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The end of the first century of drug control (it all started
in Shanghai in 1909) coincided with the closing of the UNGASS decade (launched
in 1998 by a General Assembly Special Session on Drugs). These anniversaries stimulated
reflection on the effectiveness, and the limitations, of drug policy. The
review resulted in the reaffirmation that illicit drugs continue to pose a
health danger to humanity. That’s why drugs are, and should remain, controlled.
With this sanction in mind, Member States confirmed unequivocal support for the
UN Conventions that have established the world drug control system.

The General Assembly recognized that despite continued and
increased efforts by the international community, the world drug problem
continues to constitute a serious threat to public health, the safety and
well-being of humanity, in particular young people, and the national security
and sovereignty of States, and that it undermines socio-economic and political
stability and sustainable development. It encouraged the Commission and the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to continue their work on
international drug control and urged all Governments to provide the fullest
possible financial and political support to enable UNODC to continue, expand
and strengthen its operational and technical cooperation activities, within its
mandates.

United Nations Office
on Drugs and Crime (www.unodc.org) is a
global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime.
Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control
Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in
all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. UNODC
relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from Governments, for 90 per cent of
its budget.

UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle
against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. In the Millennium Declaration,
Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime
in all its dimensions, to redouble the efforts to implement the commitment to
counter the world drug problem and to take concerted action against
international terrorism.

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.

Around 210 million people, or 4.8 per cent of the population aged 15-64, took illicit substances at least once in 2010.

Cannabis users comprised the largest number of illicit drug users in 2010 (129-190 million people).

The cocaine production is decreasing, due to less production in Colombia in 2010. The United States remains the biggest marked for cocaine, although consumption has decreased dramatically.

In 2007 and 2008, cocaine was used by some 16 to 17 million people worldwide.

74 percent of the opium production world wide took place in Afghanistan in 2010. The production was at 3,600 tons.

In 2008, global heroin seizures reached a record level of 73.7 metric tons.

There is evidence for the existence of opium poppy in Europe as long ago as 4,200 B.C. and even earlier.

There are indications that cannabis was used as early as 4000 B.C. in Central Asia and north-westernChina, with written evidence going back to 2700 B.C. in the pharmacopeia of emperor Chen-Nong

The first international conference to discuss the world’s narcotics problem was convened in February 1909 in Shanghai. This forum became known as the Opium Commission and it laid the groundwork for the elaboration of the first international drug treaty, the International Opium Convention of The Hague (1912).131

The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.