For information only – not an official document

UNIS/MA/285
Vienna, 17 March 2021

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media representatives are invited to the global launch of the

International Narcotics Control Board Annual Report 2020

on

Thursday, 25 March 2021 at

11 a.m.
 [with limited in-person participation or online]

Room C0225A, C-Building, 2nd Floor

Vienna International Centre

with Cornelis de Joncheere,
President of the International Narcotics Control Board

This year, the Report highlights a hidden epidemic: drug use among older people. It also analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to medicines, availability of prevention and treatment services for people with mental health and substance use disorders, and the illicit drug markets.

The Report addresses regional developments, in particular the high illicit production of opium in Afghanistan. Further, the Report addresses the continued problem of illict use of methamphetamine and opioids as well as the non-medical use of cannabis. The Annual Precursors Report 2020 will also be presented at the launch.

The launch of the report coincides with the 60^th and 50^th anniversaries of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. INCB has marked the anniversaries with a special report summarizing the achievements and challenges.

***

The Report is embargoed until 25 March 2021, 11:00 a.m. CET

Please register to attend the press briefing by writing to: press.vienna[at]un.org

and indicate if you wish to attend the briefing virtually or in-person.

Please note: only registered media will be able to ask questions at the briefing

* *** *

To receive an advance copy of the press kit and for interview requests, please contact:

Christine Dierk
 Public Information Officer, UNIS Vienna
Tel: (+43)699-1459-4949
Email: dierk[at]un.org