Globally, the number of people who suffer from drug use disorders has increased to 39.5 million in 2021 – a 45 per cent increase over 10 years. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) 2023 World Drug Report shows that continued record illicit drug supply and increasingly agile trafficking networks are compounding intersecting global crises and challenging health services and law enforcement responses.
Challenges related to the world drug problem are hindering progress in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all areas, from peace and justice to health and human rights to the environment and equality.
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the United Nations’ central drug policy-making body, is meeting this week to take stock of progress made in the implementation of international drug policy commitments.
Below, learn more about the CND and why it matters.
The CND is where UN member states set policy on all issues related to drugs. 53 Member States from all regions of the world are elected to serve four-year terms.
UNODC acts as Secretariat to the CND.
UNODC’s 2023 World Drug Report found that 296 million people used drugs in 2021, an increase of 23 per cent over the previous decade.
The world drug problem does not affect all the world equally. It is the vulnerable, the poor and the excluded who pay the highest price.
Meanwhile, illicit drug economies are accelerating conflicts, human rights abuses, and environmental devastation.
Only one in five people suffering from drug-related disorders were in treatment for drug use in 2021, with widening disparities in access to treatment across regions. Stigma and discrimination make it less likely that people who use drugs will get the help they need.
Every statistic masks an individual entitled to a life free from the damage inflicted by drug trafficking and illegal drug markets – a life where their fundamental rights are not just ideals, but realities.
CND reviews and analyzes the global drug situation and takes action through resolutions and decisions. At this year’s CND, Member States will be discussing resolutions on rehabilitation and recovery management programs; improving the access and availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes; preventing and responding to drug overdoses; and alternative development.
The CND also decides, based on recommendations by the World Health Organization and the International Narcotics Control Board, on which substances will be placed under international control – or “scheduled” - under the three international drug control treaties.
In recognition of these new and persistent challenges, the CND adopted the 2019 Ministerial Declaration to accelerate the implementation of the international drug policy commitments made since 2009.
2024 marks the mid-point to achieving the commitments made in the 2019 declaration. The CND is meeting to assess progress made in implementing the commitments made in 2019. Under the “Pledge4Action”, Member States will also be making new pledges on how they can expedite actions to tackle the world drug problem.
UNODC collects, analyzes and reports data on drug trends and developments. Find more in our 2023 World Drug Report, Global Report on Cocaine, Afghan opium survey, and Afghan methamphetamine brief.
UNODC also works with Member States to support the prevention of drug use; treatment and rehabilitation for people who use drugs; and access to controlled drugs for medical purposes.
