Foreword

The annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for 2013 marks a particular milestone: the 45th annual report of the Board since it was established in 1968 in accordance with the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. Over that period, there have been significant emerging challenges and efforts made in addressing the global drug problem. Notably, the 1961 Convention is adhered to by almost all States, illustrating the commitment of Governments to the principle of shared responsibility in ensuring the availability of narcotic drugs for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion and abuse. To address subsequent drug control challenges such as the abuse of psychotropic substances while ensuring their availability for medical purposes, the use of chemicals in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and drug trafficking, States created and adopted the two other international drug control conventions in force today: the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988. Those conventions too enjoy almost universal adherence.

Related Subject(s): Drugs Crime and Terrorism