ReageraMera

Vienna International Centre, Österrike 11 mars 2009

Speech by Ms Maria Larsson, at the 52nd session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Your Majesty, Excellencies, Madam Chairperson, distinguished delegates, Executive Director Costa,

To start off I wish to acknowledge and thank her Majesty Queen Silvia for your active engagement for the well-being of children and young people all over the world and for the prevention of drug abuse.

Sweden fully associate itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union

In June 1998 we gathered at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs because we were alarmed. We were alarmed by the large numbers of people addicted to drugs. By the illnesses, the domestic violence and the misery which came with the drugs. And by the multi-billion dollar drugs trade.

We came together to seek a common ground in addressing the drug problems. We found it in the principles of a balanced approach and a shared responsibility. When we gather today here in Vienna we do so to reaffirm these principles and the commitment to do our part. Because we need more international cooperation, not less.

I´m well aware that there has been diverging views on a few issues during the negotiations. But I am very happy that we have reached consensus on the political declaration. I want to extend my gratitude to the Chairperson and the Ambassador from Namibia for the work you have done in this respect.

Some say that supply reduction has failed; that it should be replaced by demand reduction. In my view, this is a wrong conclusion. We know that we cannot face the challenges through supply reduction alone. But from experience we can also learn that demand reduction alone is not sufficient.

At the same time I would like to say that demand reduction is underresourced in many countries as compared to law enforcement. We need more investments in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The conclusion from 1998 is therefore still valid: we need an integrated and balanced approach.

Neither drug abuse nor drug trafficking knows any borders. This is obvious when we see how West Africa is becoming a hub for drug trafficking. Poor social and economic conditions make nations vulnerable. Also in my country organized crime is a threat as different groups use violence to get control over the drug trade. It is a common and shared responsibility to develop long-term strategies against drug abuse and organized crime.

Finally, a few words about the basis for our collaboration: the three international drug control conventions. There are some proponents of harm reduction who use the pretext of the tragic HIV epidemic for bringing about fundamental changes to the conventions. In my view this is wrong. We must do everything we can to prevent the spread of infectious diseases linked to drug abuse. We must do everything we can to help those who suffer from illnesses as a result of drug addiction. To bring them into our communities, not exclude them. This is a question of protecting the unique human value and about compassion.

Measures to reduce the risk of drug abuse and the harm that comes from it,  should not be instead of demand reduction. Such measures should supplement prevention, treatment, care and rehabilitation - not replace them. This is the Swedish policy. This is how we see the consensus in the European Union. And this is why we fully support the commitments we are agreeing on today.

So, let us set our ambitions higher than the lowest expectations. Allow me to remind you of the concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy. If we define a situation as real, it will become a reality through our actions. A self-fulfilling prophecy is sometimes considered as a negative thing. But in this case our expectations and actions determines the outcome. I strongly believe that it is our role as leaders to install hope that change is possible. Maybe not easy - but possible.

Thank You