This annual publication provides technical information on the licit movement of the internationally controlled narcotic drugs. The relevant 1961 Convention establishes strict controls on the cultivation of opium poppy, coca bush, cannabis plant and their products, which, in the Convention, are described as “narcotic drugs”; (although cocaine is a stimulant drug rather than one that induces sleep). Control is exercised over 136 narcotic drugs, mainly natural products, such as opium and its derivatives, morphine, codeine and heroin, but also synthetic drugs, such as methadone and pethidine, as well as cannabis and coca leaf. The production and distribution of controlled substances must be licensed and supervised, and governments must provide estimates and statistical returns on the quantities of drugs required, manufactured and utilized and the quantities seized by police and customs officers.

The expansion of non-contributory pension systems in the region has been one of the major milestones in the development of social protection architecture in a context of high levels of informal labour, rapid population ageing, and significant gaps and inequalities, including gender inequalities. Non-contributory pension systems have expanded substantially in the twenty-first century, approaching a coverage rate of 3 in 10 persons aged 65 years and over in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2022. Establishing non-contributory pension systems and strengthening those that already exist in the countries of the region can decisively contribute to the civilized objective of eradicating poverty in old age, helping to significantly reduce inequalities and to ensure protected levels of income during this phase of life. This publication proposes a collective approach to addressing the risks associated with old age, one that focuses on building revitalized architecture for well-being to advance towards universal coverage centred on sustainability and solidarity. The achievement of sustainable non-contributory pension systems is foundational to the pursuit of solidarity and the full exercise of rights in old age.

This volume, prepared by the Division for the Development and Codification of International Law of the Legal Department of the Secretariat of the United Nations, is the twenty-second in the United Nations Legislative Series, a systematic collection of those national legislative texts which deal with matters of international concern and constitute evidence of the practice of States in the field of international law. The purpose of this series is to fill a gap in international documentation by gathering together materials which are at present widely scattered and often difficult of access. The preparation of such a collection has been advocated by many official and unofficial bodies, and was recommended by the International Law Commission in its report of 29 July 1950. The content of this volume concerns the regime of the high seas, one of the three topics selected by the International Law Commission for early codification.

This volume, prepared by the Division for the Development and Codification of International Law of the Legal Department of the Secretariat of the United Nations, is the twenty-fourth in the United Nations Legislative Series, a systematic collection of those national legislative texts which deal with matters of international concern and constitute evidence of the practice of States in the field of international law. The purpose of this series is to fill a gap in international documentation by gathering together materials which are at present widely scattered and often difficult of access. The preparation of such a collection has been advocated by many official and unofficial bodies, and was recommended by the International Law Commission in its report of 29 July 1950. The content of this volume concerns the regime of the high seas, one of the three topics selected by the International Law Commission for early codification.

This volume, prepared by the Division for the Development and Codification of International Law of the Legal Department of the Secretariat of the United Nations, is the sixteenth in the United Nations Legislative Series, a systematic collection of those national legislative texts which deal with matters of international concern and constitute evidence of the practice of States in the field of international law. The purpose of this series is to fill a gap in international documentation by gathering together materials which are at present widely scattered and often difficult of access. The preparation of such a collection has been advocated by many official and unofficial bodies, and was recommended by the International Law Commission in its report of 29 July 1950. The content of this volume concerns the regime of the high seas, one of the three topics selected by the International Law Commission for early codification.