Strategic and innovative approaches to reducing supply and demand of illicit drugs focus of 2018 OSCE-wide anti-drugs conference in Vienna

VIENNA, 16 July 2018 – The effectiveness of current drug control policies and strategic and innovative approaches to reducing the supply and demand of illicit drugs are the focus of the two-day OSCE-wide anti-drugs conference that opened in Vienna today.  The conference brings together some 130 representatives of OSCE participating States and OSCE Partners for Co-operation.

Organized by the Italian OSCE Chairmanship and the Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, the event will see representatives of government authorities and experts from drugs-related agencies as well as international, regional and civil society organizations and the private sector develop practical proposals on how the OSCE can enhance its assistance to participating States and Partners for Co-operation in tackling the world drug problem.

“While focusing on both supply and demand reduction of illicit drugs, prevention remains the most important step in combating the world drug problem,” said Permanent Representative of Italy to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council Alessandro Azzoni. “We should never forget the human dimension of the drug problem, namely, the men, women and children negatively affected in many ways by drug use and addiction. Devastating health and social consequences should be always at the forefront of our minds as a reminder that this is not just a theoretical debate.”

“It is not possible to win the fight against drugs on our own. International co-operation is the crucial pillar in the fight against illicit trafficking,” he said. “We need to give priority to the exchange of information and distribution of data related to new trends and development in the area of drug trafficking, specifically in those areas where we face more problems.”

During the conference, participants will discuss the benefits of complementary and mutually reinforcing programmes for reducing supply and demand of illicit drugs; explore the links between drug control policies, security and human development; discuss a way ahead, particularly for prevention efforts, such as early intervention and education initiatives; and consider existing gaps of the current international drug control system.

This event is taking place amid growing calls from experts who recommend that the international community should find – when possible – entry points for designing and implementing effective and long-term drug policy reforms, investing both in law enforcement and treatment measures.

“The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime works with partners to support them in tackling the world drug problem  through balanced, health-centered and human rights-based approaches in line with the international drug control conventions and other international commitments, including those of the UNGASS 2016 outcome document, the UNODC 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action, and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director. “The OSCE is an important regional partner for UNODC in promoting co-operative, co-ordinated and balanced action to address the world drug problem.”

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger said: “With its comprehensive toolbox and extensive expertise, the OSCE provides tailored anti-drug support to our participating States. We draw on our comparative advantages including our comprehensive approach to security, our specialized units and our network of 16 field operations. We focus on capacity-building and training, as well as legislative support. We reach out to law enforcement agencies and civil society, and put special emphasis on prevention.”