Sundheds- og Ældreudvalget 2015-16
SUU Alm.del Bilag 551
Offentligt
1638113_0001.png
Delegation of Denmark
Minister for Health Ms. Sophie Løhde
Statement of Denmark on the occasion of the Special Session of the UN General
Assembly on the world drug problem
General debate
Check against delivery
Mr. President, Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I refer to the statement of the European Commission on behalf of the European
Union and its Member States – a statement fully supported by the Government of
Denmark.
The Government of Denmark welcomes this opportunity for the Member States of
the United Nations to review the implementation of the Political Declaration and
Plan of Action.
Since its adoption in 2009, progress has been achieved.
However, the drug problem continues to present challenges to the health, safety
and well-being of people who use drugs and society as a whole.
Please allow me to dwell on a few points that are essential to the achievement of
further progress.
Drug policies should be balanced.
Prohibition and control cannot stand alone.
Supply reduction has to be balanced with a sharp focus on evidence-based
prevention, treatment and harm reduction, including reduction of drug-related
deaths.
Special Session of the UN General Assembly on the world drug problem, New York, 19-21 April 2016
Page
1
of 2
 SUU, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 551: Kopi af orientering til Retsudvalget om FN’s Generalforsamlings særlige samling om narkotika (UNGASS), fra sundheds- og ældreministeren
1638113_0002.png
Delegation of Denmark
It is important to keep in mind that the overall aims of drug policies are the health
and welfare of human beings as well as the addressing of drug abuse and the
harms resulting from drug abuse.
On this background, harm reduction measures have been introduced in Denmark
and they have proved to be an essential element of our drug policy.
This approach is based on the conviction that drug policies should be built on
human rights.
Everybody, including people who use drugs, has the right to be treated with dignity.
Consequently, the Government of Denmark deeply regrets that the outcome
document does not address the abolition of the death penalty for drug-related
crimes.
Denmark is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances.
To the achievement of further progress it is also essential that civil society is
involved in drug policies at national and international level.
To conclude; despite our joint efforts we are still facing challenges – not least the
number of drug-related deaths and the proportions of harm resulting from drug
abuse.
Balanced and evidence-based drug policies built on human rights as well as
developed and implemented through the involvement of civil society are essential to
meet these challenges.
Thank you.
Special Session of the UN General Assembly on the world drug problem, New York, 19-21 April 2016
Page
2
of 2