulties caused by shortage of controlled substances for medical use. We urge protection of public health for all. My country states its commitment to reduce trafficking in drugs, precursors and money laundering to mitigate impact on public health and negative impact of drug use. We hope to continue to contribute to regional efforts to combat drug use and combating transnational crime. Albania: The World Drug Problem poses a significant threat to countries and societies, impacting social and economic conditions and threatening the rule of law. The increasing complexity of the drug market exposes users to a wider array of psychoactive substances, which can lead to severe health risks, including death and poisonings. Notably, many drugs are now leading causes of death among middle-aged citizens, signifying the complex challenges spreading throughout society and placing a massive toll on public health and the criminal justice system. The urgency of addressing these issues is underscored by the support of the United States, with Secretary Blinken expressing concern and urging global action to combat the synthetic drug threat—a commitment we share. Addressing this requires investments in treatment facilities and a robust criminal framework. We are actively engaged in combating drug trafficking, focusing on collaboration among authorities and cross-border initiatives. However, challenges remain in detecting emerging threats and providing adequate treatment and support for recovery. We continue our efforts to harmonise our legislation with EU codes, aiming to protect security, health, and prosperity, particularly among the youth. Efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks in schools have led to prosecutions related to cannabis cultivation. We are aligning our efforts with international efforts and pledge to establish by 2025 a national early warning system to continuously update the list of drugs posing harm to public health, and by 2026, a national drug observatory to analyse and process drug-related data to reduce both drug demand and supply. These initiatives will be supported through close collaboration with international partners, such as UNODC, INCB, EMCDDA, and the global coalition to address synthetic drug threats. A shared responsibility is essential to ensure prosperity for all. South Africa: We align with the statements of the Africa Group and G77 and support the initiative led by the US to form a global coalition against synthetic drug threats. We express our objection to the ongoing violence and the disregard for international law in Gaza, emphasising the necessity for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid, and life-saving medicine. The enduring solution lies in the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on the 1977 borders and in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and international law. Reflecting on progress since the 2019 Ministerial Declaration, South Africa reiterates its commitment to the three drug conventions, complemented by our national drug master plan aimed at addressing and countering the World Drug Problem (WDP). In our efforts, we hosted our third national summit on substance abuse and international trafficking to reduce the demand, supply, and harm caused by the use, misuse, and abuse of drugs. The persistent and emerging challenges underscore the need for international collaboration, particularly on issues affecting access to controlled substances for medical use. The prevention of access to medicine contradicts international standards, and the challenge of affordability must be addressed. We welcome efforts by the African Union to expand local manufacturing of these essential commodities. We also take this opportunity to announce our nomination of Professor Zingala (?) for President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and seek support for her candidacy. Recognizing the gap in drug treatment and prevention efforts, South Africa pledges to implement evidence-based strategies for treatment and prevention within the next 12 months, underscoring our commitment to addressing this challenge effectively.. Chair: It is my pleasure to first give the floor to two representatives, Pauline Laurie and Elias Hague who would address the meeting on behalf of the Youth Forum held on 12th and 13th March 2024. Youth Forum:We stand before you today as 35 youths from 27 countries, noting with great concern the issue of substance use and the grave consequences which it brings. Substance use is not only detrimental to individual health and well-being, but it also worsens many aspects of our society. Our commitment to substance use prevention can ensure better health outcomes, reduced poverty rates and social stability. We bring forth the significance of addressing the root causes and vulnerabilities behind substance use to effectively implement sustainable solutions. We understand that resources are scarce, and emphasize the pivotal role that evidence-based prevention can play to ensure a maximal effective result, and foster a foundation for long-term social well-being and individual flourishing. In the context of substance use prevention, an approach based on evidence can and will, give us guidance and support to achieve our goal. By prioritizing early prevention initiatives that foster healthy development, global productivity and prosperity can be increased to ensure sustainable creation of healthier lifestyles. In this process, no one should be left behind. Witnessing the detrimental impact of substance use on our peers has reminded us of the urgent need for action. Ensuring youth engagement in evidence-based substance use prevention can catalyse positive change, injecting fresh perspectives into the veins of our society. By providing youths with various leadership roles, skills development and peer support networks through youth-led organisations, peer-to-peer education, mentorship, and social media, we can pave the way for a better tomorrow. Youth can be a powerful source of empathy and support for the community. Yet, without your support, this is not enough. So we call on you, decision-makers, to put yourselves into our shoes, and when signing each drug-related policy, picture how it feels to be young and see our futures fall to conditions and situations that we cannot control. We urge Member States to increase youth engagement in science-based prevention interventions. It is your responsibility to reduce the power dynamics between young people and adults, ensuring that we feel empowered to act as your equal counterparts. To do so, we must be provided with a socially relevant platform – a voice of our own, through which we can finally make ourselves be heard. Our call is for Member States to help us in: building the foundations for structured and systematic youth-led action; providing infrastructure, opportunities and conditions to equally empower youth to make informed and consent-based decisions; and implementing prevention efforts regardless of abilities, languages, and cultural differences. We urge decision-makers to closely collaborate with local NGOs, social groups, schools and universities to provide substantial support, such as but not limited to, funding, knowledge and skills. Our message and call to action is to prioritise drug use prevention, especially among youths, and to invest in evidence-based, early, and youth-centred prevention strategies. By working together and empowering young people to care for health and well-being, we can create a brighter and healthier future for all. Passion moves hearts, support moves hands. We have the passion, the heart and the hands: give us the support and change will happen. UNODC-WHO Informal Scientific Network: Good afternoon, everyone. I serve as the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the NIH (??). Today, I represent the UNODC’s informal scientific network. I want to commend the youth for their passionate and compelling call for the prevention of addiction and substance use disorders, which is precisely the focus of my statement today. Adolescence is a critical time of growth and transitions, often marked by the risk of experimenting with substances. Early substance use not only increases the likelihood of developing substance use disorders but can also disrupt neurodevelopmental and educational achievements, underscoring the crucial need for prevention. Despite the availability of evidence-based prevention interventions, as outlined in the UNODC-WHO International Standards for the Prevention of Drug Use, their implementation remains woefully inadequate. We need more resources to sustain implementation. Mental health conditions are key to look at – screening for comorbidities in adolescence can prevent substance use disorders. The factors that heighten the risk for substance use and substance use disorders include untreated mental health conditions. Screening adolescents for comorbid mental health conditions, so they can receive early treatment, can help in preventing substance use disorders and enhance outcomes for those already affected. Evidence-based treatment interventions, aligned with the UNODC-WHO International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders, are readily available. These treatments range from behavioural and psychosocial interventions to pharmacological treatments if necessary, including the treatment of comorbid mental health disorders. There’s a critical need for more investment in adolescent-friendly and safe treatment and support services that are non-discriminatory, punitive-free, equitable, and accessible. Additionally, expanding the qualified prevention and treatment workforce is essential. Digital interventions for prevention and treatment hold promise for reaching more adolescents but must be closely monitored to ensure their safety and effectiveness. We need to increase our understanding on adolescent substance use. Quoting our own resolution, children are our most precious asses and we must protect them. Governments must put efforts into putting theories in practice.In addition to the statement of the Informal Scientific Network, I will read the statement of the UNODC Consultation of scientists and community leaders on the progress made in meeting the global commitments to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and eliminate hepatitis C among people who use drugs. People who use drugs are disproportionately impacted by HIV and viral hepatitis, with hepatitis C being the number one cause of drug-related deaths globally. The societal and structural reasons for this are well documented: The criminalization and over-policing of people who use drugs prevents them from accessing healthcare. Inadequate funding and implementation of harm reduction services increases the risks of overdose, HIV, and viral hepatitis. Stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs – especially for women, young people, Indigenous peoples and people in prison settings – and the denial of their human rights pushes them to the margins of society The failure to involve communities in research, policy formulation, and the design, implementation and evaluation of harm reduction interventions renders programmes less effective Our consultation confirmed that needle and syringe programs, opioid agonist therapy and naloxone for overdose management are essential parts of a person-centred, evidence-based HIV and hepatitis response. In countries that implement these services at scale and have strong records in protecting human rights, HIV and hepatitis C transmission rates among people who inject drugs are significantly reduced, while drug use and other drug-related harms did not increase. We therefore call upon the CND to renew its political commitment to a sustained public health response with and for people who use drugs. To prevent the unacceptable levels of overdose mortality and transmission of HIV and hepatitis we recommend: To act on the evidence and continue to support more data collection, research, innovation, and community leadership. To increase collaboration with the widest possible range of partners and stakeholders, especially those who have historically been excluded. To capitalize on the knowledge and experience of communities of people who use drugs and fund them to design and implement harm reduction programmes. To put our human-rights obligations at the heart of our response This way we will truly be on our way to reduce inequalities, putting people first – leaving no one behind. VNGOC: Mr Chair, distinguished delegates, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. I am pleased to make this statement on behalf of both the Vienna and New York NGO Committees on Drugs. The past year has been one of the most challenging and demanding in the history of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs. In one of the most successful periods of membership growth in recent years, we reached the milestone of 400 members from around the world. In the face of legitimate concerns about the shrinking space for meaningful civil society engagement in post-COVID-19 drug policy processes, we have managed to turn the trend in a positive direction and strengthen the presence of civil society in many areas, including at the UN level. Last year, we entered a joint agreement with the New York NGO Committee on Drugs to work together to ensure the broadest and most inclusive civil society engagement in the 2024 mid-term review. Together, our committees selected 36 civil society speakers for the CND thematic discussions in October and December last year, as well as 11 speakers for the mid-term review. Our committees conducted extensive civil society consultations in the form of a global online survey and four regional consultations. The results fed into a Global Civil Society Report, which was published in February as an official contribution to the mid-term review. I am very pleased to share with you some of the key conclusions from the Global Civil Society Report. The report is the result of constructive contributions from more than 200 NGOs from all regions of the world, representing a wide range of expertise and perspectives on drug-related issues. The report emphasises the importance of meaningful civil society engagement in the formulation and implementation of drug policy at all levels, as well as the challenges and opportunities that civil society faces in this context. Some of the key conclusions from our report are as follows. Firstly, there is a need for capacity building and comprehensive public health training. Secondly, there is a need to invest in evidence-based prevention interventions. Thirdly, access to harm reduction, treatment and recovery services must be improved, as well as access to controlled medicines. Fourth, we must better address the root causes of drug-related problems, such as poverty, structural violence, racism, inequality and lack of access to education and healthcare. Fifth, a shift to health-oriented policies instead of punitive measures is needed. Sixth, greater cooperation between UN bodies is needed to improve coherence between the international drug control system and international human rights obligations and to put equality and non-discrimination at the centre of drug policy. The report is not intended as a consensus document, but rather to highlight the various discussions and perspectives of civil society on drug-related issues. It also outlines some of the limitations we faced during the consultation and drafting process. The report is intended to inform and enrich the dialogue between all stakeholders and contribute to the development of a more effective, balanced and humane drug policy. 44Another key success I must mention is that together with the African Union Commission and UNODC, we supported the launch of the African Civil Society Forum on Drugs, a new regional mechanism for African NGOs to engage with the African Union Commission. A similar mechanism has existed for many years at the European Union level with the regular renewal of the mandate of the European Civil Society Forum on Drugs. Civil society is also very present at the CND again this year, with many side events organised by or with NGOs. Both the Vienna and New York NGO Committees are pleased to be able to bring civil society voices to several of the high-level side events as well as the round-table discussions and the plenary of the mid-term review. We are grateful that the new Outcome Document further commits to involve civil society for the next 5 years of implementation of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the Board members of the Vienna and New York NGO Committees who have worked tirelessly and effectively in the preparations for the High-Level Segment and the 2024 mid-term review. I would also like to thank Portugal, Slovenia, and the US for their financial support in this process, the UNODC Civil Society Unit, the African Union Commission, the European Commission, the African Civil Society Forum on Drugs, the Civil Society Forum on Drugs in the EU, the American Coalition on Drug Policies, and the Intercambios A.C. for supporting our work in gathering civil society inputs for the mid-term review. We also have to thank many others, without whom our work and outcomes would not have been as successful. Last but not least, I would like to thank members of the Vienna and New York NGO Committees, and all civil society organisations, including those who work tirelessly on the ground, even in conflict situations, to improve the lives of their communities. Thank you for your kind attention! UNAIDS: Your Excellency Ambassador Johnson of Ghana and chair of the 67th session of the commission on narcotic drugs, excellencies, UN colleagues, and members of civil society. It’s a great honor to be with you gathered here are leaders whose decisions can save and transform lives, tackle social exclusion, and protect public health for everyone. As leaders, you can deliver on the shared pledge to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. If all people can secure the HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services that they need to end AIDS, we must ensure that no one is excluded. But today, too often, laws and policies for people who use drugs just exacerbate exclusion. People who use drugs are criminalized in 145 countries and can face the death penalty in 35 countries. The stigma and outright fear that this generates are driving people away from vital health services, driving away the people who most need the services. Only 1% of people who inject drugs have access to the recommended harm reduction services. And what are the consequences? People who use drugs are seven times more likely to be infected with HIV than other adults. And women who use drugs are almost twice as likely to be infected by HIV than men who use drugs. The status quo punishing people who use drugs is causing catastrophic harm. It is further marginalizing the most marginalized members of our society and obstructing the world from achieving our shared goal to end AIDS and protect the health of everyone. But this is not fate. We can change it. And indeed, we know from the evidence how to change it. UNAIDS supports governments and communities to advance approaches to HIV that have been proven to work. In 2012, Estonia was number one for new HIV cases attributable to injecting drug use in Europe. In 2021, there were just five new infections related to drug use. How did they do it? They did it by decriminalizing possession of drugs for personal use, focusing on public health, investing in harm reduction, and putting communities at the center. Ghana recently removed criminal penalties for possession of drugs for personal use and is already seeing the benefits for public health. The evidence is clear: stigmatization kills and perpetuates the AIDS pandemic. Harm reduction and respect for everyone’s human rights saves lives and helps countries advance along the path that will end AIDS. What would an evidence-based, effective, harm-reducing policy framework for drug policy include? It would include decriminalizing possession of drugs for personal use, investing in HIV prevention responses, including harm reduction led by people who use drugs, including people who use drugs in policymaking that affects them, like our friends at INPUD who are represented here today. This is not radical. These approaches are all in line with the political declaration on HIV/AIDS, with the global AIDS strategy, with the Sustainable Development Goals, and with recommendations made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. It’s out there in the mainstream. The excellent work by communities and countries leading the way has proven them. The question is, is the world, are we all of us here, bold enough to choose evidence over prejudice, inclusion over exclusion, laws that help over laws that harm? Shaping policies to ensure that no one is obstructed from access to vital health services is not a favor to one group. Protecting the rights of everyone is how we will protect the health of everyone. The stakes are too high for us not to be courageous. Thank you <iframe title="UNAIDS Executive Director at the 67th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Vienna 14.03.2024" width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E7XZ1DuIpF4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen>

