A/RES/59/163
Recognizing the efforts of all countries, in particular those that produce narcotic
drugs for scientific and medical purposes, and of the International Narcotics Control
Board in preventing the diversion of such substances to illicit markets and in
maintaining production at a level consistent with licit demand, in line with the Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 7 and the Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971, 8
Aware that progress has been uneven in meeting the goals set in the Political
Declaration, as also reflected in the biennial reports of the Executive Director of the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 9 and recognizing that the drug problem is
still a global challenge that constitutes a serious threat to public health and safety and
the well-being of humankind, in particular children and young people, and that it
undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development,
including efforts to reduce poverty, and causes violence and crime, including in urban
areas,
Concerned by the increase in the abuse of illicit drugs among children, including
adolescents, and young people,
Concerned also by the challenges posed by links between the spread of
HIV/AIDS and injecting drug use,
Concerned further by the serious challenges and threats posed by the continuing
links between illicit drug trafficking and terrorism and other national and transnational
criminal activities, such as trafficking in human beings, especially women and
children, money-laundering, corruption, trafficking in arms and trafficking in chemical
precursors, and reaffirming that strong and effective international cooperation is
needed to counter these threats,
Concerned about policies and activities in favour of the legalization of illicit
narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances that are not in accordance with the
international drug control treaties and that might jeopardize the international drug
control regime,
Concerned also by the increase in the diversion of chemical precursors used in
the illicit manufacture of drugs,
Acknowledging that international cooperation in countering drug abuse and illicit
production and trafficking has shown that positive results can be achieved through
sustained and collective efforts, and expressing its appreciation for the initiatives in
this regard,
I
Respect for the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations
and international law in countering the world drug problem
1.
Reaffirms that countering the world drug problem is a common and shared
responsibility that must be addressed in a multilateral setting, requires an integrated
and balanced approach, and must be carried out in full conformity with the purposes
and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, and in
particular with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, the
_______________
7
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 520, No. 7515.
Ibid., vol. 1019, No. 14956.
9
E/CN.7/2001/2 and Add.1–3, E/CN.7/2001/16 and E/CN.7/2003/2 and Add.1–6.
8
2