Item 4. Strategic management, budgetary and administrative questions
China: The Chinese government has consistently supported and actively participated in drug control efforts advocated by UNODC. UNODC has played an important role in supporting member states and taking measures to address the drug problems and provide technical assistance. China appreciates the positive efforts and results seen under the UNODC. The current drug situation in the Asia Pacific region remains severe with cultivation in the Golden Triangle. In 2024 5 countries in our area seized a total of 45 thousand tons of drugs. China has collaborated with the Asia Pacific region of UNODC and six other parties to curb drug trafficking and production in the Golden Triangle. China fulfills its commitment by increasing its contributions to UNODC. China has promoted capacity building initiatives at the regional level. China hopes UNODC will strengthen and provide more support for our region. China calls on the international community to increase support to our region to collectively tackle the drug problem and support the wellbeing of our people. China seeks to strengthen cooperation based on the three conventions. We recommend that the UNODC enhances its diversity of recruitment of international staff.
Russian Federation: The Russian federation fully supports the UNODC’s efforts. We are a key partner and donor of the UNODC. We did the counter drugs seminar and many other significant initiatives for anti-corruption including youth initiatives. We think that the UNODC’s projects should be of interest for many states and there should be no politicization. This should be equally accessible to all member states. When compiling UNODC’s project portfolio the primary concern should be the states. In the report of the UNODC executive director of the consolidated budget it says that the growing dependence of the UNODC from donors is impairing flexibility. We think that these distortions in the financial model should be resolved sustainably. This is being exacerbated by the liquidity crisis in the UN budget. We note with concern that interpretation on all UN official languages of the CoW has been cut due to these issues. We think there should be no cuts on these items even if there’s a liquidity crisis. Attaining gender balance: we would note that this criteria shouldn’t be a gold standard and replace fundamental standards on staff recruitment. Progress in achieving gender targets in the UNODC are clear: when you have geographical equitable representation there shouldn’t be more than 50% of such members in the staff.
USA: Thank you, chair. It is important that this commission confronts and prioritizes the biggest drug threat of our decade, synthetic drugs. There is a national emergency including a public health crisis. Significant security threats are happening. Political will is needed to reduce trade in synthetic drugs. US has been a significant partner and we will continue to consider proposals with resource implications from the perspective has three criteria: 1) accountable UN system; 2) actual or proposed cost savings; and 3) how the proposal aligns with US national interest and priorities by making America safer, strong and more prosperous. Many challenges still exist on the proliferation of synthetic drugs and it is more vital than ever that all countries address this.
Argentina: With regard to mentions of ‘gender’ — we look at our Statute to consider that ‘gender’ refers to either masculine or feminine. So we mean the two sexes. We don’t accept other meanings. Our practices support women. Tackling human rights from a sectoral perspective generates inequalities that go against non-discrimination. We want this to be included in the final report.
Colombia: Important that the new strategy is a consultative and transparent process that includes evaluation and accountability on the implementation of the current strategy. One of the most powerful tools of the agency is the reports. We don’t want politically correct reports but accurate ones, that tackle developments and problems that we face, so states know then what to do. The report just described a vision of facts and does not refer to contributions by OHCHR, or UNSR for health on harm reduction — which would’ve been much more comprehensive and realistic on health. We acknowledge efforts to improve the budget situation but express our concerns on the impact in the work of UNODC. We are concerned about the challenge of the core vs project budget — we would like to see countries contribute more funds to the core budget of UNODC. The Agency should diversify the donor base, on a voluntary basis, not an additional burden or responsibility for developing countries. We would like to know more details on the involvement of the private sector in this strategy to leverage more resources. Important to diversify but avoid compromising the values of the organisation, conflicts of interest, ensuring independence. COlombia reiterates the need to evaluate the reduction in support expenses for UNDOC programmes, which are very high for programmes in Colombia. Colombia is the 3rd highest country in terms of extrabudgetary contributions — it’s time for us to transparently and with austerity evaluate this contribution. UNODC has done much to assess its impact and efficacy. Monitoring programmes and following up should also be accompanied by assessment and accountability. UNODC should progress to a feedback cycle of intervention where planning is based on results and programmes of the issue. We reiterate the importance of geographical representation at all levels. We’re far from our targets in this regard and the UN mandate is clear.
Sam, Inc : We come with hope and concern. Hope for the (…) consensus on a new path forward based on prevention, intervention, criminal justice, global cooperation, supply reduction, treatment — a balanced approach that does not normalise drug use and make the approach really balanced. The human toll of addiction, which is catastrophic in many regions, needs an adequate policy response. Most cost effective and humane way is investing in the pillars of the (…) consensus. We must discourage drugs — drug free goals are noble. Free of poverty, prejudice, conflict — let’s not lower the bar by saying that ‘drug free goals’ aren’t good goals. The idea we can safely regulate and legalise all drugs supported by is absurd and threatens international cooperation. There’s no dichotomy between harm reduction and treatment — all interventions that reduce harm need to reach recovery. We cannot meet people where they are and leave them there. Legalisation of cannabis and psychedelics is catastrophic. It’s one thing: private businesses enriching themselves. Cartels will not stop when we legalise illegal industries, they just infiltrate legal industries and make policymaking on them corrupt. Attract investors to make soda, candy and others. The new governments in Germany, Thailand, UK all are pushing back against legalisation. An international legal drug industry is likely to challenge public health regulations across the globe and it has been a disaster for tobacco and alcohol. Time to seize the moment and commit to policies to discourage drug use: drug courts, other models in public health and the criminal justice system. There’s a drug crisis — it’s not a poisoning or toxic supply. Drugs are poison by definition. Nonfatal overdoses must be stopped too. 1 fatal overdose for every 20 non-fatal. We should be reviving people to free people of drugs and give them hope. Countries should reassert their commitment to all conventions, to international cooperation, and the public wants more than chemical slavery.
