INCB reviews the drug control situation in the Philippines

By the International Narcotics Control Board

VIENNA, 22 December (United Nations Information Service) - During its 129th session, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) held consultations with senior representatives of the Government of the Philippines to discuss the country's implementation of its legal obligations under the three international drug control conventions in conjunction with continued reports of extrajudicial acts of violence, including killings of people in the Philippines suspected of engaging in drug-related conduct and drug use.

Over the past years, INCB has joined other UN bodies in drawing the attention of the international community to these allegations and has repeatedly called on the Government of the Philippines to immediately halt acts of violence against people who use drugs and people suspected of involvement in the illicit drug trade and to take measures to ensure that all reported incidents are investigated, and if warranted prosecuted, according to the rule of law.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has highlighted that reports of these killings continue, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. INCB has remained in dialogue with the Government of the Philippines on these issues and has been working to secure a Board mission to the country to review implementation of the three drug control conventions on the ground.

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