Joint Statement by Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Chen at the General Debate on Item 3 during the 55th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, 15 March 2024

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ITEM 3 GENERAL DEBATE JOINT STATEMENT ON HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGES IN ADDRESSING AND COUNTERING ALL ASPECTS OF THE WORLD DRUG PROBLEM, 15 MARCH 2024

On behalf of

A cross regional group of countries including Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, Eritrea, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran - Islamic Republic of, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania , Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Zimbabwe

Mr President,

The 40 states I deliver this statement on behalf of believe that a comprehensive and balanced approach is crucial to tackle the world drug problem.

We are deeply alarmed over recent developments which represent a global crisis. Efforts to decriminalize “recreational” drug use in some countries, disregard their harmful consequences for the health of individuals and the welfare of societies. Attempts to focus solely on the human rights of drug abusers oversimplify the world drug problem, ignoring criminal justice dimensions and the immense damage that drug abuse has on economies, societies and the environment.

It is hence very concerning to see concerted attempts at establishing a parallel track of political pressure in Geneva to advance this narrow and unbalanced perspective. That such attempts are being pushed through a “mini-stakeholder” approach is equally concerning. This is damaging to multilateralism as it ignores the principles of inclusivity and non-selectivity.

We are referring to the efforts of the Brandenburg process and others who have pushed to decriminalisation of drugs for recreational purposes.

We want to be very clear: this is dangerous and irresponsible.

Such unbalanced framing, deliberately timed ahead of the CND mid-term review, is extremely unhelpful. It deepens polarisation on a complex issue, and undermines the search for comprehensive solutions. It also detracts from the sound technical work being undertaken in Vienna, and unduly prejudices the longstanding impartial, objective, and evidence-based work of the UNODC, INCB and CND.

We urge all stakeholders to be more balanced and responsible in how they engage on this issue. We also urge Member States to set ambitious goals and not to limit their efforts to harm reduction. There needs to be concerted international action to tackle the root causes of the world drug problem, including tailored responses to address its diverse context.

We reaffirm our determination to counter the world drug problem and to actively promote a society free of drug abuse to ensure that all people can live in security, peace, health, dignity, and prosperity.

Thank you.