Convening of ministerial-level world meeting on drug problems approved by Assembly.

Convening of ministerial-level world meeting on drug problems approved by Assembly

The convening of a ministerial-level international conference on drug abuse and illicit trafficking, originally proposed by the Secretary-General in May 1985, was recommended by the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) after a wide-ranging discussion of world drug problems.

The General Assembly, on 13 December 1985, approved the Committee's recommendation in adopting resolution 40/122 without a vote.

The Conference, to be held in 1987 in Vienna, will be "an expression of the political will of nations to combat the drug menace", the Assembly stated.

The Conference would aim at generating universal action to combat the drug problem at national, regional and international levels and would formulate a comprehensive "multidisciplinary" outline for future activities focusing on concrete issues directly relevant to the problems of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The Secretary-General, in a note on the Conference (A/C. 3/40/8), stated that in view of the complexity of the problem and of the diversity of the agencies and organizations involved, a world-wide conference devoted to drug abuse control was "more likely to meet the range of current needs than would a number of meetings at different times in different places, limited in scope and focusing on specific aspects".

The Conference should serve to raise the level of world awareness of the danger of drug abuse, mobilize the full potential of the United Nations system, reinforce other intergovernmnetal non-governmental and regional initiatives, and encourage Governments to concert their efforts and to devote greater resources to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

He suggested the conference focus on six key areas: promotion of education and community participation in the prevention and reduction of the demand for illicit drugs; crop-substitution and other methods of reduction of supply; improved methods to limit the use of narcotics to medical and scientific purposes; forfeiture of illegally acquired proceeds and the extradition of persons arrested for drug-related crimes; strengthening of resources of law enforcement authorities; and treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

The Assembly asked the Economic and Social Council to designate the Commission on Narcotic Drugs as the preparatory body for the Conference. On 17 December, the Secretary-General appointed Tamar Oppenheiner as Secretary-General of the Conference. Mrs Oppenheimer has been Director of the Division of Narcotic Drugs and Deputy to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna since 1982.

The Third Committee recommended three other texts on drug issues, which were also approved by the Assembly on 13 December.

Those drafts, all approved without vote by the Assembly, dealt with preparation of a draft convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; the international campaign against traffic in drugs; and strategy and policies for drug control.

William B. Buffum, Under-Secretary-General for Political and General Assembly Affairs, speaking in his capacity as co-ordinator of the United Nations drug-related programmes, said that in the past there had been "insufficient awareness" of the gravity of the drug abuse situation, and that perception of the size of the problem had too often been obscured by differences over who was most culpable--producer, consumer, or transit States.

The situation had reached "a critical stage," he said. He hoped efforts to assign blame would no longer divert Members from dealing with the substance of the problem, which was to recognize that consumption, production and the illicit transportation of narcotic drugs were inextricably interrelated.

During debate, speakers noted the growing international threat posed by drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking. Support was expressed for holding the proposed conference and for drawing up a convention concerning illegal trafficking. Many countries described their individual efforts to cope with drug abuse and drug trafficking.

Some delegates felt that the producer, transit and demand countries alike were affected by the "growing scourage" of drug abuse. Others said that the producer and transit States were the most vulnerable, because they had to deal with the burdens of illicit production and trafficking as well as with growing usage, in addition to the social, economic, and political consequences involved in enforcement. Those countries, which for the most part were developing countries, found that their efforts at development were continuously undermined by factors largely beyond their control.

Also generally agreed was the need for a sustained, coherent and unified approach by nations. Most Nations could play a vital role, acting as a conduit for international efforts.

Future action: Under the text on the conference, the Assembly decided that future activities relating to drug issues should include: consideration of whether existing mechanisms relating to prevention and control of drug abuse should be improved or complemented by new mechanisms; intensification of efforts by governmental organizations to combat drug abuse, illicit trafficking and related criminal activities, and creation of "heightened" national and international awareness concerning the "pernicious" effects of the abuse of narcotic drugs.

Other activities would concern reinforcement of national legislation, bilateral treaties, regional arrangements and other international legal instruments; the eradication of sources of raw materials for illicit drugs; more effective control of the production, distribution and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with a view to limiting their use exclusively to medical and scientific purposes; and strengthening of the United Nations co-ordination of drug abuse control activities.

