Iran General Statement at 66th Commission on Narcotic Drugs: 13 March 2023
Statement by H.E. Dr. Eskandar Momeni Secretary General of the Drug Control Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Statement by
H.E. Dr. Eskandar Momeni
Secretary General of the Drug Control Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran
before the 66th CND session
Vienna, 13 March 2023
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished delegates,
I would like to begin by presenting congratulations to the Ambassador of Columbia as the president of the CND Session as well as other members of the bureau, and also thank the Secretariat for organizing this very meeting.
Based on the UNODC report 2022, the Opium Cultivation in Afghanistan shows a 32 percent rise compared to the previous year. On the other hand, the chemical precursors which are mainly being produced in industrial countries are transferred to Afghanistan and used at labs to produce heroin, morphine, and methamphetamine. This is a serious threat to the international community which primarily affects the region and especially Afghanistan neighboring countries.
Being at the forefront of this global fight, the Islamic Republic of Iran is facing a big wave of drug smuggling and related crimes including insurgency, terrorism, human trafficking, abduction, influx of illegal immigrants and armed skirmishes that originate in Afghanistan and inflict major life and property losses on the country. In this respect, billions of dollars could have been spent on the country’s sustainable development but are now expended on the global fight on drug.
In this vein, the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2022, succeeded to seize 716 tons of different types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances including 540 tons of opium, 76 tons of hashish, 30 tons of heroin and morphine, and 30 tons of methamphetamine (ice). This achievement was made by the martyrdom of some of the police forces of the country.
Distinguished delegates,
In line with advancing a balanced strategy by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in 2022, there has been a decreasing trend in 2022 among drug users concerning HIV/AIDS and hepatitis infection and the consumption prevalence rate in various parts of the country indicate a steady or decreasing trend. Meantime, drug users throughout the country have access to various treatment methods. It should be underscored that almost 90% of harms reduction plans are being carried out by NGOs.
Making use of public participation as well as social capacities, and paving the way for promoting the role of benefactors and social activists in harms reduction is considered as one of the innovative measures by the Islamic Republic of Iran which resulted in the establishment of the benefactors’ association of helpers of life in 2022.
In line with supporting job generation for those who have suffered from drug addiction, one of the consistent and annual plans of the country, is the implementation of a program to provide sustainable employment and fund some of the insurance expenses of the employers.
Distinguished Delegates,
I would like to present the following points:
- We strongly believe that the international conventions and instruments in the field of drug control have been designed in order to address international problems and challenges in the field of drug control and any interpretation aimed at legalization or decriminalization of the illicit drug trade is considered as a serious threat to the security of states. Hence, the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly supports the principal role of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs as the policymaking body of the United Nations with prime responsibility for drug control matters as well as the treaty-mandated roles of the International Narcotics Control Board in facilitating licit access for medical and scientific purposes and countering chemical precursor diversion.
- Given the significance of the global fight against drugs and the necessity of giving assistance to Afghanistan neighboring countries and those most affected by the drugs, based on Resolutions 51/7, 52/2 and 53/5, it is incumbent upon the members of the International Community and relevant UN agencies to present assistance to such countries.
- In conclusion, I would like to underscore that despite the remarkable achievements and success outlined above; the International Community has failed to contribute to the activities and achievements of Iran in this regard. And such cooperation regrettably has faced numerous challenges and hurdles due to politically-motivated and selective approaches as well as unilateral and tyrannical sanctions imposed by some countries.
- Hence, while emphasizing the firm resolve of the Islamic Republic of Iran for continuing its humanitarian mission in this path, I deem it necessary to call upon other members of the international community to cooperate for the sake of fulfilling this mission aimed at realizing a better future for the whole humanity.
Thank you for your patience.