Item 5 (b): Challenges and future work of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the World Health Organization in the review of substances for possible scheduling recommendations
European Union (on behalf of European Union): Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement. The EU and its Member States would like to reiterate their support to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). It has an important role in supporting Governments in relation to the three international drug control conventions. We welcome its annual report 2024 and appreciate the new format aiming to improve the accessibility of the findings and recommendations. We also welcome the thematic focus of the thematic chapter of this year’s report on possible responses to the rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry, which represents a major global public health threat, and is a matter of concern for the EU and its Member States. We value the work of the INCB in all areas of its mandate, including INCB’s focus on human rights, which is in line with the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2025 and our human rights-based approach in drug policies1 . The EU and its Member States therefore particularly welcome the INCB’s consultation with Member States on the human rights dimensions of the drug control conventions, held last November. It highlighted the complementarity of drug conventions and human rights instruments. The consultation addressed several topics that are important to the EU and its Member States, such as the right to health, harm reduction, criminal justice responses, access to medical care and medication in emergency situations, specific needs of women and children, and non-discrimination. We look forward to continued exchanges and stand ready to contribute to these topics in the future. We also welcome the statement by the President of the International Narcotics Control Board, Mr Jallal Toufiq, for the Human Rights Day on 10 December, emphasising that 1 Title of Council conclusions 2022 (ST 15818/33) 2 respect for human rights is a prerequisite for the implementation of the international drug control conventions, and reiterating the call of the INCB for human rights to be respected in the development and implementation of drug policy. We continue to strongly support INCB’s opposition to the death penalty for drug-related offences. The EU and its Member States are unequivocally opposed to the use of the death penalty at all times and under all circumstances, including for drug-related offences. The EU and its Member States appreciate the focus of INCB on access to and availability of controlled medicines and the practical tools it has developed to facilitate the international trade in internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to ensure their availability for medical and scientific purposes. This is a topic that is also important to the EU and its Member States and which was addressed in the resolution on ensuring access to and availability of controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes, including for the treatment of children, tabled by Belgium on behalf of the EU during the 67th session of the CND. Concerning drug precursors, the European Union reaffirms its support for the activities of the INCB. We particularly commend the recent “Operation Pseudonym” which focused on ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine as well as the surveys conducted to raise awareness among competent authorities about available tools on drug precursors. Following the proactive scheduling of 16 amphetamine-type stimulant designer precursors in 2023, the European Union did not detect any new designer precursors related to amphetamine-type stimulants in 2024. The INCB’s forward-looking recommendations have placed drug precursor control and legislation ahead of criminal activities. This shift marked a significant change from a reactive to a proactive strategy by anticipating new substances that could be utilised in the illicit production of synthetic drugs. In light of this, it is increasingly crucial that the INCB continues to evaluate other potential derivatives and related chemicals that may be used in the illicit manufacture of drugs, with the aim of future proactive scheduling. Additionally, the INCB should persist in exploring innovative methods for scheduling designer precursors at the international level. Mr Chair, To conclude, we would like to assure the INCB of the support of the EU and its Member States and of our commitment to working together. We also look forward to enhancing our cooperation, including by increased collaboration with the EU Drugs Agency in the area of drug precursors. Thank you very much.
UNODC: In just over a decade, the number of NPS identified worldwide has grown significantly from 254 in 2013 to 1300 today. Very few countries have been spared. With 150 countries reporting the emergence of these substances. Member states, building on international cooperation and national responses have made progress in addressing these threats. The commission of 2014 has decided based on scientific evidence to place 83 of these NPS under control. Similarly, the commission has acted on chemical precursors. 28 precursors of amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstacy and fentanyl have been added to the 1980 convention. On a national level, your reactions have been proactive and innovative. Together the national and international responses have been successful, respectful of science, and complementarity of the conventions. We have seen a reduction in the number of these substances and an overall emergence of new substances has stabilized. Significant challenges still remain. New synthetic opioids continue to emerge with 142 being monitored by UNODC. 89 analogues of fentanyl have emerged and a number of nitazenes increase. 6 of these substances have been scheduled in under 4 years and tomorrow the commission will vote on recommendations to schedule another 4 nitazenes. Benzos for decades have been a mainstay in therapeutics but they can impair coordination. Worrying, they are being implicated in cases of drug use while driving with other control drugs. While 7 of such substances are under international control, new substances in this group continue to emerge. A decade of this has taught us lessons: 1) scheduling works, but it must be built on irrefutable science and evidence and it must be implemented. The chemical precursors continue to present challenges and these challenges arise from the number of options. We will not schedule our way out of the innovative options with clandestine laboratories. The practicalities of international limitations soul guide our actions. There will be no synthetic drugs without precursors, that remains indisputable and should be our guiding principle. But a decade of experience with NPS shows us that we need to be proactive. UNODC continues to evolve its early warning work. We will continue to provide a commission to assist in responding. We will do this by strengthening national forensic capacity. We will provide tailored technical assistance.
WHO: The 1961 single convention of narcotic drugs mandate the WHO advise the commission on narcotic drugs on appropriate levels of international control to prevent harm to health caused by psychotropic substances and ensure access to substances for medical and scientific use. There are several challenges that inform its future work in the review of substances for scheduling. As a specialized health agency of the UN, WHO provides guidance free from conflicts of interest. We follow a rigorous scientific process to ensure that recommendations are based on the best possible data. In this regard each substance that is systematically prioritized for review by the WHO committee is subject to a thorough and standardized assessment process. The committee reports on predetermined criteria that rely on research findings from individual researchers and laboratories as well as from government and other orgs. All countries are invited to provide information for substances and are reviewed through an annual member state survey that gives all groups permission to provide comments before they are considered by the expert committee. The expert committee itself is representative, and composed of scientific experts representing in their own independent capacity. WHO publishes all scientific findings as part of a technical report. All these components are critical to ensuring both transparent and scientific rigor to fulfil its mandate within the conventions. Unlike many national drug scheduling procedures that may consider generic substance scheduling, our group reviews on a substance by substance basis as required by the international conventions. This rigorous process takes a minimum of one year. Given this paucity of data for NPS, the critical review of a substance is often the first time that a global review of this substance is being done. In light of the transient nature of NPS amongst a large volume of new NPS, by the time a drug is placed under international control it may no longer be widely used and may be replaced by another substance in the same class or another substance altogether. Therefore strong data collection and data sharing initiatives at international regional and national levels are critical to prioritising the most persistent, prevalent, and pervasive substances that pose the greatest risks to health. This will help protect human lives from NPS in a timely manner. Furthermore, many substances reviewed by the ECDD have additional scientific complexities which add to the timeliness of the review. For example, plants reviewed have hundreds of components, some which are psychoactive and some which are not. These types of considerations make it more complex. To improve WHO’s ability to provide timely and robust technical advice, WHO has been establishing a substance surveillance analysis system which enhances speed and quality of data collection which enables WHO to respond better to NPS. This system will enhance information sharing and awareness so that national authorities can better respond to threats posed by substances used medically and non-medically. It would also foster more integrated approaches between different professional sectors that may be involved in national drug policy responses. Improved drug surveillance will help WHO’s recommendations. The limited availability of controlled medical substances continues to impact health and welfare in many parts of the world. Continuing efforts to ensure balanced access to and safe use of these medicines are important.
