For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1400
10 February 2020
International Narcotics Control Board concludes 127th session in Vienna
VIENNA, 10 February (United Nations Information Service) - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has concluded its 127th session in Vienna held from 3 to 7 February 2020.
INCB continued to monitor developments related to the implementation by States of their international legal obligations pursuant to the three international drug control conventions during this session, in line with its mandate as a treaty-monitoring body.
On 5 February 2020, the Board held a briefing for Member States to discuss its work and to preview the 2019 INCB Annual Report as well the Board's Precursors Report, which will be launched worldwide on 27 February 2020.
In his remarks, INCB President Cornelis de Joncheere, recalled the quasi-judicial nature of the Board, its technical and administrative independence and impartiality, which are indispensable in allowing the Board to operate and in promoting the effective implementation of the international drug control conventions. He also stressed the important operational tasks and responsibilities that the Board has under the 1988 Convention.
The INCB President also emphasised the importance for the Board and its close cooperation and dialogue with governments. "Cooperation with the governments of State Parties is essential to ensuring, not only treaty compliance, but also in safeguarding health and welfare of humanity and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages".
The Board met with the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to discuss preparations for the sixty-third session of the Commission in March 2020, in which the President of the Board will formally present its reports to Member States. During the Commission, INCB will also table its recommendation to place methyl alpha-phenylacetoacetate (MAPA), a pre-precursor used in the illicit manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine, under international control pursuant to the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988. Noting that "alternatives to controlled precursors continue to emerge around the world and pose challenges to the international precursor control system", the President reiterated the Board's call to Member States to participate in a policy dialogue during the upcoming session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on addressing non-scheduled chemicals, especially designer precursors, at the global level.
The Board considered the findings of its missions to Madagascar, Mauritania, New Zealand and Trinidad and Tobago to whose governments the Board will be transmitting its recommendations. In this context, the INCB President recognized the key role country missions played in furthering dialogue and understanding of the drug control situation at the national level.
INCB welcomed the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Ghada Waly, and the President stressed that: "My colleagues in the Board and I are looking forward to working closely together with you in furthering the implementation of the three international drug control conventions and assisting governments to that end."
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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.
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For further information, please contact:
INCB Secretariat
Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-4163
Email: incb.secretariat[at]un.org
www.incb.org