United Nations Economic and Social Council's Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

The 53 member body the Commission on Narcotic Drugs is elected by ECOSOC from among States Members of the United Nations, members of the specialised agencies and Parties to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. South Africa was a Member of the CND from 1996 to 1999. South Africa's following membership period commenced on 1 January 2002 and will last until 31 December 2005. South Africa is in a position to contribute in global policy making regarding the question of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking through its participation in the CND activities. A South African delegation participated in the 48th Session of the Commission on Narcotics Drugs, which took place from 7 - 11 March, 2005 in Vienna.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

Department of Social Development
Department of Health
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
South African Police Service
South Africa's Central Drug Authority
United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention in Pretoria
Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) Secretariat
OAU/AU Drug Control Focal Point in Addis Ababa

RELEVANT TREATIES/PROTOCOLS

South Africa is a Party to the three main United Nations Drug Conventions:

GENERAL COMMENTS

The United Nations held a Special Session on Drugs from 8- 10 June 1998 in New York. Political support was given to Action Plans pertaining to Precursor Control, Amphetamine-type stimulants, Judicial Cooperation, Money Laundering, Alternative Development and Demand Reduction. Heads of Government and other high ranking politicians also committed themselves to a Political Declaration on the issue of illicit drug trafficking. South Africa participated at a high political level and rendered its support to the Action Plans and the Political Declaration.
The establishment of the regional Field Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention in Pretoria is an important issue for South Africa giving the country an opportunity to contribute to the United Nations efforts to combat crime, illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse in the Southern African Region.