In an address to the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna (14-22 March 2024), the Italian Presidency of the Council of Europe’s drug policy cooperation platform stressed that for drug supply reduction, worldwide efforts must be aimed at the control of drug production and trafficking, and at dismantling criminal organisations responsible for both.
The Pompidou Group also reaffirms that it strongly and firmly opposes the death penalty and the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences under any circumstances, without exception.
With respect to drug demand reduction, the Pompidou Group is committed to the promotion of the right to health and enhancement of access to treatment and health and social services. The right to life, an unconditional right to all demand reduction measures, non-discrimination and prevention of ill-treatment and torture, must be granted to everyone. The right to health and health care also includes the access to, and availability of, controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.