INCB: INCB has continued to bring up the challenge and complexity of chemical precursors and scheduling. INCB assesses the chemicals considered for production. It’s a complex and technical question. Traffickers and laboratory operators use many different substances — countless. The variety becomes even more complex when we consider analogs. Many chemicals are designer precursors. During our recent session, some precursors were considered related to nitazenes — stronger than fentanyl. No seizures of these have been notified to INCB through PICS. But suspicious internet posts demanding these chemicals. At the same time, easily replaceable — and used to fabricate other products. In light of the potential for misuse of nitazenes, we have begun an initiative on these precursors. National authorities will be contacted separately on this. The example of nitazene related precursors exemplifies the challenge of ensuring legitimate chemicals for control and sustain scheduling and control. Operational cooperation and information sharing through PICS of great importance. Our conference room paper has findingins, good practices, and examples of good public-private partnerships.
Singapore: We welcome the recommendations on substance control put forth by WHO ECDD. Timely scheduling is essential to prevent the proliferation and abuse of substances while ensuring access for medical purposes. INCB and WHO work to help countries stay alert and informed. The CND plays a crucial role on scheduling guided by the conventions. The Conventions send a strong signal on drug prohibition while enabling legitimate uses. We are satisfied with the factors used to consider the substances: potential for misuse, legitimate purposes… Since 2010, proliferation of synthetic drugs and NPS. According to UNODC, 551 NPS identified in East and SOutheast Asia. Underscores the challenge member states face. Many NPS are beyond the Conventions’ scope. Singapore introduced a new legislative framework providing us with levers to deal with NPS preventing drug traffickers from exploiting loopholes. Criminalisation of supply behaviours for non-scheduled substances of this sort, with exception for legitimate uses, such as nutrition. We uphold the principles of the system of drug control and the Conventions.
Japan: New NPS and precursor chemicals emerge in an endless stream. Challenge to implementing drug control. In Japan, fentanyl is legal as a narcotic and controlled as a drug. Nitazenes have emerged worldwide and are already under control in Japan. We haven’t identified incidents related to nitazenes domestically. We have proactively investigated, however. The growing challenge of substance abuse and related threats to NPS and recursos should be addressed in a concerted manner in the region and beyond in line with the current drug control framework. The immediate assessment by INCB and HOW is essential for member states to consider controls. Important to streamline responses like effective detection and assessment, legislative measures, preventative education, border control — to break the link between manufacture and trafficking of illicit drugs. We will continue to collaborate in this way with Member States and UN agencies as well as private sector and industries to share information among stakeholders and strengthen domestic capabilities to control NPS and precursor chemicals.
Canada: NPS including potent synthetic opioids have brought unique challenges that have put pressure on our communities and frameworks. Getting ahead of this is imperative to protecting lives. Proactive frameworks are important. We strictly control synthetic opioids. However, illegal drug manufacturers continue to evade these controls. Class-based controls have been in place for decades. In recent years we have worked to schedule analogues and derivatives which has served us well to be preemptive. This strategy has proven to be particularly effective in cases where the substances being scheduled have no known legitimate uses. It has been our experience that things move quickly. To strengthen our approaches we are proposing national amendments to reduce risk of diversion and provide new tools for law and border enforcement in stopping trafficking. This includes making suspicious transaction reporting mandatory. It will also introduce new regulatory flexibilities so Canada can respond to public safety risks in an agile manner. We are a committed member of the drug control system and we also recognise that we must collectively innovate to stay ahead. It is important that there be room within the conventions to explore new evidence-based approaches and save lives.
Niger: My delegation congratulates you on your election. We would like to highlight our government’s commitment and welcoming of the INCB’s work and cooperation. So as to rid the world from the scourge of drugs my delegation notes that information exchange under the convention and its article 12 remains a challenge for the board as it carries out its function and seeks to fully play its role. We take note of the board’s 2023 report and will do its utmost to act in line with it. However, the proliferation and emergence of new substances as well as the need to strengthen cooperation and builder cooperation in the states is extremely evident. Similarly, it is clear that the production of counterfeit medicines and other substances in addition to illicit trafficking and transnational organized crime have an impact on health, security, and the economies of our countries. We would request that the board and the WHO create conditions conducive to cooperation so as to ensure that these flows of drugs across the globe can be fixed. Thank you.
Indonesia: I would like to address the challenges and work and provide several recommendations based on our international experience. We strongly encourage member states to adopt scheduling systems if they don’t have them. Regarding NPS we wish to shrae our current national situation as of January 2025 Indonesia has identified 95 NPS within our territory. Most have been successfully scheduled but we are still working on it. International cooperation is important. We would offer the following recs: 1) regarding WHO, we propose adding a dedicated section on substance identification. This addition will provide technical references for labs; 2) addressing rapid NPS emergence and 3) regarding ICNB early warning system, we suggest enhancing the features and a more appealing visual design to ensure better use. We remain committed to enhancing international collaboration and commitment.
China: Synthetic drugs spread around the world. Non Scheduled substances like ethylphenidate are deadly. Synthetic opioids produced by criminals are proliferating with new techniques of production. Scheduling is still a good response but a country alone cannot stem the tide. China has side events on controlling non-scheduled substances. At the academic and policy level, how to jointly tackle the drug problem. We urge all countries to strengthen early monitoring and warning, take practical and effective measures in prevention, education, law enforcement, education, international cooperation, and thus deal jointly with the world drug problem and its root.
