Japan inserts language to try and undermine UNODC harm reduction activities

In the afternoon business, the plenary adopted various reports.

The report on Drug Demand Reduction includes a paragraph on harm reduction, reflecting the diverse views of member states on these interventions. In the plenary, Japan introduced language noting that some harm reduction programmes maintain illicit drug use, and that UNODC should take this into account.

It should be noted that UNODC is the lead agency within the UNAIDS family on HIV and injecting drug use, and CND is the governing board of UNODC.

The contradiction and possible implications of having UNODC's governing board not support harm reduction in the Political Declaration was a concern raised by a number of civil society representatives this week.