Commissions

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice are both functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council. Their decisions and resolutions, some of which are subject to approval by the Economic and Social Council or the General Assembly, provide guidance to Member States and UNODC in their respective areas.

Commission on Narcotic Drugs

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs is the central policymaking body within the United Nations system dealing with drug-related matters. The Commission monitors the world drug situation, develops strategies on international drug control and recommends measures to combat the world drug problem, including through reducing demand for drugs, promoting alternative development initiatives and adopting supply reduction measures. The Commission provides Member States with a venue to exchange expertise, experiences and information on drug-related matters and to develop a coordinated response. It also has functions under the international drug control treaties, for example with regard to the substances under international control.

Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is the central body within the United Nations system providing policy guidance on crime prevention and criminal justice. The Commission formulates international policies and recommendations on criminal justice issues, including trafficking in persons, transnational crime and aspects of terrorism prevention. It monitors the use and application of relevant United Nations standards and norms and guides policy development in response to new issues. The Commission offers Member States a forum to exchange expertise, experiences and information on matters of crime prevention and criminal justice, to develop national and international strategies and to identify priorities for combating crime. The Commission coordinates its efforts with other United Nations bodies with specific mandates in the crime and criminal justice areas, such as the Security Council, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

The Policy Support Section of UNODC supports the work of the commissions.

To enter the on-line directory of Competent National Authorites under the International Drug Control Treaties, please click here.