World Drug Report 2021 (UN Office on Drugs and Crime)

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World Drug Report 2021 (unodc.org)

Takeaways: WDR21_Booklet_1_takeaways.pdf (unodc.org)

The World Drug Report 2021 is aimed not only at fostering greater international cooperation to counter the impact of the world drug problem on health, governance and security, but also, with its special focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, at assisting Member States in anticipating and addressing challenges that may arise in the near future.

SOME OF THE FINDINGS

Cannabis is more potent but fewer young people see it as harmful

Possible Responses 

Combat misinformation about the potential impact of the increased strength of cannabis. »

Use fact-based information to raise awareness of the potential harm from non-medical use of cannabis. »

Prioritise public health over private business through a comprehensive ban on advertising. »

Increase investment in research both into the harm cannabis use poses to health and the possible medical uses of the drug. »

Monitor the cannabis markets and the perception of risks associated with cannabis use.

Number of drug users in Africa is projected to rise by 40 per cent by 2030

Possible Responses 

Implement an integrated, people-centred and human-rights based approach to empowering African societies to develop sustainable solutions to drug use. »

Help African States define and apply innovative and cost-effective assessment systems for regular monitoring of the drug situation on the continent. »

Cultivate strong partnerships between African Member States and the United Nations system to stem the expected increase in the number of people who use drugs and the possible negative impact on health and security.

Drug markets quickly recovered after the onset of the pandemic, but some trafficking dynamics have been accelerated during Covid-19

Possible Responses 

Foster international cooperation for fighting the enduring problem of drug trafficking. »

Exchange and transfer law enforcement intelligence and effective interdiction approaches and best practices. »

Develop international accountability mechanisms and practices for shipping and railway companies, postal services, and air cargo. » Implement real-time data monitoring systems for promptly detecting and addressing drug market changes.

 

Non-medical use of cannabis and sedatives has increased globally during the pandemic

Possible Responses

Allocate sufficient funding in national post-COVID-19 budgets for drug prevention and treatment to prevent the acceleration of increasing drug use patterns. »

Prioritize scientific evidence-based prevention of drug use in post-pandemic investment. »

Pre-empt further increases in the number of people who use cannabis, and the harm arising from its increasing non-medical use, through cost-effective measures such as prevention.

COVID-19 fallout is likely to be felt in drug markets for years to come

Possible Responses

Support parents and young people in vulnerable circumstances to face the stresses of the pandemic without resorting to negative coping mechanisms. »

Alleviate the negative consequences for vulnerable and marginalized population groups through postpandemic recovery plans that include housing, food supply, economic assistance and health insurance. »

Increase the effectiveness of alternative development interventions to improve the conditions of rural households.

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