For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1334
2 November 2017
VIENNA, 2 November (UN Information Service) - A focus of the International Narcotics Control Board's (INCB) work during the 120 th session will be to review the status of its communication platforms and efforts in training competent national authorities.
Opening the session, INCB President Dr. Viroj Sumyai emphasized the critical role of the Board in monitoring and promoting the implementation of the three international drug control treaties. Dr. Sumyai said: "In these sessions, the Board reviews the status of compliance of States with the conventions, with the ultimate aim of increasing availability of and access to internationally controlled medicines for those in need while preventing substance abuse."
Before the plenary session, the Board's Standing Committee on Estimates met on 31 October and 1 November 2017. The Standing Committee reviewed the supply of and demand for narcotic drugs for medical and scientific purposes, as well as national requirements for psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals for licit purposes.
Among the various matters on the agenda, the Board will review its most recent mission to Egypt and subsequently provide its recommendations to the government, a summary of which will also be reflected in the INCB Annual Report for 2017. Dr. Sumyai said: "Missions are one of the most important and useful elements of the Board's cooperation with governments. Implementation of our recommendations contributes to the promotion of and compliance with the treaties, which goes toward strengthening a State's capacities against diversion to illicit channels and abuse." The Board will also discuss preparations for the upcoming missions and a call for "governments to respond promptly and positively" to INCB mission proposals.
At this session, the Board will finalize its Annual Report for 2017, annual report on precursors, and its technical publications on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Board will pay particular attention to the treatment of drug use disorders, rehabilitation, and social reintegration, which will be the key theme of the report. The report will be published and launched in 2018.
Dedicated to contributing to the fulfilment of the 2016 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS) outcome document, "the session provides the Board with an opportunity to meet with partner organizations to advance our respective obligations and priorities, and pursue joint actions in response to UNGASS." The Board will meet with key partners, such as the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), ICPO/INTERPOL, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), as part of its ongoing cooperation.
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The Vienna-based Board is an independent body, established by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, mandated to monitor and support governments' compliance with the three international drug control treaties. Its 13 members are elected by the Economic and Social Council to serve in their individual capacities for a term of five years. The 120th session of the Board takes place from 31 October-17 November 2017.
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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
