Annual OSCE-wide Anti-Drug Conference in Vienna explores how to support States in implementing UNGASS 2016 outcome document
VIENNA, 13 October 2016 – Some 200 representatives of OSCE participating States, government authorities, experts from drug-related agencies, as well as international, regional and civil society organizations and the private sector are meeting today and tomorrow in Vienna to discuss how to implement the outcome document of the UN General Assembly Special Session on the world drug problem (UNGASS 2016), which was agreed in New York in April.
The conference is jointly organized by the German 2016 OSCE Chairmanship and the Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and aims to develop practical proposals on the OSCE assistance to participating States in implementing the UNGASS 2016 outcome document.
“2016 has been a good year for an improved international drug policy,” said Marlene Mortler, Drug Commissioner of the German Federal Government, in her opening address. “The UNGASS outcome document that we adopted at the UN Special Assembly in New York in April – just like the Political Declaration of 2009 – represents a milestone in international drug policy. Let us continue this process and set the course for a new political framework concerning international drug policy in 2019 and finally take a step towards a humane, effective and people-centered solution.”
Yury Fedotov, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said: “The UNGASS 2016 outcome document emphasizes that the world drug problem is closely interlinked with development challenges, and promotes alternative development, in line with the 2030 Agenda, that is sustainable and truly responds to the needs of communities.” He added that in order to tackle the threat of illicit drugs, “we also need strengthened regional co-operation, and I am glad to count on the OSCE as a partner in these efforts.”
OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier emphasized the importance of the topic by reminding the audience that “the world drug problem continues to have a detrimental impact on economic, social, political and environmental aspects of development. Countering the transnational threat of illicit drugs is our common and shared responsibility and should be at the forefront of our efforts at the international level.”
During the conference participants will explore ways to strengthen information sharing on effective prevention and countering illicit trafficking in drugs and their precursors; to consider more efficient mechanisms to tackle drug-related crime; to address prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration based on scientific evidence and public health considerations; and to discuss cross-cutting issues related to the respect for human rights in designing and implementing balanced drug control policies.