Mozambique: Allow me to extend my congratulations on convening this 67th session. We express our deepest appreciation to UNODC for hosting this crucial assembly, fostering global exchanges. On February 1st, the opening ceremony of the 2024 judicial committee emphasised the role of the judiciary in combating drug trafficking. The President of Mozambique was present, underscoring their commitment to addressing drug trafficking and consumption. We maintain close collaboration with UNODC in implementing the Maputo roadmap, emphasising cooperation between our nations and UNODC. This collaboration, executed in close coordination with the Central Office of Drug Collaboration, is based on pillars: combating organised crime, addressing drug abuse, and ensuring crime prevention. We welcome UNODC’s assistance in combating transnational organised crime, exemplified by their significant efforts in Mozambique. The strategy is slated for approval by mid-2024. Our country is situated along the southern route for heroin trafficking, and we have observed an increase in cocaine trafficking. We are committed to continuing cooperation with UNODC in investigating drug trafficking to combat this scourge. We have witnessed the provision of equipment and medical devices to relevant government departments in Mozambique. While we trust in collaborative efforts to combat the drug menace, it is imperative to address the root causes of global drug problems, including youth drug use worldwide. This necessitates a multilateral approach. Of particular importance is the work being done in Mozambique on drug addiction, promoting wellness campaigns, raising awareness of the harms of drug trafficking, and engaging with schools and communities. We reaffirm our commitment to cooperating with UNODC to advance the objectives of the Maputo roadmap, focusing on preventing drug use, combating drug trafficking, and protecting our communities.

