Prof. Sevil Atasoy joined the UN International Narcotics Control Board
Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Sevil Atasoy took part in the 141st session of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) held between October 28 and November 15, 2024.
Prof. Sevil Atasoy stated that "Measures adopted to advance drug control that are contrary to universally recognized human rights norms are a violation of international drug control conventions."
The board stated that "It is imperative to ensure that patients have access to controlled medicines in emergencies, whether they are caused by natural disasters or armed conflicts."
The 2024 Annual Report will be published in March 2025, along with the INCB 2024 Precursors Report.
Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Sevil Atasoy attended the 141st session of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), of which she has been a member since 2005 and was elected for the 3rd time by the Economic and Social Council, between October 28 and November 15, 2024.
During the meeting, the Board consulted with member stated on the human rights dimensions of drug control. Emphasizing that respect for human rights and the implementation of drug control conventions reinforce each other, Prof. Sevil Atasoy reiterated the calls for respect for human rights in the development and implementation of the INCB's drug control policy.
Atasoy informed about the obligations arising from human rights documents
Stating that "Measures adopted to advance drug control that are contrary to universally recognized human rights norms are a violation of international drug control conventions," Prof. Atasoy provided information on the obligations arising from human rights, including calling on the members of the committee to promote the right to health, the promotion of equality and non-discrimination against drug users, the prohibition of arbitrary arrest and detention, the right to a fair trial for drug-related crimes, and protection against all forms of cruel and inhuman punishment.
Prof. Atasoy had the opportunity to share her views by participating in the consultation meeting held with 51 representatives from the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna and one member of the Permanent Observer Board.
International cooperation agreements
During the 141st Session, the Board also consulted with Chairman of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) Philbert Abaka Johnson, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Ghada Waly, the World Health Organization and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
On the margins of the session, the Board signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC). The cooperation agreement envisages the exchange of research, data and analysis on accessibility and the dissemination of information to the international community.
The INCB and IAHPC share common goals in providing guidance and support to governments and the international community on issues related to the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.
The Board is committed to ongoing cooperation with governments, international and regional organizations, and civil society to advance the health and welfare objectives of drug control conventions, including promoting the availability of internationally controlled drugs. This also includes humanitarian emergencies, whether caused by natural disasters or armed conflicts, where patients must be provided with access to controlled medicines.
The 2024 report will be published in March 2025
During the session, which ended on November 15, it also completed the 2024 Annual Report, which includes a thematic section on responses to the rapid increase in synthetic drug production, marketing and consumption. The report will be published in March 2025 along with the INCB 2024 Precursors Report.
The mission and structure of the INCB...
On the other hand, the INCB is an independent, quasi-judicial body assigned to promote and monitor Governments to comply with the three international drug control conventions. These are the1 961 Single Convention on Narcotic Substances, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Trade in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Thirteen members of the Board, established by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, are elected by the Economic and Social Council for five-year terms in a personal capacity and do not represent their countries.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)