66th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) agenda Item 5: Implementation of the international drug control treaties
2024/12/13
Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
(Introduction)
The fight against illicit drug problems is an important endeavor that contributes to maintaining public safety, preventing health hazards, and combating criminal organizations. Japan would like to express its sincere appreciation for the efforts made by the UNODC and INCB in this regard.
Over the past few days, we have heard a variety of views on the preparations for the 2024 midterm review. Today we will add our voice to the conversation by highlighting some key issues of our interest.
(New threats to supply reduction measures)
We begin by addressing the emergence of two new challenges to our supply reduction efforts starting with the expansion of synthetic drug production.
(Expansion of synthetic drug production)
Compared to traditional plant-based illicit drugs, synthetic drugs can be manufactured cheaply, easily, in large quantities, and irrelevant to the place or seasons for cultivation. Unsurprisingly, clandestine laboratories have been discovered in various regions of the world.
To address these emerging threats, it is essential to increase technical assistance and strengthen law enforcement capacity in these areas.
(Increasing sophistication of drug trafficking)
Second, we must address the increasing sophistication of their illicit production and trafficking. Law enforcement agencies have been confronted with sophisticated and anonymized trafficking of illicit drugs through social networking sites, encrypted messaging, and the use of cryptocurrencies.
To combat these problems, it is imperative that Member States actively share best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, the use of innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be crucial to address the human resource constraints in many of our countries.
Cooperation and capacity building at the regional and international levels are also essential given the transnational nature of the illicit drug trade.
(Challenges on demand reduction measures)
On the demand side, challenges persist in ensuring access to prevention and treatment services for many people around the world.
Here we would like to emphasize the importance of drug prevention efforts aimed at children and youth as they are easily influenced by their environment and friends. It is also well known that effective drug prevention efforts contribute to the healthy development of children.
In this regard, we warmly welcome UNODC’s recent launch of a new global program called CHAMPS (Children AMplified Prevention Services), which focuses on the social and emotional learning of all children, including those who are hard to reach.
Mr. Chair,
Japan will continue to work closely with UNODC and INCB to comprehensively address the world drug problem. Japan also looks forward to making meaningful contributions to the upcoming 2024 midterm review.
I thank you.
(Introduction)
The fight against illicit drug problems is an important endeavor that contributes to maintaining public safety, preventing health hazards, and combating criminal organizations. Japan would like to express its sincere appreciation for the efforts made by the UNODC and INCB in this regard.
Over the past few days, we have heard a variety of views on the preparations for the 2024 midterm review. Today we will add our voice to the conversation by highlighting some key issues of our interest.
(New threats to supply reduction measures)
We begin by addressing the emergence of two new challenges to our supply reduction efforts starting with the expansion of synthetic drug production.
(Expansion of synthetic drug production)
Compared to traditional plant-based illicit drugs, synthetic drugs can be manufactured cheaply, easily, in large quantities, and irrelevant to the place or seasons for cultivation. Unsurprisingly, clandestine laboratories have been discovered in various regions of the world.
To address these emerging threats, it is essential to increase technical assistance and strengthen law enforcement capacity in these areas.
(Increasing sophistication of drug trafficking)
Second, we must address the increasing sophistication of their illicit production and trafficking. Law enforcement agencies have been confronted with sophisticated and anonymized trafficking of illicit drugs through social networking sites, encrypted messaging, and the use of cryptocurrencies.
To combat these problems, it is imperative that Member States actively share best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, the use of innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be crucial to address the human resource constraints in many of our countries.
Cooperation and capacity building at the regional and international levels are also essential given the transnational nature of the illicit drug trade.
(Challenges on demand reduction measures)
On the demand side, challenges persist in ensuring access to prevention and treatment services for many people around the world.
Here we would like to emphasize the importance of drug prevention efforts aimed at children and youth as they are easily influenced by their environment and friends. It is also well known that effective drug prevention efforts contribute to the healthy development of children.
In this regard, we warmly welcome UNODC’s recent launch of a new global program called CHAMPS (Children AMplified Prevention Services), which focuses on the social and emotional learning of all children, including those who are hard to reach.
Mr. Chair,
Japan will continue to work closely with UNODC and INCB to comprehensively address the world drug problem. Japan also looks forward to making meaningful contributions to the upcoming 2024 midterm review.
I thank you.