Libya: We align ourselves with the statements of the Group of 77 and China, as well as the African group. The issue of drugs persists as a security concern for the international community, threatening stability. Drug dependence has evolved into both a health and societal issue, representing a disease that fuels organised crime, which knows no borders. Economic conditions, unemployment, and poverty exacerbate these issues, undermining the very foundations of our world. We are striving to address these challenges through legislation and innovation, aiming to close the gaps exploited by drug traffickers in Libya’s illicit markets. What was once considered small-scale crime has now escalated, with national and transnational organised crime groups capitalising on Libya’s strategic position. Consequently, we have intensified our efforts through the National Anti-Drug Authority and its various local branches, while ensuring the upholding of human rights and the rule of law. The fight against drugs is a collective responsibility shared by all member states, and we reaffirm our commitment to the three control conventions. We are dedicated to implementing political statements and relevant strategies through integrated national plans covering prevention, treatment, and pertinent security measures. We uphold the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and respect for the religious and cultural specificities of each state. I commend the cooperation with UNODC and between states, which fosters high quality outcomes.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka congratulates the chair and other members. The Sri Lankan delegation provides their support. The government appreciates all of UNODC’s support and technical guidance to counter the drug problem effectively. We are committed to approaching the drug problem with a comprehensive approach following all rules. First and foremost, prevention is at the forefront of our approach. We understand that empowering communities is fundamental to preventing drug use. Through educational initiatives, a community approach, and developing groups, we aim to arm individuals with knowledge on prevention. Our commitment to treatment is unwavering and we advocate for tailored treatment programs that address root issues by fostering ownership in local communities. We want to make sustainable solutions that lead to long term solutions. To ensure success, we have conducted extensive training programs designed to equip local community members, healthcare personnel, and support networks with knowledge to address addiction. By building capacities at a grassroots level, we empower communities to take an active role in recovery. We built relationships with government to create a cohesive response to substance use. By decentralizing services and integrating them into communities we aim to reduce stigma and increase access. We value the therapeutic approach. We collaborate with law enforcement agencies as well. We have a holistic and sustainable approach. We want to deglamorize substance use at every level. Sri Lanka maintains their stance against the legalization of the recreational use of drugs in order to protect our youth from the harms associated with substance use. With a collaborative strategy, we are part of an effective service delivery system. We have taken necessary steps to get the active contribution of NGOs and civil society organizations in providing services to people who are abusing substances. We can collectively build a world where individuals are empowered and drug abuse is controlled. Together we can make a lasting impact on the wellbeing of our society. Sri Lanka reiterates our commitment to strengthening the drug control system. We urge the international community and national community to work together to build a society free of drugs. Thank you.

