For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1331
18 August 2017
VIENNA, 18 August (UN Information Service) - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) notes with great concern reports in the international media of continued acts of violence against persons suspected of drug-related crime and drug use in the Philippines. The Board is also deeply troubled by allegations that these acts have been condoned and encouraged by senior Government officials.
INCB reiterates in the strongest possible terms that extrajudicial responses to drug-related criminality are in clear violation of the international drug control conventions, which require that drug-related crime be addressed through formal criminal justice responses and strict adherence to internationally recognized due process standards. The Board reaffirms its categorical rejection of extrajudicial acts of any kind.
As it has done before, the Board reminds the Government of the Philippines that the conventions commit to a humane and balanced approach requiring the Parties to give special attention to, and take all practicable measures for, the prevention of drug abuse and for the early identification, treatment, education, after-care, rehabilitation and social reintegration of the persons affected.
On behalf of the Board, INCB President Dr Viroj Sumyai calls on the Government of the Philippines to put an immediate stop to acts of violence against individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit trade or use of drugs and to ensure that the perpetrators of such acts are brought to justice in full observance of due process and the rule of law.
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The International Narcotics Control Board is the independent quasi-judicial body monitoring and promoting the implementation of the three international drug control conventions to which the Philippines is a State Party.
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For further information, please contact:
INCB Secretariat
Telephone for media inquiries: (+43-1) 26060 4163
Email: secretariat@incb.org
Website: www.incb.org
