For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1342
5 February 2018
Vienna, 5 February (UN Information Service) - During the International Narcotics Control Board's (INCB) 121st session, the Board will focus on its cooperation dialogue with national competent authorities and international organizations, having planned consultations with the World Health organization (WHO), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and UNAIDS.
Opening the session, INCB President Dr. Viroj Sumyai reiterated the central role of the General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) outcome document on "Our joint commitment to effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem". Dr. Sumyai said: "We urge Governments to redouble efforts to implement the UNGASS recommendations in preparation for the special session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in 2019 that will evaluate the progress that States have made in drug control since 2009. Action is needed by Governments to positively impact the nexus between human rights and drug abuse, and promote implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages."
During the session, the Board will meet the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations (Vienna) for a briefing on the world drug situation over the past year. The Board will receive recommendations of the expert group meetings on internet trafficking in opioids and review the findings of recent missions to Australia, Guyana, the Russian Federation and Switzerland prior to transmitting its recommendations to Governments. Access to and availability of controlled substances for medical purposes will also be on the agenda, as will be the opioid overdose crisis in North America, precursor controls and recent developments regarding cannabis and cannabinoids.
INCB will make final preparations for the launch of its Annual Report for 2017 and its report on article 12 of the 1988 Convention, the so-called 'Precursors report'.
The Annual Report for 2017 draws special attention to human rights, the provision of treatment for drug use disorders, the status of treaty compliance by States, placing emphasis on proportionality and the management of drug-related crime as well as the obligation of States to observe the rule of law and due legal process in implementing their treaty commitments and obligations. The Report also contains a series of recommendations to Governments and international organizations with a view to enhance drug control treaty implementation and international cooperation to address drug control challenges as they arise. The Annual Report for 2017 and the Precursors report will be launched globally on 1 March 2018.
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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.
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For further information, please contact:
INCB Secretariat
Telephone for media inquiries: (+43-1) 26060 4163
Email: secretariat[at]incb.org
Website: www.incb.org