Sweden: I would like to express our gratitude to you and the other vice chairs. Sweden welcomes the adoption of the outcome document. We take this opportunity to take stock of the progress since 2019 and map out a joint way forward to 2029. I want to express our gratitude to the ambassador. Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement made by the EU and I want to add the following: regrettably, international cooperation is difficult due to conflict in many parts of the world. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens the foundation on which our activities in this commission are based. Sweden stands with Ukraine. Sweden supports drug policy based on human rights and public health. People in vulnerable situations such as those with problematic use must have access to care and social services just like others. Men and women must have equal access to services that are individually tailored. Health should be promoted. We should ensure support for people with co-morbidities with other psychiatric conditions. Stigma needs to be addressed. Sweden believes in combining a restrictive policy with effective treatment and harm reduction. We want to avoid drug poisoning and drug related deaths. All drug related deaths are unacceptable. Drug-related crime like drug trafficking is a serious crime affecting the world including our country. There is a clear link between drug trafficking and violence. We need effective responses which must be in full compliance with international human rights law. We oppose the use of the death penalty under all circumstances. We must strive to have multidisciplinary cooperation between all stakeholders including civil society, NGOs, and people who use drugs. We are grateful to UNODC. Sweden has a long history of underscoring the importance of gender equality and today we pledge to further this. Despite this, the drug phenomenon has largely been shown as gender neutral. To design more efficient responses, gender equality responses need to be integrated into creating drug related interventions and policies. We pledge to step up and advance gender equality perspectives and improve the situation for women and girls internationally. Through international cooperation we can build effective and sustainable solutions.

