UN Drug control system

Weaknesses in the UN drug control system have often been identified, related to the functioning of the key organs UNODC, INCB, and the CND; related to collaboration with the wider UN system (WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, etc.) and related to the outdated character of several treaty provisions. What has been attempted to date to achieve more structural reform? Are existing evaluation mechanisms capable of bringing the need for reform to the table? How could a neutral and evidence-based role of UNODC as a centre of expertise be strengthened? How can these issues be related to the UN call for more ‘system-wide coherence’ and ‘delivery as one’?

Background of UNGASS 1998

November 2005

TNI

The United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS) was held in New York on June 8-10, 1998. It was a disappointing event. No evaluation of current repressive
drug policies took place whatsoever. It was devoted to, as a New York Times editorial phrased it, "recycling unrealistic pledges".

Press reports: UN Drug Control

November 2005

TNI

Press coverage on UN Drug Control

Web resources on drugs

November 2005

Drugs and Democracy

Here you will find a collection of links and relevant documents on
international drug control, mostly on supply side issues. The page is
divided in several themes:

UNDCP overview

November 2005

TNI

Over the years, the UNDCP has actively promoted a repressive drug control policy following the guidelines set by the UN Drug Conventions and the predominant prohibitionist views of most member states.

Mid-term review of UNGASS 2003

November 2005

TNI

The UNGASS mid-term review in April 2003 will present Mr Costa with a high-level political opportunity to convince the world of his commitment to take UNDCP in a more rational direction, to say farewell to the years of crisis, to restore donor confidence and to open up the debate.

The United Nations and Harm Reduction Overview and Links

November 2005

TNI

TNI and official links on UN and Harm Reduction

Conflicting view on Harm Reduction in UN become major concern

November 2005

TNI

Tensions in US-UNODC relations should be resolved by more sustainable funding mechanisms, not by bowing to Republican flat-earthism. It is time to be guided by the light of science, not by the darkness of ignorance and fear.