UNODC RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS ACCESSIBILITY TO INTERNATIONALLY CONTROLLED DRUGS
UNODC Recommendations for Member States:
- Improve data collections mechanisms used for governments' estimations
- Review and revise national legislation, regulation and policies
- Increase the awareness of policy-makers and national regulatory authorities about the necessity for opioid analgesics
- Promote coordination between agencies and cooperation between relevant government ministries and agencies
- Establish national committees and workshops on pain treatment and palliative care
- Provide adequate training to healthcare professionals concerning the treatment of pain
- Allow medical practitioners to prescribe opioids analgesics
- Educate and inform the public about opioid analgesics
- Assist low and middle-income Member States with technical assistance and other instruments
- Facilitate the availability in low and middle income countries of opioid analgesics at affordable price
- Increase the monitoring of internet trading and delivery of controlled medications by mail and dismantle illegal delivery channels.
- Engage civil society and relevant NGOs in activities to enhance the availability of opioid analgesics
Next steps for UNODC to assist Member States include:
- UNODC will share guidance and model legislative procedures to ensure Member States are in line with international conventions
- UNODC will update policies and legislative frameworks to ensure availability of internationally controlled drugs while preventing their diversion and abuse
- The UNODC is available to conduct awareness raising activities and training for national level policy makers, healthcare professionals and community advocates through the Joint Global Programme in cooperations with Regional and Country offices.
- Continue support for sustaining the integration of efforts by the three incumbent bodies: the UNODC (executive organization translating the Conventions into operational strategies), the INCB (quasi-judicial role) and the WHO (directing and coordinating authority on global health matters), and civil society organizations.
For further information you may wish to consult the
UNODC 2011 Discussion Paper .