Public Statement on the UNGASS 2016 process and draft outcome document

An historic opportunity to achieve more humane and effective drug policy is at risk. The 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the world drug problem is the first of its kind in 18 years. The initiative for urging forward UNGASS came from sitting presidents of Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. The UN General Assembly endorsed the call for an open, honest and evidence-based debate.

The process of drafting an outcome document for UNGASS has been disappointing. Since it began in late 2015, the deliberations in Vienna have been neither transparent nor inclusive. Closed doors negotiations ensured that crucial priorities were neglected and outdated policies retained. The voices of civil society, concerned UN agencies, and the majority of UN member states have yet to be heard.

Please, find below the full statement.

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