Bahrain: Colleagues, stakeholders, and organizers, thank you. Greetings from our kingdom’s Ministry dedicated to combating drug abuse. Our efforts in this realm are comprehensive and far-reaching. We are focused on strengthening international cooperation to tackle this scourge, particularly emphasizing youth engagement through conferences and awareness projects. To address the increase in drug supply, our national anti-drug agency has observed a significant uptick and is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Interior to combat it, including addressing smuggling activities with neighboring countries. Through intelligence sharing, we have achieved substantial seizures. In addressing demand, we have initiated a recovery program aimed at assisting users in returning to normal life and rectifying their behaviors. This program has been recognized with awards for its effectiveness. Additionally, our “Together” program, implemented in public schools, has yielded significant success. The Ministry of Interior has launched the “Open Doors” program to facilitate the reintegration of prisoners into society. With divine assistance, we have successfully reintegrated 57 individuals in its second edition. Furthermore, we have been providing alternative reintegration programs. We are eager to share our experiences and successes during this conference as it presents an opportunity to showcase our progress. However, we recognize that greater coordination is necessary to ensure that all may benefit from our collective efforts.

Poland: Poland fully supports the EU’s position that stresses the importance of human life and dignity. We oppose capital punishment in any case. Russia’s attack on sovereign Ukraine is a huge issue, causing crises in healthcare, including drug treatment. It is our responsibility to strengthen our responses and improve cooperation in combating drug trafficking. Illegal trafficking has reached historical highs, and our efforts, led by the Polish police, have been strengthened against it. Novel Psychoactive Substances are infiltrating the markets, criminals are leveraging modern technology, so we must respond by working together with all stakeholders and adjust our response and approach. We must place drug policy in a broad political and social context, taking into account the wide spectrum of addictions. Such an approach has resulted in the establishment of a national institution (…) responsible for integrating and developing the state’s responses to addiction, regarding both legal and illegal substances as well as behaviors. In planning and implementing anti-drug strategies, it is crucial to consult with the scientific community, civil society, and NGOs. Resolutions here at the CND must be evidence-based and adjusted to social needs, ensuring the widest possible access to controlled substances for medical use. We will continue to research the potential medical uses of psychoactive substances. All UN bodies shall be involved in international drug policy-making. UNODC, WHO, UNAIDS, OHCHR, and INCB cooperation is essential. The UNGASS outcome document should serve as a compass for our work, based on evidence and best practices rooted in human rights and the rule of law. All international drug policy commitments must advance public health. Therefore, we pledge to increase our financial investments and capacities for addiction treatment with special attention to the influx of refugees from Ukraine, Belarus and other areas of the Caucasus.

Norway: Our intention in gathering here was to celebrate achievements and chart a strategy for advancing our work. While there has been some progress, critical areas still lag behind. A thorough review is imperative to reverse this trend, requiring us to chart a clear course forward and focus on what works, rather than clinging to outdated methods. Our success hinges on evidence-based approaches, continuously evaluated and refined. Treatment and harm reduction strategies must evolve, guided by data and best practices. Prevention remains our strongest defence against problematic drug use, and we are committed to community-based programs with early intervention to identify vulnerable populations. This approach is also integral to combating HIV and Hepatitis C. We champion evidence-based treatment, ensuring compassionate care for those seeking help. Addressing these global challenges necessitates the sharing of best practices and data, transcending borders and recognizing the necessity of collective action. We advocate for gender-responsive policies and emphasise that law enforcement should not harm marginalised groups. Youth empowerment is paramount, and we must create platforms for their voices and empower them to effect change. Additionally, the involvement of Civil Society Organizations, including people with lived experience, is essential. As we convene today, conflict and violence persist in many parts of the world. We call for full respect for international humanitarian law in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasising the need for a more compassionate world. I pledge to provide the highest standard of healthcare, ensuring non-stigmatizing treatment for all patients. Our services, including easy access to Opioid Agonist Treatment and Naloxone, will be readily available. Norway has also funded research on Agonist Treatment for amphetamine-type stimulants. We commit to involving people who use drugs in decision-making processes and adequately resourcing organisations led by individuals with lived experience. Furthermore, we pledge to invest in evidence-based prevention systems.

Viet Nam: We remain deeply concerned about the damage caused by the world drug problem. Recognizing this as a common challenge with shared responsibility, we emphasise the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach that addresses both supply and demand reduction. Full compliance with international charters, laws, and respect for human rights and sovereign integrity is essential. Amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances persist as obstacles to our efforts, posing threats to security, happiness, and health at national, regional, and international levels. We welcome the involvement of non-governmental organisations in addressing the world drug problem and in drug prevention efforts. Our appreciation extends to the international community, including UN organisations, notably the International Narcotics Control Board and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. We reaffirm our commitment to the three UN conventions, the 2009 Political Declaration, 2014 Ministerial Declaration, 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, and 2019 Ministerial Declaration. Fulfilling our membership responsibilities, we pledge to reduce both supply and demand to mitigate the harm caused by drugs. For the period 2021-2025, we have implemented a national drug prevention and control strategy, supported by legislation passed by the national assembly. Collaborating closely with regional and subregional partners, we have intensified efforts in border areas to combat drug trafficking, fostering synergy across the entire political system on drug control. Additionally, we promote collaboration with countries worldwide, engaging in regional frameworks and partnering with international organisations. We support the stance of many countries advocating for a zero-tolerance approach towards drugs, striving for a drug-free region through demand and supply reduction measures. Over the past 15 years, the 2009 Political Declaration has served as a guiding document, and we continue to implement activities beyond the three drug control conventions. Key recommendations include the need to strengthen collaboration at local, regional, and international levels, while respecting sovereignty as a cornerstone principle of non-interference in accordance with the UN Charter. We remain committed to working closely with other countries and organisations to address the drug problem regionally and globally.

