Switzerland appointed member of UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
Bern, 20.04.2021 - On 20 April, Switzerland was appointed member of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs and will therefore have a seat on the UN’s principal policy-making body on drug-related matters for a further four years from the beginning of 2022.
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs CND was established in 1946 by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is the UN’s central drug policy-making body. The Commission draws up drug policy recommendations for UN member states, steers the drug policy programmes of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC, and decides on the control and classification of narcotics, psychotropic substances and drug precursors.
Switzerland, which has already been a member of the CND several times (1961–75, 1988–95, 1997–2001, 2004–11 and 2018–21) has consistently played an active role in the Commission’s work and discussions. The continuation of its mandate means Switzerland will continue to work to promote a drug policy based on public health and human rights. It will continue to advocate the implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations General Assembly Special Sessions UNGASS of April 2016, and will incorporate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in discussions on drug policy. With its four-pillar policy, consisting of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and law enforcement, Switzerland plays a leading role in international drug policy.
The members of the CND are elected by the 54 members of ECOSOC. This appointment will bolster Switzerland’s presence on a key international body and allow it to continue to play an active role in shaping future developments in this area over the next four years.
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