UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Source: News on Air

Context: India has been elected to Chair the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), with Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran assuming the Chairmanship.

• This marks the first time India holds this position, emphasizing its commitment to global leadership in addressing international drug policy issues.

About UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND):

• Origin:

• Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 through Resolution 9(I). Expanded in 1991 to function as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

• Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 through Resolution 9(I).

• Expanded in 1991 to function as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria

• Monitor and oversee: Implementation of international drug control treaties. Promote balanced policies: Address illicit drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse. Support evidence-based strategies: Enhance access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.

• Monitor and oversee: Implementation of international drug control treaties.

• Promote balanced policies: Address illicit drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse.

• Support evidence-based strategies: Enhance access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.

• Membership: Comprises 53 Member States, elected by ECOSOC for a four-year term, ensuring equitable geographical representation.

• Functions:

• Normative Role: Discharges treaty-based responsibilities and strengthens global drug control mechanisms through decisions and resolutions. Operational Role: Oversees UNODC’s budget, conducts annual sessions, and facilitates intersessional policy reviews and collaboration. Policy Commitments: Leads the 2019 Ministerial Declaration follow-up, with a mid-term review in 2024 and final review in 2029.

• Normative Role: Discharges treaty-based responsibilities and strengthens global drug control mechanisms through decisions and resolutions.

• Operational Role: Oversees UNODC’s budget, conducts annual sessions, and facilitates intersessional policy reviews and collaboration.

• Policy Commitments: Leads the 2019 Ministerial Declaration follow-up, with a mid-term review in 2024 and final review in 2029.

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