Director General/Executive Director
My special thanks to Member States, civil society and UN partners in organizing this important event.
I also welcome the many distinguished speakers who are with us today.
In the discussions leading to next month's General Assembly special session on the world drug problem, we have seen a growing emphasis on the need for balanced and comprehensive approaches that put people and health at the centre of policies.
The discussions have highlighted the fact that the three international drug control conventions are founded on concern for the health and welfare of humankind, and that a balanced approach necessitates applying the principle of proportionality to drug-related offences and offenders.
Disproportionate responses do not serve the cause of justice, nor help to uphold the rule of law.
In this regard, the application of the death penalty to drug-related offences has never been in the letter or the spirit of the conventions.
The conventions further allow States Parties to provide, in appropriate cases of a minor nature, for example possession or purchase of drugs for personal consumption, alternatives to conviction or punishment, using such measures as education, rehabilitation and social reintegration.
This can help to address prison overcrowding, and potentially prevent the recruitment of vulnerable individuals in detention by criminals and terrorists.
When the offender is a person with a drug use disorder, treatment and aftercare may also be provided.
Many men, women and children with drug use disorders have suffered marginalization and deprivation, and they account for a considerable part of the global prison population.
The focus of today's side event is therefore much-needed and welcome.
People suffering from drug use disorders need comprehensive health and social services that are voluntary, rights-based, accessible, effective and affordable.
This requires justice, health and social service actors to work together in close coordination.
UNODC's mandate encompasses justice, the rule of law and health, and based on our research expertise and operational experience, we are supporting Member States to implement such approaches, in accordance with the conventions, and making full use of international standards and norms.
These include the UN Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures, or "Tokyo Rules".
Furthermore, prisoners should be treated in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules, which include treatment and care for drug dependence or HIV, according to the same standards of health care available in the community.
Gender-sensitive measures in line with the Bangkok Rules, that ensure women's backgrounds and specific needs are considered at all stages, including in decisions on detention or diversion, sentencing or treatment of prisoners, are also essential.
Implementing such approaches can have a decisive impact on the recovery and reintegration of people with drug use disorders, and help promote public health and public safety.
UNODC stands ready, as ever, to support Member States in their efforts.
I look forward to an interesting discussion with our panellists today on this timely topic.
Thank you.