Statement  respresentative of the Islamic Republic of Iran   joint meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Under Agenda Item 4:  Strategic management, Budgetary and Administrative questions   (Vienna, 4 December 2025)   Distinguished co-chairs, In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful   Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,   We would like to seize this opportunity to thank the Chair of the CND and the CCPCJ for their leadership of this joint meeting of the two Commissions. We also appreciate the Secretariat for its efforts in facilitating this important gathering. We underscore the prominence and active role of FINGOV and consider it a valuable framework for promoting mutual understanding between Member States and the Secretariat on matters related to the UNODC.  We express our deep concern over the financial challenges faced by UNODC due to the liquidity crisis, the shortfall in general-purpose funding, and underlying funding trends that affect the Office’s ability to effectively uphold its core programmatic functions in support of developing countries. These challenges also impact the provision of timely, adequate, predictable, and unwavering technical assistance, technology and equipment transfer, and capacity-building support to interested Member States, in line with their challenges, needs, and priorities.  We are particularly concerned that insufficient funding for country projects and programmes has constrained the ability of UNODC field offices to fulfil their mandates in assisting Member States. In this regard, it is highly expected that the Office enhance its efforts to ensure that adequate financial and logistical resources are allocated.  We are of the view that international cooperation is a cornerstone of all relevant international conventions. Accordingly, we emphasize the crucial role of UNODC in strengthening and facilitating such cooperation. In this context, we reiterate the importance of addressing the challenges and removing the obstacles that hinder countries’ abilities to meet their international obligations in combating illicit drugs and crime. Among the primary obstacles are Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs), which contravene international law and the UN Charter. These measures are further compounded by the politically motivated approach of certain donor countries that channel financial support to select projects and programmes. This has resulted in systemic discrimination against several developing countries, and these challenges should be prominently reflected in the implementation of UNODC projects and programmes. Distinguished Co-chairs, We would like to recall that Iran’s Partnership Programme with UNODC was signed on the margins of the 66th CND. However, the level of support and the projects provided do not correspond to the country’s needs and priorities. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains at the forefront of the fight against drugs, yet the support extended to us—whether pledged or delivered—falls short and contradicts the principle of a fair share. Despite the unfair and politicized measures imposed against us, Iran has steadfastly continued its efforts in combating drugs, consistently defending the interests of the international community.  The Islamic Republic of Iran further underscores that UNODC’s research work must be based on clear and prior mandates and on policy guidance provided by the governing bodies. We emphasize the importance of transparency, regular dialogue, and close coordination between all Member States and UNODC concerning ongoing and planned publications and research activities at all stages. In this regard, we stress that UNODC publications must be impartial and fully respect the cultural diversity of Member States.  Finally, with regard to human resources, we reiterate our position that further efforts with tangible outcomes are still needed to achieve equitable geographical representation in the Office. It is therefore highly expected that the Executive Director take concrete measures to narrow the wide gap that has persisted for many years, and report on these efforts to the Commissions. In this context, FINGOV should continue, under its standing agenda item, to evaluate the progress made by the Office in improving representation from developing countries.  The fight against illicit drug trafficking cannot be sustained without collective action. As a frontline country in the anti-drug campaign, Iran must receive unequivocal support from UNODC, the international community, and all beneficiary states. Our success in effectively combating illicit drug trafficking is rooted in coordination, cooperation, and a strong collective response.                              Thank you