International Narcotics Control Board calls on governments!

The International Narcotics Control Board, whose President Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Vice-Rector of Üsküdar University, Head of the Forensic Sciences Department, and Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, was re-elected, called on governments to guarantee access to internationally controlled drugs during humanitarian emergencies, following the conclusion of its 143rd Session.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), whose President Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Vice-Rector of Üsküdar University, Head of the Forensic Sciences Department, and Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, was re-elected, reiterated its concerns regarding access to and availability of internationally controlled drugs, especially in countries and regions experiencing humanitarian emergencies, and called on governments following the conclusion of its 143rd session. 

During its 143rd session, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) continued its work to monitor countries' implementation of the three international drug control conventions and to review the functioning of the global system for the legal international trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursor chemicals.

Call for urgent action!

The Board's Standing Committee on Estimates reviewed national estimates of legal requirements for controlled substances in a manner that ensures their accessibility for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes while preventing diversion, trafficking, and abuse.

The Board expressed its continued concern regarding public health situations related to the access to and availability of internationally controlled drugs in various regions, including countries and regions experiencing humanitarian emergencies. The Board called on governments to take urgent action to ensure the provision of essential medicines necessary for the medical treatment of populations living in countries and regions affected by humanitarian emergencies. 

The Board focuses on challenges and opportunities in international cooperation

Reviewing the functioning of the international drug control system, the Board is focusing on the challenges and opportunities in international cooperation in drug control. This topic will be the main focus of the thematic chapter of the INCB 2025 Annual Report, to be published in early 2026. In this context, the Board held a dialogue with civil society organizations, listening to the views of civil society representatives working in various fields from around the world, identified by the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs.

The Board also held consultations with key partners, including representatives from the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the World Health Organization, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the World Customs Organization, and ICPO/Interpol. 

During the session, the Board reviewed the results obtained under the INCB precursor control and Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) programmes. These activities assist Member States in preventing the diversion and trafficking of precursor chemicals used in illicit drug manufacture, dangerous non-medical synthetic opioids, and new psychoactive substances. The Board also evaluated the outcomes of training and awareness-raising activities conducted within the framework of the INCB Learning Programme, aimed at improving access to controlled substances for medical, scientific, and industrial purposes and better 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 conventions: 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 by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the Board’s thirteen members are elected by the Economic and Social Council for five-year terms in their personal capacity.