Denmark: We support the statement given by the UE. We also support this high level session. The world drugs situation challenges the health of people who use drugs and society as a whole. Challenges increasing. Overdoses and drug-related harms. Drug policies should be balanced and evidence based. Prohibition cannot stand alone. Supply reduction should be paired with harm reduction, reduction in drug-related deaths, and treatment. With this in the background, harm reduction measures have been introduced in Denmark and have proven essential. This is based on the idea that drug policies should be built on human rights. Everyone including people who use drugs has a right to be treated with dignity. The death penalty should be abolished. Civil society should be involved in drug policies. With a view to enhancing all drug policy commitments and acknowledging drug treatment services as falling short of meeting needs, we are going to bring in a framework for a dual diagnosis framework (people with SUD and other mental health disorders). People with double diagnoses are particularly vulnerable and many need integrated care. However, the division of administrative responsibilities can be a barrier to getting treatment. We are confident that establishing a framework for integrated double diagnosis framework under the five regions will be effective.

New Zealand: Thank you chair. Good evening everyone. Greetings to you all. New Zealand is pleased to address the 67th CND, an important forum for drug policy. This year’s portion is especially important as we assess our progress made in the 2019 administrative declaration. New Zealand has a health-based response to drug use and we are committed to using evidence-based practices in cooperation with communities effected. One of New Zealand’s current projects is overdose prevention. We don’t have the same level of overdose deaths as other nations and we are just as concerned about increased synthetics. Overdose deaths are preventable and every death has a significant effect on individuals, families, and communities. We are committed to reducing overdose deaths. We need to improve access to naloxone. I am happy to say that in October 2022 we made changes for naloxone to be available without prescription and in December 2023 there is a better distribution of free take home naloxone kits. We now have five licensed service providers of drug checking in New Zealand. They have a crucial role in intelligence gathering by developing knowledge sometimes even before harm occurs. This requires a proactive response. We have another initiative that alerts the public of any potentially dangerous substances. We welcome collaboration with the broader community for addressing risks. To achieve our goals, we as an international community need to be open to innovative solutions to modernize drug policy. Like many other countries, New Zealand is concerned about the use of the death penalty for drug-related offense. I wish to reiterate our support for the CND and the value of collective action. I must in this vein call on Russia to act consistently with their international legal obligations including the UN charter. Health services fall short of meeting needs. New Zealand pledges to develop a national overdose preparedness plan to reduce harms. New Zealand looks forward to a productive CND. Thank you.

Cyprus: I want to express our firm endorsement of the EU’s statement regarding the midterm review. Since the initial declaration, we’ve encountered numerous fresh challenges concerning the well-being and safety of our citizens, including widening gaps in treatment accessibility and the proliferation of illicit markets. However, our dedication to the three conventions, the UNGASS outcome document, and Agenda 2030 remains resolute, all while upholding the principles of human rights and international law. We reiterate our unwavering support for the CND, UNODC, and all other pertinent bodies involved in shaping policy. Furthermore, we underscore our commitment to collaborative efforts with all organizations in tackling the emerging challenges, urging Member States to foster information exchange and cooperation across all spheres. Though the road ahead may present obstacles, we approach it with confidence in our collective ability to surmount them. It is imperative that we adhere to the proposals set forth in the ministerial declaration and reinforce our steadfast dedication to the EU drug strategy. We emphasize that our strategies are rooted in evidence and embrace a multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes the needs of every individual. Initiatives like the CHAMPS initiative, which champions the role of scientific evidence in prevention, are warmly welcomed. Additionally, we urge Member States to eradicate discriminatory and stigmatizing language from their discourse.Our commitment to substantial action, as delineated in the ministerial declaration, remains firm. Recognizing the pivotal role of high-quality, reliable data in shaping policy decisions, we emphasize the importance of robust data collection methodologies. Acknowledging the persistent shortfall in drug treatment and healthcare services, I pledge to establish a specialized program tailored to patients with comorbidities.

