VIENNA — With reference to recent media and other comments related to the participation of Myanmar in the 64th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which was held in hybrid format (virtually and in person) in Vienna, Austria, on 12-16 April 2021, the following statement was issued by the spokesperson of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime:
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs and other intergovernmental bodies for which UNODC acts as secretariat, including the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, are governed by relevant decisions of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the General Assembly. UNODC provides substantive and technical support, and does not decide on matters of participation in these intergovernmental meetings. In particular, it does not have a role in deciding which individuals should represent Member States at the Commissions’ proceedings.
The UN Secretary-General has made clear his position on the situation in Myanmar, and as part of the UN Secretariat, UNODC is fully aligned with his statements reiterating calls by the Security Council for restraint, dialogue and a return to Myanmar’s democratic path.
UNODC is also fully aligned with the joint statements of the UN Country Team, of which UNODC is an integral part, and continues to coordinate closely with the Resident Coordinator and the members of the Country Team to support the people of Myanmar.
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For further information, please contact:
Sonya Yee
Speechwriter and Spokesperson
Office of the Director-General/ Executive Director
United Nations Office at Vienna/
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Tel: (+43) 1 26060-4990
Mobile: (+43) 699 1459-4990
Email: sonya.yee[at]un.org