Ghana: Mr. Chair, International scheduling decisions are integrated into national legislation through amendments to existing laws or by enacting Executive Instruments, particularly when legislative amendments face challenges in the parliament of Ghana . 2. Executive Instruments are utilized during public health emergencies, national security threats, or matters of public interest. However, challenges such as bureaucracy and high costs hinder this process, while enablers include sensitization efforts, stakeholder consultations, and civil society participation. The UNODC can further member states by promoting the exchange of best practices and providing technical assistance. 3. Mr. Chair, to identify harmful substances for national action, mechanisms like research, trend analysis of seizures, and intelligence from frontline officers are employed. Ghana actively raise concerns about specific substances, such as tramadol, for international scheduling consideration. 4. Mr. Chair, International networks like the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA), the West African Commission on Drugs, and the African Union play a significant role in informing national legislation. Participation in these networks has enabled Ghana to learn from other nations’ successes and challenges, aiding in the drafting and passing of key legislative instruments such as the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019). 5. Mr. Chair, Additionally, Executive Instruments like E.I. 168 (control of tramadol) and E.I. 167 (restriction on codeine-containing syrups) were developed to address specific drug-related issues. I thank you for the opportunity.
India: We see how designer chemicals are a challenge and how countries are doing their utmost to schedule proactively. But there’s a challenge in that some countries have a big trade in chemicals and, thus, this imposes a significant task. We are developing responses. The Central Bureau for Narcotics is in dialogue with chemical producers on this. The data we get from them allows us to do good work to seize substances that are a threat. The collection of data through seizures is important. The tools developed by INCB like PEN and the early warning system are useful for countries. Partnering with domestic legitimate industries is very effective and has produced great results in India. Businesses that trade these substances share data on these chemicals and substances. Seizures are made easier thanks to this information. So, beyond scheduling internationally, member states have domestic legislation to schedule and control substances. It would be useful to share this information. It’s another way to embrace the principle of shared and common responsibility.
United States: We will cover items 5E-B. The most pressing international challenge. It is still too easy for criminals to escape accountability by using chemistry. They can be many times more potent and potentially lethal. Getting ahead of this must be the CND’s priority. We must implement rapid scheduling and class-wide scheduling laws. The US wants to acknowledge the International Narcotics Control Board and their work, which has allowed the CND to be proactive for the first time in outpacing these criminals. We look forward to studying this approach at a national level, and we encourage the board to continue leveraging initiatives such as this. We also urge the board to continue prioritizing its efforts to help countries address synthetic drug threats, including through its programming that allows real-time communication, enabling authorities to better target suspicious shipments and seize drugs before they enter the country. We would like to emphasize that the conventions require parties to make medically necessary drugs available for medical and scientific purposes.
Colombia: We would like to refer to the process of the critical review of the classification of the coca leaf on List 1 of the Drugs Convention of 1961. We want to reiterate that the request for the review is based on the 1961 convention. The review we are pursuing does not go against our efforts to combat drug trafficking, and it leaves intact the control for substances such as cocaine hydrochlorate or cocaine paste. They are radically different from the coca leaf in its natural state. This request, backed up by law, has arisen from an undeniable truth. The current classification is based on an outdated analysis from 1950, lacking the scientific rigor we now require. That analysis treated the coca leaf as equivalent to cocaine and made no distinction in its use for cultural and medical practices. We hope that after this request and the review produced, we can move towards an international understanding of the plant, which reflects its true reality and will open the door for more detailed research on its potential benefits. The rights of indigenous communities are important in this. It is time to correct the historic error made about the coca leaf. This process started in 2023, so maybe it could be a focus for the CND and the WHO. This process is included in the methods listed in the convention. This is not a request for an amendment; we are using the mechanism included in the convention.
United Kingdom: We remain committed to supporting a robust, science-based process to control substances while enabling access for medical and scientific purposes. Our law enforcement agencies and partners should be resourced to do this. Our legislative framework enables this, and our side event here will outline it. The PSA enables the prosecution of the supply of psychoactive substances not controlled and scheduled under the MDA 1971. We highlighted the challenge of synthetic analogues like nitazenes at the most recent intersessional and noted our efforts to develop a generic definition for nitazenes. It has now been enacted in legislation. This proactive approach enables us to stay ahead of any possible occurring nitazene variants. We also rely on the global community of scientists and policymakers and our advisors at the ACMD. We look forward to hearing more from partners on challenges and how to tackle them.
Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing: (…)
International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC): Thank you, Mr Chair, for giving me the floor. I am making this statement on behalf of the international drug policy Consortium, Viso Mutop and the Transnational Institute. Let me start by expressing our solidarity with all those who have been severely impacted by the current funding crisis for harm reduction – and we call on governments and donors to urgently step in and fund life-saving harm reduction interventions. The critical review of the coca leaf comes nearly 75 years after the UN banned the traditional uses of the plant by listing it in schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This is despite the fact that the coca leaf has been used for millennia by the people in the Andean-Amazonian region for traditional, religious, ancestral and medicinal purposes. At the time, the decision to place the plant under strict International control was based on deeply problematic colonial and racist prejudice. We urge the ECDD to correct this historical mistake and to distance itself explicitly from past racist arguments made by WHO officials themselves regarding the plant. Extensive research developed since 1961 shows that the coca leaf does not result in health harms, but may in fact have possible benefits including as a medicine and as a nutritional supplement. It is also central to social, cultural and religious purposes. In addition, the basic premise of the 1961 Single Convention is that plants are only scheduled when they are considered to produce harmful effects similar to other scheduled substances. This is not the case for the coca leaf when compared to the possible effects of other substances included in Schedule I of the 1961 Convention. Mr. Chair, Various UN entities and resolutions have increasingly recognised the need to decolonise drug policy and align the UN drug control regime with human rights. The International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy also discuss the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their traditional and cultural practices. As with all UN bodies and entities, the WHO is bound by the obligation to respect, protect and fulfil human rights – which is one of the overarching pillars of the UN. As such, any scheduling recommendation by the ECDD should also take due account of human rights considerations and the International Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We welcome the decision made by the ECDD to consider the traditional uses of the coca leaf as one of the key topics of the critical review report – and we hope that the rights of Indigenous Peoples will receive appropriate attention as the ECDD elaborates its scheduling recommendation. To conclude: ● We call on the WHO to ensure a transparent and inclusive process that enables the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples at all stages of the critical review – we therefore call for the organisation of a public hearing with them as soon as possible. ● We urge the Member States that had objected to Bolivia’s reservation as it re-acceded the Single Convention in 2013 to withdraw such objections, as Mexico and The Netherlands have already done. ● We encourage Member States to consider the potential benefits of a legal global market for natural coca products as well as possible mechanisms needed to avoid the risk of corporate capture, and to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples of the Andean-Amazonian region. The critical review of the coca leaf is a first step in the right direction. But in the face of devastating numbers of preventable drug-related deaths and widespread human rights abuses, more systemic reforms are urgently needed to place human rights at the core of the UN drug control system. Inertia is no longer an option. Thank you very much.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy: My name is Dr. Elijah Zorro Ullman. I study the actions of drugs at the molecular and cellular level as a research scientist. Schedule I status for a drug impedes research The most restrictive classification for drugs, Schedule I impedes scientific research, a term titled “Research Harms”. Research harms refers to the added costs to a researcher or institution, whether in time or financial. Some examples of such barriers include: physical modifications to research laboratories to accommodate safe requirements to house Schedule I drugs and a year – or longer – approval process for Schedule I compounds that require review by onerous federal, possible state bodies, and university regulatory bodies. Numerous review articles and government bodies have discussed these barriers to research and their impact on scientific breakthroughs. “Abuse Liability” definition are narrow Drug controls must have scheduling determinations rooted in robust current data and reflect the broader societal and scientific context. Key to scheduling is a determination of a drug’s “abuse potential”. It is the longstanding view of many control agencies that any use of a psychotropic drug outside purely medical contexts constitutes abuse. This narrow view is not the consensus of the scientific community at large. This body should keep this context in mind. Isolated reports of the consumption of a drug not currently scheduled are insufficient to warrant Schedule I status. Blanket structure based similarity is inappropriate. This body is considering Nitazenes which have never even been evaluated!. Laboratory study of its effects is needed.Small chemical changes can even eliminate all activity of a drug and this is useful for researchers as well. This body must continuously reevaluate drug controls as new data emerges. Psychedelics for example have been shown effective in pre clinical and clinical trials to treat depression, pain, anxiety, and ptsd. Recommendations 1) The UN Mandated in Article 4 Section 2b of the 1971 Convention, to in summary, assess the ‘degree of seriousness of the publiuc health and social problem and degree of usefulness of the substance in medical therapy…” when considering a drug for scheduling. To assess medical utility, scientists need easy access to study the drug. We encourage the INCB to ease restrictions into studying drugs to satisfy this component of the Convention and support member States in their ability to conduct research. 2) We ask member states to Amend the 1971 single Convention, to align registration requirements for researching Schedule I drugs with that of Schedule II.
Dejusticia: (…)
Instituto RIA: Today we meet at a crucial moment for international drug policy. For decades, the criminalisation of cannabis has represented a barrier to the development of countries. Far from eliminating consumption, prohibition has fostered illegal markets and led to the unjust incarceration of countless individuals simply for cannabis use. At the same time, this prohibition has hindered scientific research and the study of cannabis’ therapeutic uses, also preventing accurate guidance in the design of public policies. With difficulty and persistence, some countries have begun exploring alternative paths for cannabis regulation, shifting from a purely criminal lens towards a more nuanced perspective—one that recognises cannabis not only as a substance potentially harmful to health but also as one capable of bringing many benefits to our communities. Yet these efforts remain in the minority. For most people, cannabis consumption continues to represent a danger far beyond potential health harms; it is a risk of violence, criminalisation, detention, family separation, and deprivation of liberty. If significant progress is not made in international consensus here at the United Nations, delivering global instruments to protect individuals, isolated and specific efforts will not suffice and will remain disconnected from the rest of the world. Therefore, as civil society, we invite you to consider not only the necessity of regulation but also the urgency of adopting an approach grounded in health, equity, and science. Prohibition has failed. Education and responsible regulation are the future.
Item 5 (c): International Narcotics Control Board
INCB: (…)
European Union (on behalf of its Member States) — Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement. The EU and its Member States would like to reiterate their support to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). It has an important role in supporting Governments in relation to the three international drug control conventions. We welcome its annual report 2024 and appreciate the new format aiming to improve the accessibility of the findings and recommendations. We also welcome the thematic focus of the thematic chapter of this year’s report on possible responses to the rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry, which represents a major global public health threat, and is a matter of concern for the EU and its Member States. We value the work of the INCB in all areas of its mandate, including INCB’s focus on human rights, which is in line with the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2025 and our human rights-based approach in drug policies1 . The EU and its Member States therefore particularly welcome the INCB’s consultation with Member States on the human rights dimensions of the drug control conventions, held last November. It highlighted the complementarity of drug conventions and human rights instruments. The consultation addressed several topics that are important to the EU and its Member States, such as the right to health, harm reduction, criminal justice responses, access to medical care and medication in emergency situations, specific needs of women and children, and non-discrimination. We look forward to continued exchanges and stand ready to contribute to these topics in the future. We also welcome the statement by the President of the International Narcotics Control Board, Mr Jallal Toufiq, for the Human Rights Day on 10 December, emphasising that 1 Title of Council conclusions 2022 (ST 15818/33) 2 respect for human rights is a prerequisite for the implementation of the international drug control conventions, and reiterating the call of the INCB for human rights to be respected in the development and implementation of drug policy. We continue to strongly support INCB’s opposition to the death penalty for drug-related offences. The EU and its Member States are unequivocally opposed to the use of the death penalty at all times and under all circumstances, including for drug-related offences. The EU and its Member States appreciate the focus of INCB on access to and availability of controlled medicines and the practical tools it has developed to facilitate the international trade in internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to ensure their availability for medical and scientific purposes. This is a topic that is also important to the EU and its Member States and which was addressed in the resolution on ensuring access to and availability of controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes, including for the treatment of children, tabled by Belgium on behalf of the EU during the 67th session of the CND. Concerning drug precursors, the European Union reaffirms its support for the activities of the INCB. We particularly commend the recent “Operation Pseudonym” which focused on ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine as well as the surveys conducted to raise awareness among competent authorities about available tools on drug precursors. Following the proactive scheduling of 16 amphetamine-type stimulant designer precursors in 2023, the European Union did not detect any new designer precursors related to amphetamine-type stimulants in 2024. The INCB’s forward-looking recommendations have placed drug precursor control and legislation ahead of criminal activities. This shift marked a significant change from a reactive to a proactive strategy by anticipating new substances that could be utilised in the illicit production of synthetic drugs. In light of this, it is increasingly crucial that the INCB continues to evaluate other potential derivatives and related chemicals that may be used in the illicit manufacture of drugs, with the aim of future proactive scheduling. Additionally, the INCB should persist in exploring innovative methods for scheduling designer precursors at the international level. Mr Chair, To conclude, we would like to assure the INCB of the support of the EU and its Member States and of our commitment to working together. We also look forward to enhancing our cooperation, including by increased collaboration with the EU Drugs Agency in the area of drug precursors. Thank you very much.
