Resolution 58/4. Promoting the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development

Reaffirming that development-oriented drug policies and programmes should be undertaken in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights22 and, in particular, with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of States, all human rights, fundamental freedoms, the inherent dignity of all individuals and the principles of equal rights and mutual respect among States, as well as the principle of common and shared responsibility and the Millennium Development Goals,23 and taking into account the specific situations of communities, countries and regions,

Reaffirming that alternative development, which includes, as appropriate, preventive alternative development strategies and programmes, should be formulated and implemented by taking into account the vulnerability and specific needs of the communities and groups affected by the illicit cultivation of crops used for drug production and manufacture, within the broader framework of national policies,

Noting with concern that overall financial support for alternative development projects and programmes, including preventive alternative development, as appropriate, has only accounted for a minor share of official development assistance and has only reached a minor percentage of communities and households involved in illicit drug crop cultivation on a global level,

Recognizing the significant role played by countries with extensive expertise in alternative development, including preventive alternative development, as appropriate, in promoting best practices and lessons learned from such programmes, and inviting them to continue sharing those best practices and lessons learned with States affected by illicit crop cultivation, as well as with other interested Member States, including States emerging from conflict, with a view to using them, as appropriate, in accordance with the national specificities of each State,

2. Calls upon Member States and other donors to consider long-term support for alternative development programmes and projects, including, as appropriate, preventive alternative development programmes and projects, targeting the illicit cultivation of crops and addressing related factors, in order to contribute to the sustainability of social and economic development, to poverty eradication and to strengthening the rule of law, including through enhanced development-oriented approaches that implement measures for rural development, strengthen local governments and institutions, improve infrastructure and promote the participation of local communities, while also taking into account the special need for employment opportunities for women and girls;

4. Encourages relevant international financial institutions, United Nations organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to increase their rural development support for regions and populations affected by the illicit cultivation of drug crops through long-term and flexible funding, and encourages affected States, to the extent possible, to remain strongly committed to financing alternative development programmes, including preventive alternative development, as appropriate;

5. Encourages Member States with extensive expertise in alternative development, including preventive alternative development, as appropriate, to continue sharing, upon request, best practices and to continue fostering and strengthening international cooperation on integral and sustainable alternative development, which in some cases includes preventive alternative development, including cross-continental and interregional cooperation and subregional and regional technical cooperation;

6. Notes that implementing the Guiding Principles will require a long-term commitment by Member States, dialogue and cooperation among relevant stakeholders, ranging from local communities and authorities to policymakers at the national and regional levels, and close collaboration among the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, other international organizations, regional organizations, development agencies, donors and financial institutions, as well as civil society, in order to share information and best practices and increase efforts to promote sustainable alternative development, in accordance with the Guiding Principles;

8. Invites Member States, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, international financial institutions, donors, regional and international organizations, civil society and other relevant stakeholders involved in alternative development, including preventive alternative development, to consider actively participating in the international seminar/workshop;