The Assembly strongly urged all States "to summon the utmost political will" to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking by generating increased political, cultural and social awareness. It also called on the United Nations and specialized agencies to give the "highest attention and priority possible" to international measures to combat illicit production, demand and trafficking.

Other action: By the text on the proposed draft convention on drugs (40/120), the Assembly asked the Economic and Social Council to instruct the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to decide on "those elements" which could be included in the Convention, to be the basis for the draft. A progress report, including "completed elements" of the draft, would be submitted to the Commission for consideration.

Finally, the Assembly urged all States that have not yet done so to adhere to and ratify the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 and its Amending Protocol of 1972, and the 1971 Convention on Pyschotropic Substances.

Under a text on the international campaign against drug traffic, called for in the 1981 International Drug Abuse Control Strategy (40/121), the Assembly reaffirmed that "maximum priority" be given to the fight against the illicit production of, demand for, and traffic in illicit drugs and related international criminal activities, such as the illegal arms trade and terrorist practices.

It recalled its previous decision to hold an interregional meeting of heads of national drug law enforcement agencies; that meeting was being organized in Vienna from 28 July to 4 August 1986, and would examine "in depth" the most important aspects of the problem, including preparation of the draft convention on the illicit traffic and preparations for the proposed world conference.

A report of the Secretary-General (A/40/778) concerns efforts regarding the establishment of co-ordinating machinery for law enforcement for drug trafficking offences. Also discussed were measures to alleviate the special problems of transit States. It noted that three seminars were to be organized by the United Nations Development Programme on replacement of opium poppy cultivation.

By a resolution on strategy and policies for drug control (40/129), the Assembly approved a programme of action for 1986, the fifth year of the United Nations programme of the International Drug Control Strategy.

Debate

Latin America and the Caribbean: In debate, Colombia said that during the past 18 months, more than 6,000 drug traffickers had been captured, and massive quantities of drugs and related trafficking equipment confiscated. The Government had set up an advisory committee to ensure that the population most at risk in Columbia was not endangered, and it had signed bilateral conventions against drug trafficking with Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Bolivia.

A possible link between drug traffickers and international terrorism had been indicated by the tragic attack of the "M-19" Group on Colombia's Palace of Justice, where extradition files were kept. Numerous efforts had been made to seek peace with subversive groups, including offers of amnesty to guerrillas. But the "M-19" Group had not responded to those efforts, and had allied itself with drug dealers, who supplied it with arms.

Bolivia said the coca leaf had been used "innocently since time immemorial" in the country, but now it was being sought for illegal use by people from industrialized countries. While it was attempting to deal with the problem, Bolivia was only one link in the chain. To uproot the ancestral custom of chewing the coca leaf did not seem possible.

The increase in coca production in Andean countries was directly linked to the scale of consumption in developed countries, which represented 90 per cent of the world market. Peasant communities must be provided with other means of making a living. Bolivia had undertaken measures in that regard and the Government was studying a wide-ranging draft law to control dangerous substances.

Ecuador had made progress in destroying drug crops in the eastern part of the country. It had also been active in destroying clandestine laboratories and in capturing drug traffickers. In March 1985, it had signed a technical co-operation agreement to suppres illicit drug trafficking. Efforts would now be concentrated on the destruction of drug crops, especially coca.

Domestically, Ecuador had signed an institutional convention for the suppression of drug use, focusing on preventing drug abuse by young people. In July 1985, the Government had adopted a national drug plan, encompassing drug control, prevention of drug use, and treatment and rehabilitation of drug users.

Peru said that in a two-month period, 21 airports involved in drug traffic had been destroyed in the Amazon region and $600 million worth of drugs had been destroyed. But the "relentless war" had just begun. Peruvian President Garcia had stated that ethics were part of daily life, and must be "enhanced" in order to end the drug trade.

The Bahamas was committed to strengthening the policing of its seaports and airports in order to curtail their use as trans-shipment points for illicit drugs. The country's co-operative ventures with the United States had netted large shipments of illicit narcotic drugs in 1985, and the combined communication assistance had strengthened the Bahamas' capacity to counteract drug smuggling by sea and air. But initiatives had been taken at the expense of the development of vital social and economic programmes. Between 1975 and 1985, the Bahamas had had to increase its expenditure on law enforcement efforts by 400 per cent, from $9.9 million to $41 million.

