68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) Thematic Discussions session 1: Prevention as a Core Element of the Public Health Response to Drug Use
2025/10/2
Madam Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
Drug control is an urgent global challenge. It not only erodes the fabric of individual societies but poses a serious threat to international peace and prosperity. Recognizing this, Japan has consistently prioritized comprehensive drug measures and worked in close partnership with the UNODC.
From this standpoint, we believe it is the shared responsibility of all Member States to implement robust domestic responses—not merely as acts of self-protection, but as essential contributions to building a healthier, more resilient international community.
In line with our Sixth Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention of Drug Abuse, Japan has placed strong emphasis on the rehabilitation and social reintegration of people with drug use disorders, particularly during transitional periods such as release from correctional facilities or the completion of judicial procedures. This is a critical window where sustained support can prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.
To this end:
Japan stands ready to share its experience and knowledge with countries and communities in need. We believe that international cooperation in this area is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic investment in global stability and human dignity. Thank you.
Drug control is an urgent global challenge. It not only erodes the fabric of individual societies but poses a serious threat to international peace and prosperity. Recognizing this, Japan has consistently prioritized comprehensive drug measures and worked in close partnership with the UNODC.
From this standpoint, we believe it is the shared responsibility of all Member States to implement robust domestic responses—not merely as acts of self-protection, but as essential contributions to building a healthier, more resilient international community.
In line with our Sixth Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention of Drug Abuse, Japan has placed strong emphasis on the rehabilitation and social reintegration of people with drug use disorders, particularly during transitional periods such as release from correctional facilities or the completion of judicial procedures. This is a critical window where sustained support can prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.
To this end:
- Japan provides continuity of care from incarceration to reintegration, offering long-term support through structured guidance and treatment.
- The Regarding measures to prevent relapse into drug abuse, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare are coordinating their response. Specifically, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is implementing relapse prevention programs primarily targeting individuals arrested for drug offenses who received suspended sentences without probation ensuring no one is left behind in the recovery process.
- Simultaneously, our community-based support systems have been strengthened, including the deployment of specialized counselors and the implementation of treatment recovery programs under the Addiction Measures Community Support Project.
Japan stands ready to share its experience and knowledge with countries and communities in need. We believe that international cooperation in this area is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic investment in global stability and human dignity. Thank you.