Pakistan: We commend INCB’s data collection, analysis, and reporting. We remain fully committed to combating trafficking in all forms, recognising the increasing complexity due to synthetic drugs. Enhanced monitoring of vulnerable areas and borders has resulted in numerous successful operations, including the seizure of 2100 tons of precursor chemicals. We appreciate the objective and evidence-based assessments by the INCB to ensure compliance and prevent diversion of controlled substances. We remain concerned by drug availability for non-medical purposes while committed to ensuring legitimate uses.
Netherlands: We welcome the inclusion of substances in the schedules of precursor chemicals. The Dutch parliament recently approved a draft bill prohibiting categories of substances, entering into force in July 2025. The proliferation of synthetic drugs represents a major threat, making adaptive responses crucial. We endorse the recommendation for Member States to submit timely and accurate information, as effective data collection is essential to understanding drug trends and developing evidence-based policies. Our cannabis experiment, currently in its transitional phase, does not seek to promote cannabis use but rather aims at finding solutions through independent scientific monitoring of impacts on crime, disorder, and health. We appreciate the INCB’s emphasis on human rights and efforts to combat discrimination and stigmatisation. The INCB plays a crucial role in aligning drug policies with human rights standards.
Indonesia: We appreciate the launch of the INCB report and acknowledge the INCB’s critical role in monitoring drug control efforts and conducting useful research. With increasing production and consumption of synthetic drugs, we look forward to continued cooperation.
China: Over the past year, INCB has effectively monitored the global drug situation and supervised implementation, significantly contributing to global drug control. The Board’s achievements and support for China are highly valued. We participate actively in various projects and remain committed to supporting the global drug control system. We encourage INCB to continue its work under the mandates of the conventions, maintaining neutrality.
India: We appreciate the INCB’s valuable efforts and its acknowledgment of India’s concerns regarding trafficking along the Southern route. India actively participates in tools like PEN Online and Light, building upon voluntary cooperation. We welcome the CRP by INCB focused on preventing chemical diversion and thank the Board for its efforts in this area. The persistent use of opium gum in traditional medicines has shown stable trends domestically, highlighting valuable treatments. We appreciate INCB’s support and remain committed to intensifying holistic efforts to address ongoing challenges.
Colombia: Clearly, the results outlined in the report reflect significant global challenges regarding narcotics production, trafficking, and medicine availability. We express surprise that the report is framed primarily as achievements when a realistic approach comparing successes and challenges is necessary for states to effectively decide on future actions. We highlight the identification of the link between illicit economies and environmental degradation, disproportionately affecting indigenous peoples, people of African descent, and peasant farmers within vulnerable regions impacted by the war on drugs. We urge the INCB to foster ongoing dialogue with state parties to the conventions. Colombia has submitted comments concerning the Board’s methodological approach to data analysis, which we believe generates inaccurate approximations and analyses.
OHCHR:Thank you for this opportunity to address the Commission under agenda Item 5(c) on the International Narcotics Control Board. Last November, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights participated in the 141st session of the INCB and engaged in dialogue with Board members on promoting human rights within implementation of the international drug control conventions. During this session, we presented key findings and recommendations from our 2023 report on human rights challenges related to addressing the world drug problem (A/HRC/54/53). OHCHR welcomes the INCB’s recommendations in its 2024 annual report, particularly Recommendation No. 8, encouraging States, retaining capital punishment for drug-related offenses to consider abolishing it and commute existing death sentences. Excellencies, We remain concerned by the continued use of capital punishment for drug offenses. The Secretary-General’s 2024 report on moratorium on the use of the death penalty documented a considerable increase in executions. At the end of 2023, approximately 3,000 individuals were on death row across 19 countries. Recent data for 2024 shows at least 615 executions for drug offenses globally. International human rights jurisprudence states that drug-related offenses do not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes” and application of the death penalty in such cases cannot be justified under the right to life framework. Here, we welcome Pakistan’s 2023 abolition of the death penalty for drug-related offenses and Malaysia’s elimination of mandatory capital punishment for such crimes, recognizing these as significant steps toward full abolition. We urge all retentionist states to implement moratoriums as a pathway to ending this practice. We further highlight INCB’s position in its latest Annual Report that (quote) “respect for human rights is inherent to and a prerequisite for the implementation of the international drug control conventions”(end quote). As further emphasized by the INCB, criminal justice responses should be proportionate; crimes of lesser gravity may receive lesser penalties, and alternatives to conviction or punishment may be considered for crimes, committed by people who use drugs. OHCHR supports INCB’s recommendation that governments should seek to emphasize human rights in their interdiction approaches and empower law enforcement agencies to play a role in offering harm reduction services and alternative livelihood pathways rather than extreme punitive measures. Dear Chair, OHCHR remains committed to collaborating closely with Member States and the INCB toward human rights-based drug policies that uphold human dignity and protect the fundamental right to life. Thank you.