Asia and the Pacific: China said that as early as the 1950s, it had completely eradicated drug abuse and illicit traffic. The key to that accomplishment lay in the firm determination of the Government and in adopting effective measures. However, more recently, a small number of illicit traffickers, taking advantage of China's economic policy of opening up to the outside world, had brought drugs into the country and transhipped them to other countries. They had been apprehended and punished in accordance with national law.

Turkey said that since the resumption of poppy cultivation in 1974, a new system had been introduced which provided a control mechanism covering all phases of cultivation. Regrettably, however, a meaningful and lasting balance between the demand for, and the supply of, licit opiates had not yet been attained at the international levle. Excessive amounts of stock still existed in two traditional producer countries--Turkey and India--despite substantial reductions in cultivation areas in those countries.

Thailand had adopted a poppy control master plan which included eight integrated highland development projects in six provinces, involving some 44,000 hill tribe people in more than 200 villages. Those projects were expected to contribute to reduction of the poppy cultivation area to 1,860 hectares.

Suppressive measures taken by the Government included seizure of illicit drugs, arrests of major traffickers, interception of chemicals essential for heroin production, suppression of marijuana and establishment of a centre for drugs intelligence. To reduce demand, efforts were being made to prevent drug abuse and to reduce the number of drug dependent persons. Drug preventive education was provided in school curricula at all levels and consultative services were offered to drug users.

Sri Lanka said recent crackdowns on drug rings in Rome, Paris and Valetta revealed links to terrorist groups in the country. Illicit profits earned through drug trafficking were being pumped regularly to terrorist organizations engaged in subversive activities. The United Nations should further explore that link. Sir Lanka had taken firm legal measures to combat drug use. Campaigns were being conducted in schools and colleges through seminars and the media to alert the public to the dangers.

Malaysia said the drug problem threatened the stability, the security and "the very survival" of Governments and States. Affected countries had had to expend much-needed national resources to deal with the very well-organized traffickers. Malaysia had no compunctions about meting out "justifiable" punishment--a mandatory death sentence--to illicit drug traffickers.

Pakistan said opium production had been reduced from 800 metric tons in 1979 to 40 metric tons in 1985. Effective law enforcement and improved coordination had resulted in increased seizures of drugs, including 2,332 kilos of heroin, 850 kilos of opium, and 5,081 kilos of hashish. Some 27,309 people were arrested for drug trafficking in 1984.

Special steps had been taken in the tribal areas, and generous funds had been allocated by the Government to discourage opium cultivation. Vigilance had been augmented against illicit laboratories for conversion of opium and its transport within and outside the country. Penalties for drug trafficking had been strengthened.

Singapore said "vigorous measures" had been taken to prevent the country from being used as a transit point. That had forced drug traffickers to look for alternative routes to the European and American markets. At the same time, the Government had worked hard to reduce the consumption of drugs among its people by educating them about the tragic consequences.

India was one of a few countries producing opium for licit export. The country met a "substantial portion" of the world requirements of the drug for medical and scientific purposes. Opium in India was produced under "strictly controlled conditions", ensuring that the leakage for illicit purposes was minimal. The area under cultivation for opium had been progressively reduced in the country. The possibilities of providing alternative employment through substitute crops were severely limited for the large section of populations traditionally dependent on opium cultivation.

Indonesia said in South-East Asia the drug trade had become "so lucrative" that demand was always assured of a supply. If Governments were determined to eradicate that "scourage" from society, a compaign at the national level was "imperative".

In Indonesia, an intensive campaign had been launched to increase the awareness, especially of teenagers, of the hazardous effects of narcotics on their health. The Government viewed drug abuse as a priority problem due to the "numerous deaths" from drug overdoses and as one of the country's most dangerous security threats. Under national law, a mandatory death sentence or a sentence of life imprisonment was handed down to those found guilty of illicit drug trafficking.

Fiji said that because it was situated at the crossroads of the trans-Pacific communication network, it was unfortunately a natural transit point for narcotics en route to larger world markets. Traffickers were "using Fiji as a staging point" to avoid direct travel into Australia and other consumer States so as to avoid thorough scrutiny. The increasing through-traffic of drugs had heightened Fiji's fears that a drug cult might develop among its people, and particularly its youth, who comprised more than 50 per cent of the population. The sad reality was that transit States often became consumer States.

