UNIS/NAR/1493
7 February 2025
VIENNA, 7 February (UN Information Service) - During its 142nd session, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) focused on ensuring the functioning of the international drug control system and efforts to ensure the availability of controlled medicines and to prevent illicit drug manufacture, diversion and misuse.
The Board reviewed the work carried out under its global programmes to support Member States in improving the implementation of the drug control treaties to safeguard public health and welfare.
In particular, the Board reviewed the training activity and awareness raising workshop for Horn of Africa countries held in Nairobi from 27 to 31 January aimed at improving the availability of controlled substances for medical, scientific and industrial purposes.
The Board also reviewed work conducted under its precursors control and the Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) programmes, with a particular focus on illicit synthetic drugs markets and the grave threat posed to public health globally. This issue is addressed in detail by the Board in a thematic chapter of its 2024 annual report, “Scenarios and possible responses to the rapid expansion of synthetic drug manufacture, marketing and consumption”.
INCB’s 2024 Annual Report and Precursors Report will be launched globally on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at 11 a.m.(CET).
The INCB 142nd session took place from 3 to 7 February 2025.
***
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
"The theme of this year’s World Water Day reminds us of a cold, hard truth: glacier preservation is essential for security, prosperity, and justice." — António Guterres
"The poison of racism continues to infect our world – a toxic legacy of historic enslavement, colonialism and discrimination. It corrupts communities, blocks opportunities, and ruins lives, eroding the very foundations of dignity, equality and justice." — António Guterres
The members of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine will hold a hybrid press conference in Geneva to launch its comprehensive report to the Human Rights Council at the end of its third mandate.
"On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to uphold equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony." — António Guterres