Position statement Humanitarian Children’s Foundation from Romania June 26, 2024 for United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
United Nations system common position supporting the implementation of the international drug control policy through effective inter‐agency collaboration however this system is flawed because it fails to respect the basic principles that supports a drug free future for our children.
The common position features eight shared principles that support the outcome document of the UNODC special session and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and are on face value very good, that is until one reads on the second paragraph of page 11 were is very cleverly worded in a multiple sentence the following text…To promote alternatives to conviction and punishment in appropriate cases, including the decriminalization of drug possession for personal use.
https://www.unodc.org/res/un‐common‐position‐drugs/index_html/2315371E‐eBook.pdf
Let me be clear that to decriminalize drugs and allow personal use means a free for all in the drug user world. Drugs including synthetic produced drugs fuels organized crime including trafficking of young people, prostitution and slave labor markets. Young people in Europe are vulnerable in the poorest areas and in special in Eastern European Countries including Romania.
Decriminalizing drugs for personal use will not in any way help the forces of law and order as already overwhelming transports of drugs across state borders will simply continue and expand as the demand will still be there.
Decriminalization will not prevent overdoses or premature deaths from drug usage.
Decriminalization will not reduce demand for drugs, nor stop drug trafficking or cultivation.
Decriminalization will not stop corruption that allows the fat cats in the drug world to operate with immunity.
Gun crimes and other serious crimes will not be reduced by decriminalization for personal use and innocent people including those killed by drug fueled drivers will not be reduced either.
The World needs sound well planned drug education for young people and parents alike so that a safe drug free environment can be achieved within family life and academic life also not forgetting a drug free workplace. This is the way forward to reduce demand for drugs by well planned and executed educational prevention measures, rather than take the easy way out and offer decriminalization for personal use.
Brian Douglas.