Kuwait Stresses Need for Comprehensive Approach to Tackle Global Drug Problem

New York, Oct 7 (KUNA) -- Kuwait reaffirmed on Wednesday the necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach to address the global drug problem, one that balances combating illicit trafficking with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration, while prioritizing the protection of youth and other vulnerable groups. This was stated in Kuwait’s address delivered by Diplomatic Attaché Yousef Al-Mansour before the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which is responsible for social, humanitarian, and cultural affairs, during its discussion of the agenda item “Crime prevention, criminal justice, and the global drug problem.”

Al-Mansour emphasized the importance of enhancing awareness and integrating the roles of families, educational institutions, and health facilities, as well as facilitating access to treatment and rehabilitation services. He noted that recovery is not achieved through treatment alone, but by empowering individuals to regain their role in society.

On the national level, Al-Mansour confirmed Kuwait’s continued efforts to develop its legislative framework to combat drugs and psychotropic substances, citing the issuance of Law-Decree No. 159 of 2025 concerning the prevention of drug and psychotropic substance trafficking, their use, and regulation, along with related regulatory decisions governing health facilities. He explained that these measures strengthen control over drugs and psychotropic substances and regulate their use for medical purposes.

Regarding crime prevention, Al-Mansour clarified that enhancing criminal justice requires a balanced approach that combines law enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, and international cooperation, while respecting human rights and the rule of law. He added that effective justice protects society, upholds human dignity, and provides those in need of rehabilitation with the opportunity to return and contribute to societal development.

He highlighted Kuwait’s participation in the work of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons and the Working Group on Smuggling of Migrants, stressing the importance of international cooperation in addressing these crimes and protecting individuals from exploitation.

Al-Mansour also noted Kuwait’s ongoing technical cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in areas such as training, capacity-building, and the development of national frameworks, which contribute to enhancing the efficiency of relevant institutions and translating international commitments into effective national responses.

In conclusion, Al-Mansour renewed Kuwait’s support for joint international efforts in crime prevention, the enhancement of criminal justice, and the global drug problem. He emphasized the importance of legislative coherence and international cooperation in safeguarding human dignity and building a society characterized by security and stability. (End) A.S.T. / S.A.M.