UNIS/NAR/1488
26 June 2024

Statement by Jallal Toufiq, President of the International Narcotics Control Board, for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

26 June 2024

VIENNA, 26 June (UN Information Service) – On the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is reiterating its appeal to Governments to invest in evidence-based prevention as a prerequisite to safeguarding health and welfare, especially of young people.

Too many people continue to suffer from preventable and treatable substance use disorders, with devastating impacts for families, communities and society. There is still a long way to go to attaining Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.5: strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

On this World Drug Day, INCB calls on Member States, international and regional organizations and civil society to step up their investment in the prevention of drug use.

The international drug control conventions require States parties to give special attention to, and take all practicable measures for, the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of all people affected by drug use disorders.

INCB is calling for the urgent implementation of policies and programmes to prevent and treat drug use disorders. Prevention programmes must be based on data and evidence, respect human rights and should follow the UNODC and WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention.

Prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration services should be developed with the input of people who use drugs, be culturally appropriate, universally accessible and adapted to cultural and socioeconomic realities.

Preventing and addressing stigma and discrimination is key to improving access to services and to ensuring that people affected by drug use and drug use disorders are treated with compassion.

INCB recommends the use of social media platforms to broaden the reach of drug use prevention campaigns, having explored the potential of the Internet and social media for prevention and awareness-raising in the thematic chapter of its 2024 Annual Report.

There is also a need to invest in comprehensive and connected knowledge networks addressing both supply and demand aspects, including on drug production, trafficking and misuse, in addition to prevention and treatment services. This is increasingly relevant in view of the expanding manufacture and use of highly potent synthetic drugs, including non-medical synthetic opioids, and their devastating consequences for public health.

The International Narcotics Control Board is committed to supporting Member States in safeguarding health and welfare through implementing the three international drug control conventions.

Every single person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health. With the evidence-based tools at hand, the political will of Governments and the support of the international community and civil society, the health and well-being of all can be a reality.

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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