REPUBLIC OF FRANCE

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
THE IMPACT OF THE WORLD DRUG PROBLEM

In 2016, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) started a new
initiative to combat the world drug problem by putting people at the forefront of the
issue. It is imperative to look at the drug issue from the perspective of human
rights, health, security, and safety, rather than simply the criminal repercussions or
consequences. Using tactics involving prevention, supply limitation, and treatment,
some progress has been made in solving this issue, however, this progress is not
effective enough and still leaves millions susceptible and vulnerable. Outside of
drug addiction, the world drug problem consequently causes severe health issues
such as the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus. In this way, resolution 64/182 directed
the UNODC to attack the world drug problem for the well-being of the people,
rather than the wellbeing of the state; moreover, trying to solve the world drug
problem in a criminal and violent manner only perpetuates the problem, and can
also cause internal turmoil. The most effective way to address the world drug
problem is by means of international cooperation and human rights.

In France, cannabis and cocaine use has increased in the last two decades.
Although the prevalence of synthetic stimulant use was lower than that of cocaine,
the last-year prevalence of MDMA/ecstasy use, for instance, reached its highest
recorded level. Young people aged 15-34 years reported the highest prevalence of
cannabis, cocaine and MDMA use in the last year. The Government Plan for
Combating Drugs and Addictive Behaviours 2013-17 is the responsibility of the
Inter-ministerial Mission for Combating Drugs and Addictive Behaviours
(MILDECA). The Government Plan addresses the use of illicit and licit substances
(narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, psychotropic medicines and new synthetic products)
and non-substance-related addictive behaviours (gambling, gaming, doping). The
Government Plan is supported by two consecutive action plans, covering the years
2013-15 and 2016-17. Both action plans detail specific objectives and actions for
these periods, identify key stakeholders and detail the planned timelines and
expected outcomes for delivering the strategy.

The French government urges member states to redefine geographical priorities as

a function of the flow in drug traffic, and to prioritize cooperation with central and
South-East Asian countries, Russia and the Ukraine. France calls upon member
states to give paramount importance to reducing supply, while at the same time put
forth efforts to implement further activities to reduce demand, and especially to
reduce risk. In order to do that the international community must be committed to
taking measures such as conducting activities designed to reduce demand and
help to develop risk-reduction programs.