68thth Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ian Biggs, Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
10 March 2025
Chair, Distinguished Delegates
The world drug situation remains complex and multi-faceted. Global drug challenges continue to develop and evolve, requiring a collective, coordinated and adaptive effort to improve the lives of those affected by these challenges. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs remains the most valuable global forum for our collective endeavours, and we are pleased to be represented here today. We reaffirm our commitment to the international drug control framework.
Due to their high potency, unpredictability and increased risk of drug-related harms, Australia remains concerned about the rise in the production, distribution and use of synthetic drugs. In particular, amphetamine-type stimulants present a particular challenge in our region, as does the detection of new and emerging synthetic drugs including novel benzodiazepines and nitazenes.
In our Indo-Pacific region, Australia works closely with regional partners to disrupt drug trafficking by transnational, serious and organised crime groups.
Australia is leading a new initiative to increase screening and disrupt transit routes for synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
We will also be showcasing important work being done in the region at our side event on the Safe Handling and Disposal of Drugs in Southeast Asia on Wednesday at 10:00am. It will be an opportunity to hear from experts in our region, including Thailand and the Philippines and we welcome your attendance.
Chair and Distinguished Delegates,
Australia is seeking re-election to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in 2025 for the 2026 to 2029 term and we welcome support for our candidacy during the elections in New York on 4 April.
As a member of the CND, now and in the future, Australia advocates for an evidence-based policy approach that incorporates both public health and law enforcement led interventions to reduce drug-related harms. We are a trusted world-leading producer of opiates for pharmaceutical purposes, with a steadfast commitment to the integrity of the UN drug control conventions and the international drug control framework.
Australia reiterates the importance of ensuring responses to address the world drug situation respect human rights and gender equality, address broader social determinants and reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with drug use.
In doing this, Australia will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders, including other Member States, the broader UN system, international partners, civil society and affected communities to ensure meaningful progress toward the commitments outlined in the 2024 Midterm Review. We are committed to elevating the voices of those affected by policies and programs, to ensure they inform effective public health-driven demand and harm reduction efforts.
There is no conclusive evidence that the death penalty is an effective deterrent for drug use. Australia will continue to call for the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances for all people, and particularly its abolition for drug related offences which do not meet the threshold of the “most serious crimes” under international law.
Consistent with targets under SDG 3.8 and the primary objectives of the international conventions, Australia continues our longstanding commitment to addressing the persistent global disparity in availability of and access to controlled medicines for those in need, to ensure that no patient is left behind.
We reiterate our commitment to accelerate the implementation of our joint international drug policy commitments, including fulfilling the pledges Australia made at the 2024 High Level Segment under the Pledge4Action Initiative.
Chair and Distinguished Delegates,
As we work towards 2029, we must consider our international drug policy commitments, human rights obligations, and commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals to be compatible, complementary, and mutually reinforcing in every instance, with the health, welfare and human rights of all people at the forefront.
We look forward to contributing to a productive CND68.