INCB President participates in CND special event on the occasion of the international Day against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking

Vienna, 26 June 2020 - The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) held a special event today on the occasion of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Following a commemoration of the signing of the United Nations Charter seventy-five years ago, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) President, Mr. Cornelis P. de Joncheere, addressed the event on the launch of the 2020 World Drug Report, and on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world drug situation.

 

Mr. de Joncheere extended his congratulations to UNODC on the launch of the 2020 World Drug Report, recognizing its value to better understanding of the world drug situation. INCB had contributed to the section on access to controlled medicines for pain management by sharing its data with UNODC, and the INCB President welcomed the broader attention being given to this critical issue. The data reported by States to INCB clearly show that disparities remain, with consumption of pharmaceutical opioids in low- and middle-income countries representing less than 10 per cent of global consumption. Over the past years, INCB has made a series of recommendations in its special reports aimed at improving availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, and the INCB Learning project is building the capacity of governments to this end. The President emphasized the effects of drug abuse on young people and urged governments to implement the recommendations made in this regard in the thematic chapter of the 2019 Annual Report.

Mr. de Joncheere also participated in a discussion on the impact of COVID-19 and the support being provided by INCB to governments and competent national authorities. The Board remains in contact with national authorities and is closely following the developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and any possible impact on the international supply chain for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Board has also reminded Governments that in acute emergencies, and where competent national authorities are not able to operate as normal, it is possible to utilize simplified control procedures for the export, transportation and provision of medicinal products containing controlled substances.

INCB is providing support through its various tools including INCB Learning, the International Import and Export Authorization System (I2ES), the Pre-Export Notification System (PEN Online) and Precursors Incident Communication System (PICS), as well as through the Project Ion Incident Communication System (IONICS), the OPIOIDS Project and INCB's Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme. Mr. de Joncheere referred to the importance of the ongoing cooperation and support of Governments and active participation in INCB initiatives, including during times of pandemics.

The INCB President reiterated the Board's commitment to continue working with States Parties, the Commission, and key partners, including UNODC and WHO, towards full implementation of the international drug control treaties.

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