Statement by the Delegation of the Republic of Armenia at the Thematic Discussions of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Distinguished delegates,

At the outset, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Chair of the Commission and the Secretariat for the excellent organization of this session, as well as to the UNODC representatives and panelists for the insightful evidence snapshots and presentations.

Mr. Chair,

Armenia emphasizes the importance of the adoption of evidence-based and ethical methods and approaches for treatment and recovery in line with the UNODC/WHO International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders, incorporating gender-responsive pathways that recognize and address the unique barriers faced by men, women, boys, and girls in accessing support and overcoming stigma with a core focus on a health-centered approach and the fundamental principle of human rights protection.

Armenia recognizes the importance to ensure equal access for treatment for vulnerable groups and those in special conditions, such as prison settings. Additionally, it is important to implement programs to support continuing care or social support as part of the long-term treatment of drug use disorders.

Armenia's treatment programs include addiction treatment, detoxification services, opioid substitution therapy, mental health & psychosocial support.

Distinguished delegates,

The Government of Armenia recognizes prevention as the foundational pillar of an effective, humane and sustainable drug policy in line with the three international drug conventions. Prevention is among three strategic goals under Armenia's new Strategy on Combating the Non-Medical Use and Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, developed by the support of the UNODC. In particular, the Government of Armenia has prioritized the following actions for the prevention of drug use:

• Enhancing public awareness campaigns and increasing access to accurate information about the risks of drug use. According to global studies the lack of knowledge is a crucial factor that increases an individual's vulnerability. Armenia underlines the importance of carefully identifying the target groups and testing the messages and delivery methodology in order to ensure that the public awareness campaigns are safe and effective.
• Prevention of narcotic drugs use and abuse among minors and youth through the expansion of school and community-based prevention programs with a focus on life skills education, mental health promotion and youth resilience. Introduction of Healthy Lifestyle curricula in the general education, vocational and higher educational institutions should be paralleled with activities that foster their recreation, mental and emotional well-being, personal capacity development through the organization of extracurricular activities, recreational, cultural and sports activities. Armenia recognizes the importance of a more robust, participatory approach, which empowers youth as stakeholders and agents of change within their communities. Development of knowledge and skills for teachers and staff in children's care facilities, as well as legal representatives, is another important issue to be addressed.
• Development of national capacity for early identification and intervention among vulnerable groups and those at risk of social exclusion, and their resocialization.
• Fostering multi-sectoral cooperation, involving healthcare providers, educators, social workers, law enforcement, and civil society, to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response.
• Improvement of the legislative framework related to the legal circulation, including through the collaboration with international partners, including UNODC, to align prevention efforts with global best practices and to benefit from technical assistance and capacity-building.

Mr. Chair,

We wish to emphasize that prevention must be long-term, adequately resourced, and culturally adapted. It should be rooted in scientific evidence and delivered in full respect of human dignity.

In closing, the Delegation of Armenia reiterates its commitment to promoting a balanced and integrated approach to drug policy - where prevention is not an afterthought, but a proactive and central element of the public health response.

Thank you.