The group of small island nations forming the Oceanic region did not have the sophisticated means to detect, control and eradicate the trafficking of drugs. Consequently, international co-operation to fight the menace was vitally important to them.

New Zealand said it had reversed the trend towards increased use and trafficking of hard drugs. However, cultivation and distribution of cannabis was escalating, as had crimes and social problems related to drug trafficking. The rate of seizure of illicit drugs by enforcement agencies had improved in recent years through the use of various methods of detection, including the use of dogs, helicopters and electronic surveillance devices, comprehensive training courses for police and customs personnel and the encouragement of co-operation in the community.

The "excellent" co-operation received from countries of the region, particularly Malaysia, accounted in large part of success in reversing the trafficking of hard drugs in the country.

Western States: The United States said the problems of drug abuse and trafficking were not confined to one nation or region. That issue must be addressed not only as a social issue, but as a security issue. Crime and drugs went hand in hand and the tremendous profits of the drug trade were at the root of the issue. The most effective way to stop drug trafficking was to separate the drug trafficker from his wealth by seizing his assets and forfeting his possessions.

The myth that profits from the drug trade were benign must be destroyed. Profits were deposited in offshore financial institutions where they benefited only one group--the traffickers. Only through international co-operation could the narcotics threat be climinated.

Canada said estimates of the value of the illicit drug trade, at the retail level, had been put at more than $9 billion. With that kind of money at stake, the possibilities of corruption were "endless". So, too, were the possibilities of exploitation, particularly of the young.

The United Kingdom described various domestic effort to tackle drug trafficking, including formulation of legislation which, when it went into effect, would enable the courts to deprive drug traffickers of assets derived from their crimes. Possession of the proceeds of drug crimes would be made a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Law enforcement services would be given new powers to trace and freeze assets in the course of their investigations into drug trafficking and would enable the United Kingdom to enter into agreements with other countries to facilitate the tracing, seizing and confiscation of assets derived from drug trafficking.

Finland, on behalf of the five Nordic countries, said all States should provide citizens with medical drugs, but while doing so must campaign against drug abuse through law enforcement, education and all other means. Because the production and trading of drugs were international in character, States must contribute to bilateral, regional and international co-operation.

France reviewed the drug control efforts made in the country, including the recent adoption of 31 measures against drug abuse. Since 1982, France had started "prevention clubs", conceived to struggle against youth marginalization, and promote rehabilitation of drug users. Ninety-three treatment centers had been set up, along with 50 post-cure centres. Reforms in drug trafficking laws were being undertaken, with severe penalties for small drug dealers. A department to co-ordinate drug abuse control had been created.

Eastern Europe: Poland said that in recent years, primitively produced poppy straw extracts had been in use among young people. That problem surfaced in the 1960s and had become of concern. A new law clearly defined regulations on the control of manufacturing, storage and sale of medicines containing narcotic and psychotropic substances, as well as their import and export. Treatment and rehabilitation were provided free by health service centres and by social organizations.

The German Democratic Republic said drug abuse and all related questions were "unknown" in the country. The construction of the socialist society had created social conditions which did not provide any breeding ground for the existence of an illicit drug market and the abuse of narcotic drugs. Better international co-operation in combating drug abuse was called for.

The USSR said the main causes of illegal drug activity were directly linked to the activities of crime syndicates. However, producer countries could not be blamed, nor were consumer States "mere victims". Crime syndicates were "directly linked" to subsidiaries in the consumer countries where they obtained weapons and leadership. A determined battle must be waged by States against those crime syndicates, with severe punishment for the organizers.

States bore the responsibility for taking effective measures to halt the illegal drug trade. To prevent the spread of drug addiction in the Soviet Union, pharmaceutical production remained in the hands of the State.

Africa: Senegal said a national narcotic commission was created in the country in 1965. Though many laws had been adopted to punish drug traffickers, drug users were not penalized if they accepted rehabilitation. The police had been vigilant in arresting drug traffickers, seizing crops and destroying them. However, the drug problem was "too complicated" to solve domestically, and Senegal supported international efforts to combat it. The Government was pleased that an African regional meeting against drug abuse would be held in 1987.

Egypt said a law against drug abusers and traffickers had been enforced, co-operation with international efforts was ongoing, and emphasis had been placed on drug education programmers for youth. Rehabilitation programmers had been undertaken with a view to making former drug addicts productive members of society.