12:09 | Vienna (Austria), Mar. 10.
During his participation in the
68th Session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND),
National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Devida) Executive President Carlos Figueroa underscored the urgent need to address the global drug problem from a comprehensive perspective.
In his speech, Figueroa stated that "to address the global drug problem, it is essential to focus on its structural dimensions, as it is a dynamic, complex, and multifactorial phenomenon."
During his presentation, the head of Devida emphasized that drug trafficking operates under a business model that not only generates a lucrative value chain but also fuels a criminal network that has devastating effects on health, security, and the environment.
"No one is exempt from its consequences," he warned, highlighting that this model destroys lives and violates human rights, making no distinction between consumers and non-consumers, nor between producing and non-producing countries.
Call for Greater International Collaboration
It is worth noting that the CND is the main United Nations body responsible for drug policy formulation, evaluating progress in the implementation of international commitments in this field. It is composed of 53 Member States from different regions of the world, elected for four-year terms.
"We need greater collaboration among countries. A holistic and inclusive approach is essential for success in this fight," CND Chairman Shambhu Kumaran emphasized.
Peru has implemented the National Drug Policy, considering the three United Nations Conventions and adopting a holistic, systemic, and environmentally sustainable approach.
"This policy places the individual at the center of its actions and seeks to reduce illicit drug production and trafficking, prevent consumption, and improve the socioeconomic conditions of vulnerable families," he stated.
The head of Devida stressed that alternative development is key to containing the expansion of illicit crops.
"The world needs a global, coordinated, sustained, and forceful response to dismantle its power structures," he stated, emphasizing that attention should not be diverted to the effects but rather focused on the root causes of the problem.
"The time to fight is now. We must think about what is happening and what will happen to our future generations. And for that, Peru has an intervention model aligned with this (goal). We have three main pillars: prevention, alternative development, and drug supply control, all coordinated with the people," he concluded.
Bilateral Meetings
During the gathering, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking was reaffirmed, highlighting cooperation in maritime intelligence and the combat against criminal networks, exemplified by the EU's Seacop project to counter illicit drug trafficking.
Later, Figueroa held a meeting with Italian Secretary of the Council of Ministers for Anti-Drug Policies, Alfredo Montonaro, to reactivate cooperation in the prevention, control, and repression of illicit drug trafficking. Both authorities agreed to strengthen joint efforts to tackle this global challenge.
At the end of the day, he met with Roberto Moro, Secretary of Comprehensive Drug Policies of Argentina (Sedronar), during which several key issues were discussed.
Both expressed interest in strengthening the South American Ports Alliance and emphasized that harm reduction policy should focus more on addressing the drug trafficking business model, which fuels gang violence.
(END) NDP/JCR/JMP/MVB
Published: 3/11/2025