68th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs
The 68th annual meeting of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) took place in Vienna between 10 and 14 March. Portugal, a member of the CND since January 2024 for a four-year term, was represented at this meeting by the National Coordinator for Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies, who gave the national speech, and by representatives from ICAD, I.P., INFARMED and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
João Goulão, in his national address, reaffirmed our country's commitment to a multidimensional and balanced approach based on concrete data, anchored in respect for human rights and aimed at ensuring a high level of health protection, social cohesion and security. Following the "Pledge4Action" formulated by Portugal in 2024 during the High-Level Segment of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, in which it committed itself to expanding access to treatment services by 2028, the national coordinator reported that last year there was a 19 per cent reduction in the number of people waiting for treatment and a 15 per cent reduction in waiting times for treatment.
On the sidelines of the annual meeting of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the national coordinator took part in two parallel events: "Innovations in continuity of care, solutions over ideologies" and "Reimagining drug policies: the construction of harm reduction public policies championing health and human rights".
At the former, organised by the International Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations for Substance Abuse Prevention, he said that in order to achieve positive health results worldwide, ideological prejudices must be overcome and the focus must be on evidence-based solutions. He added that only through collaboration between all sectors - healthcare, law enforcement, government, civil society - and a commitment to human rights, can a global strategy be created that supports individuals, reduces harm and promotes recovery.
In the second, organised by Brazil, he said that the available data shows that punishments and criminal sanctions are ineffective and often counterproductive, acting as an obstacle to access to care services for drug users. Referring to Portugal's policy in this area, he added that it was possible to achieve notable benefits by implementing policies aimed at reducing the risks and minimising the harm associated with drug use and reintegrating drug users into society.
The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs is the central UN body responsible for political decisions on issues related to the consumption and illicit trafficking of drugs.