Report of the 53rd Commission on Narcotic Drugs now online

The final report of the 53rd session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs is now online.

As usual, it does not give a full flavour of the debate and goings-on at the CND. For example, comments from representatives are provided anonymously - they are not ascribed to particular member states. This is not helpful. The IDPC/IHRA CND blog, however, helps to fill this gap.

But the report does contain the final texts of all of the resolutions, including those on HIV prevention (Res 53/9), and on access to essential medicines for pain relief (Res 53/4). Two important developments this year and both evidence of shifting US policy in Vienna.

It is also interesting to note, in particular, the regular appearance of human rights within the texts of the resolutions both on the demand reduction and supply reduction sides. See resolutions 53/4 (access to medicines) 53/6 (alternative development), 53/8 (trafficking), 53/9 (HIV/AIDS).

Compared to previous years when human rights was all but taboo at the Commission there has been clear movement.

See also resolution 53/10 on "Measures to protect children and young people from drug abuse". It is an odd resolution. It is framed by an opening reference to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) but shows little understanding of it. The CRC is the most comprehensive of all of the UN human rights treaties and the only one to specifically refer to drug use. Here, however, though the resolution is entitled "measures to protect children and young people" we find the body of the resolution being entirely about primary prevention with a focus on information campaigns. Now, accurate and objective information is of course crucial, but the form of protection envisaged by a document such as the CRC is far more comprehensive and holistic. If this resolution is the start of better scrutiny of the application of the CRC to drug control, then it is to be welcomed. But let us hope that this is not all the CND has to offer on child rights.