Qatar:We align with the Group of 77 and China, and in our national capacity, we would like to offer the following statement: We welcome the adoption of the document of the midterm review, where we commend the efforts of Member States, the CND, UNODC, INCB and WHO. We are looking to expedite our efforts. The world drug problem undermines efforts for sustainable development, international stability, and security. The drug report of 2023 indicates that types and markets of drugs are expanding, especially synthetic drugs. The use of drugs has increased by 23%, necessitating the need to address the roots of the problem, not just its manifestations – reducing supply and demand and promoting international cooperation. This is not an isolated phenomenon. Cybercrime and various financial crimes are closely connected to drug crimes, so we must exert more effort to reveal such links and disrupt the supply chain. Demand for drugs starts in schools, in daily life, in the community, and extends up to the state and the media. We appreciate the role of INCB, UNODC, and CND – these are the UN bodies that have the principal responsibility to make decisions on drug policies. The legalization of various drugs is among the main challenges that we face. We call for a review in the legitimation and legalization of cannabis for non-scientific or non-medical reasons. This is a misguidance about the dangers of use. INCB reports have indicated that legalization has serious long-term effects and goes against the conventions.We have implemented our commitments and plan to work on further implementing the UNGASS recommendations with a focus on law enforcement to prevent drugs from entering the country. We also place high priority on prevention programs to protect our youth. We cooperate bilaterally, regionally, and internationally to combat the scourge of synthetic drugs. We are working on combating drugs in Kyrgyzstan with the support of UNODC.

Israel: In Israel mortality resulting from drug use remains low. Efforts are on individualized treatment services but we want more testing and record keeping procedures. We have a low level of infectious diseases with our effective initiatives. There has been a decrease in new psychoactive substances in Israel but we continue to learn from others. The drug trade is a threat to the health and wellbeing of people in different regions and can only be dealt with using global cooperation. Israel boasts advanced medical technologies but there is some concern over rising misuse of prescription drugs like opioids. Many people being held by Hamas are not able to access medications that they need even though this was sent as part of a humanitarian response. Two abductees are children under the age of five. 19 of the abductees are young women and there are reasons to assume that they are suffering sexual violence. We will continue to work with the CND.

INPUD: AfricaNPUD is a drug user led network operating across the continent to promote effective harm reduction interventions for people who use drugs and people living with HIV, Hepatitis, TB or other relevant health issues. As a community directly affected by decisions on drug policies and health services, we believe our voice and input is essential to ensuring the welfare of people who use drugs are met by the global community. Across Africa, health services continue to fall short of meeting the needs of people who use drugs. Despite recommendations by UN agencies such as UNAIDS, UNDP, OHCHR and WHO, prohibition remains the central component of drug policies. This approach stands in opposition to the evidence-base which acknowledges that upholding structural barriers such as criminalisation, and societal barriers such as stigmatisation, prevent both access and implementation of practices which are proven to be effective at reducing drug related deaths and the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, Tuberculosis and other diseases. The lack of funding opportunities for community-led organisations providing essential services also prevent meaningful involvement of people who use drugs in decision-making process, prohibiting those who are both affected by, and have the solutions to, these issues from sharing their expertise and testimonials. This disproportionately affects low income countries as the equity of funding decisions is not balanced enough to meet the needs of the most marginalised. Without effective health programme designed and led by people who use drugs, the global community will continue to fall short of achieving Sustainable Development Goal #3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages as well a range of SDGs including SDG1, no poverty; SDG5 gender equality, SDG10 reduced inequalities and SDG 16 peace, justice and strong institutions. Countries which continue to criminalise people who use drugs rather than implement evidencebased health services stand in opposition to these Goals. By ignoring proven interventions which help save lives, we are undermining global commitments to a more just, equitable and inclusive world.

Organization of American States: Thank you madam chair and distinguished delegates. It is my great honor to address this high level segment of the CND. It’s my first time here. Even though it’s my first time, over the past five years the OAS has played a role in the undertaking of the midterm review. Member states have made notable progress on drug control but there is still much work to do. The OAS drugs strategy approved in 2020 and corresponding five year plan support the commitments made by the OAS states. Through these documents, OAS member states address the drug problem with an emphasis on public health and human rights with an emphasis on gender…SICAD possessed an important tool, a peer review process the measures the progress of OAS member states to address the drug problem. This tool (MEM) provides valuable information since 2019 and has helped execute existing commitments. The illicit production and trafficking of drugs is tied to other crimes like money laundering and human trafficking. Many criminal organizations that engage in these crimes carry out other unlawful acts. The OAS department against transnational organized crime addresses this phenomenon and they train law enforcement to counter crime. The threats to the security of people in the Americas and around the world are multidimensional and have been exacerbated by changes in technology. COVID-19 has also increased drug dependence. With all these challenges ahead, OAS remains alert and ready to continue promoting security for people of the Americas and efforts of the OAS.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: We embarked on this journey long ago, starting in 1922 with the Bangkok conference and subsequent resolutions by the highest bodies addressing the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with substance use disorders. Our efforts have been focused on ensuring the inclusion of both governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders. We serve as a common platform for civil society organizations, activists, community leaders, and public authorities to integrate human rights, criminal justice, prevention, and community response – often referred to as the Rome Consensus 2.0. The essence of this declaration on humanitarian drug policy arises from a pressing need to shift towards a more compassionate approach, directing our attention to those who grapple with this disease on a daily basis. We recognize the vital role of communities, civil society organizations, and local frontline workers, particularly individuals with lived experience of drug use, whose insights are invaluable in the therapeutic context. For over 45 years, we’ve been a meeting point for professionals dedicated to treating individuals and preventing overdoses through initiatives like naloxone distribution and various harm reduction programs. Listening to the voices of people who use drugs is paramount. Equity and equitable access to treatment for all are essential. Despite years of effort, as highlighted in the World Drug Report, only one in five individuals have access to treatment, with women and transgender people facing additional barriers. Improving the health conditions of the millions affected should be a priority for every government if we aspire to build stronger communities. Drug use undermines security in many regions and poses threats to social stability. Universal access to treatment and humanitarian policies represent our best and most effective options.

