In preparation for this week’s ECOSOC Coordination and Management Meeting, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) launched the event to outline the progress of the drug control treaty compliance. Mr. Viroj Sumvai quoted the Special Session of the General Assembly (UNGASS) 2016 on world drug problem, reaffirming the control conventions as the cornerstone of the international drug control problem. He further indicated that INCB’s drug conventions now enjoy nearly universal adherence. However, he emphasised the need for achieving consensus by all member states to bring complete realisation of SDG#3.
Apart from drug control treaty compliance, the event also discussed the relationship between drug control and protection of human rights. In view of escalating humanitarian crises around the world, Mr. Viroj Sumvai urged the need for the international community to provide essential medicines, which include all psychotropic medication. He justified that successful and sustainable drug control action depended on consistencies with international human right standards.
Last but not least, the event glimpsed how drug control policies and programmes could achieve SDGs. Ms. Marie Chatardová echoed the findings of High Level Political Forum 2018 (HLPF 2018) that the progress of SDG#3 has been closely measured across countries. Measurement indicators under SDG#3 include drug access, drug treatment and drug rehabilitation. In addition to SDG#3, H.E. Alicia Buenrostro Massieu stated that more than half of the SDGs are achieved in line with drug control. For example, drug control could promote resilient cities from drug trafficking and thus achieve SDG#11. Monitoring illicit drug trafficking across borders could foster global partnership for sustainable development and thus achieve SDG#17.
International Narcotics Control Board Side Event: Drug Control Treaty Compliance, Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Monday 2nd July 2018; 13:15-14:30; Conference Room 7, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY
Drugs, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
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