For information only – not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1448
4 November 2021
VIENNA, 4 November (UN Information Service) – The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has commenced its 132nd session in Vienna, with Members meeting in person for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board will be continuing its work to ensure the availability of internationally controlled substances for medical, scientific and industrial purposes, including in humanitarian and other emergency situations. On 2 and 3 November, the Board’s Standing Committee on Estimates met to review Governments’ estimates of licit requirements for narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals.
During the session, which will take place until 19 November, the Board will review the world drug control situation and continue to monitor the functioning of the international drug control system and Member States’ implementation of the three international drug control conventions. The Board will also further develop guidance for Member States on the control and monitoring requirements for cannabis and cannabis-related substances.
On 17 November, the Board will hold a meeting with Member States on facilitating and supporting the implementation of articles 12 and 13 of the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which relate to the chemicals, materials and equipment used in the illicit manufacture of drugs.
The impact of illicit financial flows related to drug trafficking and their impact on development and security will be one of the many subjects to be discussed by the Board at its 132nd session and will be the focus of the thematic chapter of the Board’s Annual Report for 2021, which will be launched in the first quarter of 2022.
At the opening of the 132nd session, the President of the Board, Jagjit Pavadia, reiterated the Board’s commitment to supporting Member States in implementing the drug control conventions and advancing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. In this regard, the INCB President referred to activities being carried out by the Board, including through its INCB Learning and GRIDS programmes, and expressed appreciation for the participation and contributions of Member States and partner organizations.
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INCB is the independent, quasi-judicial body charged with promoting and monitoring Government compliance with the three international drug control conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the thirteen members of the Board are elected in a personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council for terms of five years.
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For further information, please contact:
INCB Secretariat
Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-4163
Email: incb.secretariat[at]un.org
www.incb.org
