Wednesday 20 de April de 2016
Información para la Prensa N°: 108/16
 

Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra addressed the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem (2016 UNGASS) at UN Headquarters, where she stated: “the scourge of drugs knows no limits or boundaries.”

Minister Malcorra began her address by referring to last Saturday’s tragic events in Buenos Aires, where five young people lost their lives as a consequence of the use of synthetic drugs at a rave: "This unfortunate event, which leaves an irreparable wound in the Argentine society, is a clear example of how the scourge of drugs affects all countries and all people, without distinction." Minister Malcorra added: "One of the first actions by the new administration was to acknowledge that Argentina faced a serious situation in terms of the World Drug Problem. By acknowledging the existence of the problem, we can search for and find solutions."

In her address, the Foreign Minister remarked: "The ultimate goal is to place people at the centre of policies on Drugs. We are striving for a change in focus from substances to individuals as holders of rights, proposing social inclusion as a central element and objectives to be achieved through public policies. Our perspective is to provide attention, care, treatment and recovery to drug users, promoting, at the same time, the elimination of discriminatory, stigmatizing attitudes."

"Human rights—that is to say, the highest standards of physical and mental health recognized under international instruments—are an integral part of the Argentine position regarding the world drug problem," Minister Malcorra stated, and she emphasized that "international cooperation" is an "essential tool" to deal with the issue.

As regards the Outcome Document adopted yesterday in the context of the Special Session, she explained: "From the start of the negotiations, we have held that one of the key results of the 2016 UNGASS should be general consensus on access to and availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. We are pleased to see that the outcome document reflects that concern, in accordance with United Nations drug control conventions."

Press release No. 108/16
Press Office: 4819-7375 / 8296 / 7388