VNGOC:Good afternoon to everyoneIt is an honor to be able to speak in front of all of you, who I know have concerns as deep as mine.Very sad but unsurprising news came to me as I was writing this speech: two social leaders, from two peasant and indigenous communities were killed in the department of Cauca, COL. Dairo, an ancestral authority of Inzá, and Luis an environmental and community leader from Timbiquí were murdered while they were traveling back to their territories.The Institute of Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz) and Human Rights Watch have shown how the situation in Colombia is extremely delicate in terms of the security of social and environmental leaders. More than 1,200 human rights defenders have been killed in Colombia since 2016. According to Indepaz, in 2023, 188 leaders and land defenders were killed, making Colombia the most lethal country in the world in this regard. The situation in the department of Cauca, where I come from and which has the second largest indigenous population in the country and one of the largest peasant populations at the national level, is just as delicate, if not worse. Cauca accounts for more than 20% of those violent deaths, making this department the most lethal region for the protection of human right defenders in the world. And it is getting worse.In more detail, half of these deaths were against indigenous leaders, most of them concentrated among one particular First Nation, the Nasa – Paéz Peoples. And the situation of the peasantry is the same. The question is: Why? Why does violence rage against indigenous & peasant groups? Why the violence against us? And the answer seems to be simple. The violence that attacks us is ongoing legacy of colonization, and evidently, the War on Drugs. It is the result of colonial views of whiteness, sexism, classism, misogynistic behaviors, racism, patriarchal abuse, continuous deracination, homophobia and transphobia. What is happening in Colombia, is armed conflict, fuelled by abandonment, extreme inequality and, a perpetual and senseless drug war. Because suffice it to say, the most violent territories for indigenous and peasant leaders are those where there is an intertwining of narcotic drugs, strange and absurd responses of the State to this problem, and a socioeconomic fabric that has priveleged land grabbing and envionmentally degrading farming practices, ignoring the precariousness of the rural population. All for safeguarding and defending this perpatual and totally ineffective War on Drugs.Speaking on behalf of both the International Indigenous Drug Policy Alliance and Peasant communities from Colombia makes me aware of how these problems of erasure and extermination are universal. Speaking on this stage makes me think that these communities share a history of disconnection from our lands, language, families and culture. And that it is upon this devastation that new illicit substances and the global drug control system have landed.A comprehensive approach to drug policy reform must include a macro strategy to contain a continuum of armed, everyday and environmental violence. New orientations should put people and the environment at the centre, that are Campesinx- and Indigenous-led and reduce inequality. Coca regulation, among other substances, must pursue the decriminalization of the most vulnerable groups (producer families, on the one hand, and consumers on the other). And this must be accompanied by a gradual, educational, respectful of diversity and, above all, collective and horizontal substance regulation exercise that does not trigger corporate green grabbing. Decriminalization, regulation and transition to formality must be done. But it must be done well. Otherwise, such moves would only imply the transfer of power from one legal abuser to another.For more than sixty years, countries have been trying to contain the production, use, distribution and commercialization of narcotic drugs. Today, producing countries create more drugs than ever before, the so-called consumer countries have seen their use skyrocket, and distribution has created the most perverse economies of incentives and criminal deployment, with no solution in sight. It is clear that sixty years after the War on Drugs, its objectives are increasingly unattainable. And to continue with such a misguided vision will only put vulnerable communities around the world in the middle of a war that is not theirs. So until that approach changes, stories like those of Dairo, Luis and thousands of other leaders will be our daily bread. Until you decide to do something, because it is in your interest and capacity to do something. The question is why this has not been (or wanted to be) understood and why we are still in the same situation.

Turkish Green Crescent Society: Our primary focus lies in addressing addiction, with a particular emphasis on youth, through evidence-based public health interventions. We acknowledge that drug misuse and abuse are significant contributors to suffering at both the community and national levels. Prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation are imperative aspects of our strategy. We advocate for a public health perspective that ensures no one is left behind, recognizing that people who use drugs (PWUD) require tailored and personalized services. Services should be delivered with dignity, considering individual histories, social situations, and other relevant factors. Access to counseling and treatment remains a critical barrier for PWUD, as highlighted by UNODC reports indicating a 17% increase in PWUD with a significant lack of public health services targeting this population.As we evaluate international drug policy commitments, we emphasize the urgent need to address this concerning inadequacy. We anticipate a growing volume of work in this area and aim to disseminate the positive outcomes of our approach through upcoming side events.

Israel: I would like to quickly refer to the South African minister’s statement this morning. I would not respond to the blood libel but remind that there was a ceasefire on October 6th when Hamas attacked. It is abhorrent that their freedom and lives were not mentioned. To the people who expressed concern about Gaza – they know who is at fault, Hamas is at fault. They are as we speak stealing humanitarian aid and food and refusing a humanitarian ceasefire.

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CND Blog

Item 3. High-level segment (Thursday evening)

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