Physicians for responsible opioid prescribing: (…)
Item 5 (d) International cooperation to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion
UNODC: (…)
WHO: Access to essential medicines is a vital part of life without distinction of race, political belief, or any other social condition. Medications should be available to those who need them. In line with their obligations under the UN health treaties, governments should ensure that medications are available and used safely and appropriate. Govs should ensure access to controlled medicines for all people who need them while restricting non-medical use. Ensuring access to controlled medicines is a challenge that involves multi-stakeholder, competing interests, and complex regulatory frameworks. Lots of challenges are involved. Many controlled medicines remain unaffordable for many countries and contribute to high out of pocket expenditures. Challenges are lack of data for decision making and ensuring access and availability. WHO strives for access to controlled medicines for therapeutic uses while preventing harms from their non-medical use. WHO also takes this opp to remind existing guidelines on use of medicine in humanitarian emergencies which outlines cross border transit. In 2020 WHO released guidance on the management of chronic pain in children and is developing guidelines on national policies to ensure access and safe use of controlled medicines. In 2025 WHO will publish these guidelines on balanced national controlled medicine policy to ensure access and safety. This aligns with WHO’s other guidance providing recommendations for countries with balanced access to controlled meds. WHO Is als updating other guidelines which recognize buprenorphine and methadone as evidence-based policies. OAT and overdose prevention are key essential health services that must be maintained even in extraordinary situations. Who regularly updates our list of essential medicines that provides guidance to countries on medicines based on their efficacy and cost effectiveness. We encourage countries to use existing WHO’s guidelines and request support when needed. Controlled substances are crucial and are rights to health and life. International collaboration to ensure access for medical and scientific purposes should ensure that they are tailored to the needs of the populations while recognising an individual’s rights to the highest standards of health. Collaboration is needed while positioning health and human rights at the center of dialogue. Several international resolutions and commitments also provide WHO with strong technical and scientific mandates to address barriers. We are committed to supporting countries towards universal health coverage. We will continue to support countries with this in collaboration with all affected groups to ensure that safe, affordable and efficacious controlled medicines will reach those who need them. Medical policies should balance uninterrupted and continuous while ensuring harm is not done.
INCB: Ten years ago I joined the INCB. That report marked the turning point. It contributed significantly to conversations in 2016 at the CND and then at the UN special assembly. The outcome document of the uNGAS included a dedicated section on ensuring availability, an issue that had often been overlooked. Since then international cooperation has strengthened the issue and has been central to multilateral dialogue. Chapter 2 of INCB’s 2024 annual report presents data on global conception of opioid analgesics and psychotropic substances. This confirms disparities for the treatment of pain. In several regions with historically low consumption of opioid analgesics, this has increased. Nevertheless there are steps forward. However significant concern remains for africa, asia, and central america and the caribbean. Consumption of opioids is centred in other areas. Consumption amounts are still insufficient to reach medical needs. Over 80% of the morphine produced internally is not used for pain relief, it is converted to other substances. We encourage countries to increase morphine production for pain management and palliative care. Likewise, consumption of other needed medicines are low in some countries. The rational use of psychotropic substances is a concern because they are important in managing MH and other conditions like sleep disorders. While online pharmacies have improved access, they have contributed to non-rational prescribing practices. Neiher issue is availability of these substances for the treatment of OUD. Only 10% of people with OUD have access. In view of the increase of substances for non-medical use, we encourage countries to come up with plans to address these and for countries to increase access to OAT. Another challenge is ensuring access to medicines during humanitarian emergencies. We have international guidelines to make these possible and we encourage countries to use these guidelines. I am delighted to announce the publication of the INCB’s 2024 technical publication and trust that the reports will be useful for national authorities to ensure medical availability while preventing illicit diversion. The goal of the conventions which is essential for SDG3 is sustaining lives and ensuring wellbeing for all and should be at the center of all policies.
European Union: Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement. The EU and its Member States continue to underline the importance of ensuring access to and availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion. That is why the EU tabled a resolution at last year’s CND, so as to accelerate progress on access and availability, with particular attention for the needs of children. We continue to highlight the need for a comprehensive approach in ensuring access to and availability of controlled substances, which includes awareness-raising, education, training and capacity building as well as data collection. Last year’s resolution called on Member States to address these and other barriers, such as those relating to legislation, regulatory and health-care systems, in order to increase the availability of and access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. We also recognise that affordability is one of the impediments for having adequate access to controlled medicines for many patients around the world. As set out in the resolution, we believe in the importance of promoting the active engagement and participation of the scientific community, academia, nongovernmental organisations, civil society, health-care professionals and communityled organisations in improving access to and availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. They can contribute to raising awareness and improving the acceptance and understanding of the rational use of controlled substances for scientific and medical purposes, as well as to promoting nonstigmatising attitudes towards the rational use of controlled substances, including for children. 2 We would also like to underline the importance of the availability and accessibility of adequate and effective treatment for people with drug use disorders and mental health conditions, regardless of the point of entry into health and care systems, as well as risk and harm reduction services, and of ensuring effective coordination between services to reflect the complex needs of people who use drugs. Various efforts are required in this area, such as strengthening regulatory environment and health systems, ensuring quality control of psychotropic substances for medical purposes, providing the adequate regulatory environment on access and ensuring medical training of healthcare professionals. EU Member States’ efforts in the area of access and availability are in line with the EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025, in which the EU commits itself to ensure access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, and strengthen treatment and care services. The EU Drugs Strategy also takes an evidence-based approach, and we would therefore like to underline the importance of research for scientific and medical purposes, including a gender perspective in clinical trials, diagnosis and treatments, in order to continue generating evidence-based practice in health care. Last but not least, the EU and its Member States underscore their grave concern for those populations that do not have adequate access to essential controlled medicines in emergency situations caused by natural disasters and armed conflicts, including the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Mr. Chair, Despite all efforts and commitments, a significant imbalance globally in the access to and availability of controlled substances remains. This goes against the aim of the international drug control conventions to promote the health and welfare of humankind, and against human rights instruments referring to the right to health or medical care as a fundamental human right. We need to make further efforts and remain committed to reaching the right balance between preventing misuse and enabling adequate medical use. Thank you.
