For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1472
22 May 2023
The International Narcotics Control Board concludes
137th session
VIENNA, 22 May (UN Information Service) - During its 137th session, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) monitored countries' implementation of the three international drug control conventions and reviewed the functioning of the international drug control system for the licit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. INCB's work supports Member States in achieving the health and welfare objectives of the drug control conventions and making progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 3 on health and well-being and SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
The Board reviewed the drug control and related humanitarian situations in a number of countries and reiterated the importance of ensuring the availability of and access to internationally controlled substances for medical purposes, including during emergency situations.
The Board considered the role of the Internet and social media and consequences for drug trafficking and use, which will be the focus of a thematic chapter of the INCB 2023 Annual Report, to be released in early 2024. The Board held a dialogue with civil society on the topic, hearing the views of eight civil society representatives from a variety of fields around the world.
The Board held consultations with a number of partner organizations, including: the President of the Economic and Social Council, the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and representatives of the World Health Organization and the World Customs Organization.
The Board also reviewed its operational activities under the precursors control and Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) programmes to support Member States in preventing the diversion and trafficking of precursor chemicals and dangerous non-medical synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances. INCB continues to offer training and awareness-raising activities through the GRIDS and INCB Learning programmes to support Member States in implementing the three drug control conventions and resolutions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
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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