For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1352
22 May 2018
VIENNA, 21 May (UN Information Service) - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) concluded its 122 nd session in Vienna on Friday. Upon the closing of the session, the INCB President, Dr. Viroj Sumyai, emphasized the importance of compliance of countries with the three international drug control treaties and the consequences of non-compliance for public health and well-being.
In the course of the session, the Board analysed the drug control situation on a country-by-country basis and reviewed compliance by State Parties with the three international drug control treaties. The Board examined the findings of a recent country mission and agreed on recommendations to be made to the respective Government to strengthen their national drug control system. It also reviewed the implementation by Governments of mission recommendations made over recent years.
As part of its mandate towards ensuring the availability of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for licit uses while preventing their diversion to illicit channels and abuse, the Board reviewed the licit movement of these substances, as well as the supply of and demand for opiates for medical and scientific purposes. In accordance with its mandate under the 1988 Convention, the Board also reviewed the licit movement and preventing diversion of precursors.
The Board held in-depth discussions on the non-medical and non-scientific use of cannabis, which did not comply with the drug control conventions, and the serious consequences that non-compliance can have on public health, particularly among young people.
The Board also considered the opioid overdose crisis faced in a number of countries and efforts to address the situation, including the Board's own new initiative, the Operational Partnerships to Interdict Opioids' Illicit Distribution and Sales (OPIOIDS) Project.
As part of its commitment to concerted international action towards effectively addressing and countering the world's drug problem, the Board held consultations with the President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO).
During the session, INCB also commenced work on its Annual Report for 2018. The report will be finalized during the Board's 123 rd session and will include a thematic chapter on the use of cannabis. The report will also be supplemented by a special report on availability of controlled drugs for medical and scientific purposes.
The Board's next session will be held in November 2018, during which the Board will mark its 50 th anniversary.
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The Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) 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
Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-4163
Email: secretariat[at]incb.org
www.incb.org
