Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. For more information on how to protect yourself against scams, please visit the ScamShield website (opens in new tab).

Geneva UN
Articles

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

This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.

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.