UNIS/NAR/1480
12 February 2024
VIENNA, 9 February (UN Information Service) – During the 139th session, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) continued its work to ensure the functioning of the international drug control system, focusing on the availability of controlled medicines and the prevention of drug diversion and misuse, as well as INCB’s contributions to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs’ (CND) mid-term review to take place in March 2024. INCB works closely with Member States’ Governments to support the implementation of drug control treaties and the promotion of health and welfare.
The Board was also joined on 8 February by the Chair of CND, Ambassador Johnson of Ghana, who briefed the Board on CND’s work, including the preparations for the 2024 CND mid-term review. The Board discussed the upcoming review in the context of cooperation in implementing the drug control treaties, particularly for the promotion of health and welfare.
The Board reviewed its efforts to build the capacity of national authorities to improve the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, delivered through the INCB Learning programme. It also considered the work of its precursors control and GRIDS programmes to support Member States in preventing the illicit manufacture of drugs and trafficking in precursors, new psychoactive substances and non-medical synthetic opioids.
INCB’s 2023 Annual Report and Precursors Report will be launched globally on 5 March 2024. This year the Report has a special focus on the role of the Internet, including social media, in drug trafficking and use.
***
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.
* *** *
For further information, please contact:
INCB Secretariat
Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-4163
Email: incb.secretariat[at]un.org
www.incb.org
We must transform how we produce and consume, and how we value nature, says the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, "Biodiversity is the bedrock of life and a cornerstone of sustainable development.... Biodiversity loss is a global challenge. No one country, however rich or powerful, can address it alone. Nor can they live without the rich biodiversity that defines our planet."
"On Africa Day, we celebrate a continent rich in heritage, vibrant in diversity and remarkable in its contributions to our global community." — António Guterres
The growing demand for minerals is amplifying the risks of crime, corruption and instability in the mineral supply chain, says a new study from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released today.
LGBTIQ+ people around the world face an onslaught of hate speech, attacks, and restrictions on their rights. The power of communities is the theme this year which reminds us that we are strongest together. "LGBTIQ+ people, and those working with them to secure their rights, have proved time and again the value of communities in providing support and driving change," says UN Secretary-General António Guterres
