The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), chaired once again by Vice Rector of Üsküdar University, Head of the Department of Forensic Sciences, and Director of the Graduate School of Addiction and Forensic Sciences Prof. Sevil Atasoy has called on governments to ensure access to internationally controlled medicines during humanitarian emergencies following the conclusion of its 143rd session.
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), whose presidency has been renewed with the re-election of Prof. Sevil Atasoy of Üsküdar University, concluded its 143rd session by reiterating its concerns about the availability and accessibility of internationally controlled substances, particularly in countries and regions experiencing humanitarian emergencies, and issued an appeal to governments.
During its 143rd session, the INCB continued its work to monitor the implementation of the three international drug control conventions by countries and to review the functioning of the global system regulating the legal international trade of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursor chemicals.
Urgent call to action!
The Board’s Standing Committee on Estimates reviewed national estimates of legal requirements for controlled substances in a manner aimed at ensuring their availability for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes while also preventing misuse, diversion, and trafficking.
The Board reiterated its ongoing concern over public health situations related to the accessibility and availability of internationally controlled medicines in various regions, including countries and areas affected by humanitarian crises. It urged governments to take urgent action to ensure the provision of essential medicines needed for medical treatment in such areas.
The Board focuses on challenges and opportunities in international cooperation
While reviewing the functioning of the international drug control system, the Board is focusing on the challenges and opportunities in the area of international cooperation on drug control. This theme will be the main focus of the thematic chapter in the INCB’s 2025 Annual Report, scheduled to be released in early 2026. In this context, the Board held a dialogue with civil society organizations, gathering insights from representatives around the world working in various fields, as identified by the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs.
The Board also held consultations with key partners, including representatives from the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the World Customs Organization, and ICPO/Interpol.
During the session, the Board reviewed outcomes achieved under the INCB’s precursor control and Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) programs. These activities assist Member States in preventing the diversion and trafficking of precursor chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs, non-medical synthetic opioids, and new psychoactive substances. The Board also evaluated the outcomes of training and awareness-raising activities conducted under the INCB Learning program, which aims to improve access to controlled substances for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes and to enhance the implementation of the three international drug control conventions.
About INCB
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is an independent, quasi-judicial body responsible for promoting and monitoring governments’ compliance with the three international drug control treaties: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Established under the 1961 Single Convention, the Board consists of thirteen members elected in their personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council for five-year terms.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)