This report was submitted by the Executive Director of the UNODC, Antonio Maria Costa, during the 51st session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. In this report, he reflects on the past century’s achievements on illicit drug use and control and looks ahead to realigning the framework to better meet the underlying goals of the UNODC. Central to this alignment requires that public health reoccupy its vital position at the center of the system. He further highlights the legal requirement that to uphold human rights throughout the implementation of drug control activities. He notably acknowledges the challenges presented by divergent international standards and State practice, specifically in the use of the death penalty for drug-related offenses, and the need to bridge the gap through negotiation and good practice.
Citation: Antonio Maria Costa (Executive Director of the UNODC). 'Making drug control ‘fit for purpose’: Building on the UNGASS decade', (Commission on Narcotic Drugs, E/CN.7/2008/CRP.17, 7 March 2008)