For information only - not an official document

UNIS/NAR/1207
8 May 2014

Statement attributable to the UNODC Spokesperson on the publication of a report by the London School of Economics titled, "Ending the Drug Wars"

VIENNA, 8 May (UN Information Service) - The United Nations is pursuing peaceful solutions to the world drug problem founded on a balanced approach between demand and supply that embraces human rights, scientific evidence and the overriding principle of protecting people's health.

Such efforts are entirely in line with the International Drug Control Conventions, which were created to protect the health and welfare of people.

These principles were reiterated at the recent High-Level Review in March. At that meeting, Member States reached consensus on a Joint Ministerial Statement that stressed health, prevention and treatment in countering the world drug problem.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), therefore, takes note of the report of the LSE Expert Group on the Economics of Drug Policy titled, "Ending the Drug Wars" as part of the discussion on the future direction of international drug control, which is to be reviewed and agreed upon by Member States at a Special Session of the UN General Assembly in 2016.

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David Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43- 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43) 699-1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org