Statement by Jallal Toufiq, President
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
United Nations Economic and Social Council
Management Segment,
Item 19 (d): Narcotic drugs
Report of the International Narcotics Control Board
New York, 7 June 2023
New York, 7 June 2023 - Madam Vice-President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honour to present the annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 2022 [1]
At the outset, and on behalf of the Members of the Board, I would like to thank the Council for the trust placed in us to support Member States in implementing the three drug control conventions and safeguarding health and welfare, the ultimate aim of the conventions. As a medical doctor and psychiatrist having dedicated my life to helping patients overcome substance use and substance use disorders, I have seen first-hand how translating the provisions of the conventions into practice can improve the wellbeing of so many people, their families, relatives and the broader community.
The thematic chapter of the annual report analyses the trend, in a limited number of countries, to legalize the use of cannabis for non-medical purposes. Legalization of cannabis for non-medical purposes is contrary to the drug control conventions, which require that States limit the use of internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to medical and scientific purposes. Cannabis legalization for non-medical purposes is reducing perceptions of harm associated with cannabis use, especially in youth. This represents a serious threat to public health, cannabis being classified under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs as highly addictive and liable to negative health consequences. Furthermore, the high potency of cannabis products, such as concentrates and edibles, also seriously threatens the health of young people, as these products are often packaged in ways that appeal to children.
Proponents of cannabis legalization often present legalization as a solution to overincarceration or trafficking and related violence. However, the conventions provide sufficient flexibility to address drug-related offences through alternatives to incarceration, in line with the principle of proportionality, and the provisions of the conventions should be implemented in accordance with internationally agreed human rights standards. INCB remains committed to ongoing dialogue with the States concerned with the aim of improving implementation of the conventions and safeguarding health and wellbeing.
The report also shows how a surge in illicit coca bush cultivation and cocaine production and trafficking has led to increased availability and use of cocaine of higher purity. INCB is working with Member States to prevent trafficking of chemicals used in illicit manufacture of cocaine and other drugs, and to identify solutions to the rapid diversification of chemicals used in illicit drug manufacture.
The Board remains deeply concerned about illicit opium poppy cultivation and opium production, as well as the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine, in Afghanistan. INCB calls upon the international community to continue to support drug control efforts in the country to promote public health, including for women.
The opioid overdose crisis leading to significant loss of life in North America has continued to worsen, and has become one of the major issues on the INCB agenda. Trafficking in fentanyl and other dangerous non-medical synthetic opioids is expanding to other regions, as seen in Oceania. Under the GRIDS Programme, which has regional technical officers located in Africa, Asia and the Americas, INCB is supporting Governments in disrupting trafficking in these and other highly potent substances and preventing further loss of life.
Many countries lack mechanisms for the collection of data on drug use and treatment demand, which hinders efforts to develop evidence-based prevention and treatment programmes. INCB urges governments to develop national systems to this end and encourages bilateral assistance in this area, especially in Africa.
In the supplement [2] to the 2022 Annual Report, INCB is highlighting persistent inequities in the availability of internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes. These substances are essential for anaesthesia, palliative care, pain management and for the treatment of mental health and neurological conditions and opioid use disorder. Yet most of the world population still has limited or no access to controlled medicines, and patients are being left behind. Conversely, in some countries, excessive availability and over-prescription have contributed to an epidemic of drug use disorder and overdose. Data reported to INCB by Member States and civil society shows that some progress has been made but much more needs to be done. INCB's recommendations are aimed at improving affordability, accuracy of national estimates of licit requirements, training and awareness raising among health professionals, and legislative, regulatory and administrative changes. The INCB Learning programme is building the capacity of national authorities in these areas.
Ensuring availability of controlled medicines is particularly challenged during humanitarian emergencies. INCB reminds governments of the possibility of utilising simplified procedures to expedite the international trade and provision of controlled medicines during emergencies and crises.
In closing, INCB commits to continuing cooperation with Member States to improve implementation of the drug control conventions and progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on health and wellbeing and SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. Only together can we ensure that no person is left behind.
Thank you.
[1] E/INCB/2022/1, available in the six United Nations languages: https://www.incb.org/incb/en/publications/annual-reports/annual-report.html
[2] No Patient Left Behind: Progress in Ensuring Adequate Access to Internationally Controlled Substances for Medical and Scientific Purposes (E/INCB/2022/1/Supp.1) https://www.incb.org/incb/en/publications/annual-reports/annual-report.html
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For further information, please contact:
INCB secretariat
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incb.secretariat[at]un.org
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