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Statement by the Permanent Representative of Singapore Ambassador Umej Bhatia at the Intersessional Panel Discussion on Human Rights Challenges in Addressing and Countering All Aspects of the World Drug Problem, 5 February 2024
5 February 2024
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NATIONAL STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE FOR THE INTERSESSIONAL PANEL DISCUSSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGES IN ADDRESSING AND COUNTERING ALL ASPECTS OF THE WORLD DRUG PROBLEM, 5 FEBRUARY 2024
Mr President,
My delegation earlier delivered a Joint Statement co-sponsored by 39 states, clearly demonstrating that there are different perspectives on drug control policies.
We are disappointed at the glaring lack of balance in the OHCHR’s report and today’s discussion. Apart from undermining the integrity of the international drug control system anchored by the three Conventions, the OHCHR’s report ignores the immense damage and impact that illicit drugs have on societies, affecting the rights of many.
The deliberate oversimplification and narrowing of the scope of the world drug problem as primarily a health and human rights issue ignores its criminal justice dimensions. Such framing deepens polarisation on this issue and undermines the search for comprehensive solutions. It neither reflects the diverse contexts of the world drug problem requiring tailored responses from States, nor acknowledges positive examples that appear tough but are thoroughly grounded in evidence-based approaches improving the situation.
Singapore’s position is clear: drug-related issues are best addressed by specialised organs with relevant expertise, like the CND, INCB and UNODC. We reject the recommendations of this one-sided report, which have been unilaterally developed, shaped by an opaque and exclusive mini-stakeholder group of states, civil society and the OHCHR known as the Brandenburg Forum.
We would remind the OHCHR and delegations that the resolution mandating this report and discussion called for full respect for States’ sovereignty and the principle of non-intervention in States’ internal affairs.