66th Session of Commission on Narcotic Drugs

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is hosting the 66th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna from 13 to 17 March. UN member states, which includes South Africa, and civil society organisations from across the world will be attending the event in person or virtually.

Decisions will be made on which substances to place under international control, and resolutions on drug-related matters will be discussed, among other topics. Delegates will also negotiate a plan of action for an upcoming mid-term review of the drug policy by the CND in 2024.

“Substance use disorders is one of my priority areas. I will therefore be keeping a close watch on the outcomes of this week’s session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. There is no such thing as too much knowledge, and I am keen to hear how other countries are dealing with substance use disorders. We may be able to learn from another government or NGO and improve our strategies,” says Minister of Social Development in the Western Cape, Sharna Fernandez.

The Provincial Substance Abuse Forum Chairperson, Chantelle Pepper, has presented at previous CND sessions. This time around she’s encouraging NPOs, communities, and Department of Social Development (DSD) staff to attend some of the virtual events.

“A vast range of topics will be covered this week. I believe every NPO and DSD staff member dealing with substance use disorders should sit in on at least one of the many virtual side-events. In this way we can empower ourselves with knowledge about new interventions, research and projects by governments, NGOs, universities, and the UNODC,” says Pepper.

For information on Substance Abuse Treatment Centres in the province: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/736

For information on the 66th CND sessions: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/commissions/CND/session/66_Session_2023/66CND_Main.html