2nd LD: UN General Assembly passes outcome document to counter world drug problem

An outcome document has been adopted Tuesday at a UN General Assembly special session on world drug problem to tackle the emerging challenges in fight against illicit drug use.

The document asks for taking effective prevention measures that protect youth from drug use initiation and adopting practical measures to address severe drug use disorders through early interventions.

It also calls for strengthening measures at the international, regional, national and local levels to prevent drug-related crime and violence, and meanwhile integrate such measures into overall law enforcement efforts.

"We recognize that the world drug problem remains a common and shared responsibility that should be addressed in a multilateral setting through effective and increased international cooperation and demands an integrated, multidisciplinary, mutually reinforcing, balanced, scientific evidence-based and comprehensive approach," it said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the UN General Assembly opened a three-day high-level special session to discuss new approaches to counter the world drug problem.

UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft said countering the world drug problem is essential for public health, human rights as well as sustainable development of the international community.

The session which runs from April 19-21 included a plenary meeting and five separate multi-stakeholder roundtable sessions.

Discussions will be held on drugs and health, drugs and crime, drugs and human rights, youth, women, children and communities, prevention of drug problems, as well as development-oriented, balanced drug control policy and cooperation.

According to the World Drug Report 2015, it is estimated 246 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 years used an illicit drug in 2013. Among them, some 27 million people are problem drug users, or those suffering from drug use disorders or drug dependence. Endit