UN official warns of poverty-driven drug problem

"Poverty and inequality drive illicit drug production and use," warned Jan Eliasson, UN's Deputy Secretary-General, at a UN General Assembly special session on world drug problem on Tuesday.

Given the root cause of this problem, Eliasson pointed out that the best prevention policy is working decisively and universally towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals which was so skillfully negotiated and endorsed last year.

"Countering drug-related crime and corruption is imperative for us to achieve stable societies and effective institutions, which constitute a foundation for sustainable development," he said.

He also noted that "the world drug problem affects virtually every nation and all sectors of society," and "drug trafficking and organized criminal networks fuel violence and feed corruption. They weaken institutions and the rule of law."

Moreover, he said that the challenges posed by the world drug problem require a global response that is simultaneously effective, compassionate and humane.

"We need a mobilization of efforts and good forces on this basis and in this spirit. This special session provides an opportunity to assess the achievements, shortcomings and challenges of the international drug control regime," he noted.

He also expressed hope that this three-day special session provides an opportunity to assess the achievements, shortcomings and challenges of the international drug control regime.

The 30th Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS) will last till Thursday and includes a plenary meeting and five separate multi-stakeholder roundtable sessions.

At the special session on Tuesday, the UN General Assembly adopted an outcome document to tackle the emerging challenges in fight against illicit drug use.