A/RES/58/141 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, Deeply concerned 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 and trafficking in arms and chemical precursors, and reaffirming that strong and effective international cooperation is needed to counter these threats, Gravely 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, 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, Welcoming the holding of the ministerial segment of the forty-sixth session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna on 16 and 17 April 2003, 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 principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of States and all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and on the basis of the principles of equal rights and mutual respect; _______________ 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