Singapore: As a party to the three international drug conventions, Singapore has developed a robust framework to ensure access to controlled substances for medical and scientific framework. We conduct regular reviews and updates to ensure that people have access to necessary medicines. In 2021 we revised our MDR to enable easier access to such drugs for research. Since 2023 we have started sharing information on I2ES which ensures the movement of controlled substances to streamline trade of international controlled substances. Singapore is committed to advancing healthcare while maintaining rigorous standards. In 2023 we launched a strategy for mental health. About 483 practitioners have undergone training to offer MH services. We are hoping that everyone will be able to offer this in the future. In july 2023 Singapore also launched the enhanced national strategy for palliative care to enhance home palliative care capacity. The enhancement in palliative care services will increase access to narcotics for end of life care regardless of income. We emphasise that controlled substances must be supported by robust scientific evidence. We believe that a balanced and comprehensive approach to drug control is essential to ensure that the drug control system is not weakened in the process.
Angola: we are grateful for the ability to participate. An essential platform for combatting the misuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs while ensuring their ability for medical and scientific purposes. Angola reaffirms this commitment to international conventions on drugs which establish a balance with the control of misuse and ensuring access to essential medicines for treatment. The medicines regulatory agency responsible for ensuring access to controlled substances to prevent diversion and abuse of these substances, ensuring that they are made available only for medical and scientific purposes. Angola cooperates directly with INCB to regulate the import for these substances in order for competent entities to introduce such substances into the country, prior authorization is required. Without such authorization the substance cannot be placed on international territory. The member states work closely together to ensure that systems do not impede access to these medicines by vulnerable populations. Diversion of controlled substances presents a global threat requiring coordinated approaches by all organizations. In this regard Angola has adopted measures to strengthen the supply chain, implement effective control chains. As part of our national drug policy we have developed initiatives to improve the availability of opioids and other controlled drugs in healthcare facilities ensuring the patients with chronic pain, cancer, and other medical conditions. We call on other countries to provide technical assistance and capacity building. We urge the adoption of innovative solutions that ensure balance and access. Angola remains committed to promoting the approach based on public health, respect for human rights, and international cooperation. We believe that constructive dialogue is essential to achieve a more efficient global system in the management of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Kenya: I thank you for giving me the floor. As we discussed this issue of availability of narcotics and psychotropic drugs for medical and scientific substances. We appreciate the work of UNODC and INCB within their mandates of supporting member states and ensuring access to and availability of controlled substances. While ensuring access to controlled substances we must ensure two things: 1) that these substances are highly addictive and prone to abuse and 2) that despite this, they have a variety of medical uses particularly in pain relief. These as provided in the three conventions that facilitate access to narcotic drugs and psychotropic medicines for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion. Kenya has taken advantage of these provisions and through various institutions has encouraged adequate supply in the country. One of the major challenges remains affordability and fluctuation of prices in developed countries. A majority of facilities are privately owned and narcotic pain management is limited to those who can afford it. We must address the pricing of these medicines. We further call for partnership and support in strengthening states capacity to monitor the export and import of controlled substances while preventing their diersion.
Belgium: Belgium aligns itself with the statement given by the EU on behalf of its member states. Belgium introduced CND resolution 6/2 on behalf of the EU and its member states. Addressing the concerns about lack of access to safe quality medications for children. This resolution encourages states to prioritise children when implementing policies for availability of controlled substances. Belgium continues its efforts to scale up the implementation of its commitments to the international drug conventions. In partnership with African countries we implemented a set of activities in the democratic republic of congo. This project resulted in updated guidelines and prescription protocols, and documentation guidelines. In 20234 a research team including members of the DRC conducted a study to understand barriers in accessing pain meds for children and adolescents including availability, accessibility, affordability, and appropriate use of opioids in children and adolescents. Preliminary results will b e presented during our side event. In 2024 Belgium also provided financial contributions to UNODC in continuing its efforts in 2025 to advance its access in 2025 to medical and scientific medicine. There is still unequal access to opioids such as morphine. Competent national authorities need to be strengthened to ensure equal access and use.
South Africa: International cooperation is essential to ensure availability of drugs for medical and scientific purposes whilst preventing diversion for illicit use. Sharing information is fundamental. As is capacity building, like training for police and healthcare, to comply with international guidelines. Securing supply chains can ensure availability and detect irregularities. We’re gravely concerned about availability, accessibility and affordability of drugs in the Global South, particularly in Africa. Shortages are a persistent challenge. In 2024, the WDR highlighted an increased gap in access to treatment for people with drug use disorders. Significant disparity in access to controlled pharmaceutical opioids for medical use, like pain relief and essential care. In the past two decades, availability and accessibility has remained broadly unchanged. More needs to be done in other African countries to ensure adequate access. Countries must dismantle barriers as well as illicit supply. South Africa is committed to the principle of common and mutual responsibility and encourages enhanced cooperation between member states regulatory agencies, INCB, and WHO to maintain a balance between accessibility and control — through exchange of data, assistance, and cooperation. We are committed to uphold the global drug control system and assure the Commission of its compliance.
Nigeria: Nigeria maintains its commitment to countering the world drug problem. One such commitment is our system which provides real time diversion into illicit markets. However, the threat of illicit drug transmission persists. These drugs pose severe public health risks including overdose fatalities. Nigeria has intensified prevention initiatives. The “catch them young” initiative equips youth with knowledge. We also have created a technical assistance working group to ensure a coordinated approach to drug control. Nigeria continues to strengthen partnerships with other groups. These collaborations have enhanced intelligence sharing and reinforced enforcement actions across africa. We are encouraging international collaboration to address supply and demand. We are committed to maintaining access to medications while preventing diversion.
Chair: tomorrow morning, before we continue this discussion, we will need to go back to cover item 5a for the voting. Be here on time at 10:00 with the respective mandates from your agenda.