For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1346
15 March 2018
VIENNA, 15 March (UN Information Service) - In a side event on the margins of the 61st session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) today introduced new electronic tools to enhance Governments' reporting capacities under the international drug control conventions.
At the event, the President of the Board, Dr. Viroj Sumyai, launched three e-learning courses for national authorities responsible for reporting on licit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors. Developed through INCB Learning and in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the courses will provide on-demand training on estimating the need for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as assessing the quantities of precursors needed for licit industrial activities.
The President of the Board recalled that the importance of training for competent national authorities was recognized in the operational recommendations adopted at the special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem held in 2016. In the special session's outcome document, Governments agreed on a set of measures to ensure the availability of and access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. These measures include strengthening national drug control systems and the capacity of competent authorities to estimate legitimate requirements for controlled substances.
Also launched at the side event were electronic templates for reporting data to INCB on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The new templates will facilitate reporting by national authorities. The provision of estimates, assessments and statistical information to the Board by Member States is called for by the international drug control conventions and by related resolutions of the Economic and Social Council and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
INCB Learning was launched in 2016 as a global initiative to assist Governments in the regulatory control and monitoring of the licit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. Over 150 officials from 68 countries and territories have since received training on the implementation of treaty requirements. The development of e-learning tools aims at increasing outreach and ensuring the transfer of knowledge, including during times of staff turnover.
In his statement at the event, the President referred to ongoing cooperation with the international community in following up on the commitments expressed in the outcome document of the special session of the General Assembly. Dr. Sumyai said that "INCB Learning has benefitted from the support of a number of Governments. To continue and expand these activities, INCB Learning depends on further contributions by Member States."
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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
