Resolution 69/201. International cooperation against the world drug problem (Omnibus Resolution)

Noting the need to promote adequate availability of internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes, in accordance with national legislation, while preventing their diversion, abuse and trafficking, in order to realize the aims of the three international drug control conventions,

14. Notes with concern that the availability of internationally controlled drugs for medical and scientific purposes, particularly for the relief of pain and for palliative care, remains low to non-existent in many countries of the world, and highlights the need for Member States, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the International Narcotics Control Board, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Health Organization, as appropriate, to address that situation by promoting measures to ensure their availability and accessibility for medical and scientific purposes, in accordance with national legislation, while simultaneously preventing their diversion, abuse and trafficking, in order to realize the aims of the three international drug control conventions and other relevant international instruments;

24. Recognizes: (a) That sustainable crop control strategies targeting the illicit cultivation of crops used for the production of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances require international cooperation based on the principle of shared responsibility and an integrated and balanced approach, taking into account the rule of law and, where International cooperation against the world drug problem appropriate, security concerns, with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of States and all human rights and fundamental freedoms; (…)

(d) That such crop control strategies should be in full conformity with article 14 of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 13 and appropriately coordinated and phased in accordance with national policies in order to achieve the sustainable eradication of illicit crops and the creation of alternative legal livelihood opportunities and facilitate long-term development, noting furthermore the need for Member States to undertake to increase long-term investment in such strategies, coordinated with other development measures, in order to contribute to the sustainability of social and economic development and poverty eradication in affected rural areas, taking due account of the traditional licit uses of crops where there is historical evidence of such use and giving due consideration to the protection of the environment;

(e) That developing countries with extensive expertise in alternative development, including preventive alternative development, as appropriate, play a significant role in promoting best practices and lessons learned from alternative development programmes, and invites them to continue to share those best practices with States affected by illicit crop cultivation, with a view to using them in accordance with the national specificities of each State;

43. Emphasizes the important role played by civil society, in particular non-governmental organizations, in addressing the world drug problem, notes with appreciation their important contribution to the review process, and notes that representatives of affected populations and civil society entities, where appropriate, should be enabled to play a participatory role in the formulation and implementation of drug demand and supply reduction policy;

44. Encourages Member States to ensure that civil society plays a participatory role, where appropriate, through consultation in the development and implementation of drug control programmes and policies, in particular with regard to aspects of demand reduction;