International Narcotics Control Board

International Narcotics Control Board
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Formation	1968
Type	Quasi-judicial control organ
Headquarters	Vienna, Austria
Membership	N/A
Language	N/A
Leader title	President
Leader name	[Information on current president]
Website	[No external links]

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is an independent, quasi-judicial expert body established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. The board is mandated to monitor and support governments in the implementation of the United Nations drug control conventions, and to ensure that adequate supplies of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are available for medical and scientific purposes, while preventing their diversion into illicit channels.

History

The INCB was established in 1968, pursuant to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. It was created to succeed and expand upon the functions of the Permanent Central Opium Board and the Drug Supervisory Body, which were pre-existing bodies under earlier international drug control treaties.

Functions

The primary functions of the INCB include:

• Monitoring the implementation of the United Nations drug control conventions
• Ensuring that governments adhere to the limits of narcotic drug and psychotropic substance production, established to meet medical and scientific needs
• Providing assistance to governments to help them meet their treaty obligations
• Working to prevent the diversion of drugs from legal to illicit channels

The INCB also publishes an annual report that provides a comprehensive overview of the drug control situation in various countries, highlighting existing challenges and making recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the international drug control system.

Structure

The INCB consists of thirteen members who are elected by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations from a list of candidates nominated by Governments. These members serve in their personal capacities and are expected to bring a wide range of expertise in drug-related matters.

Criticism and Controversies

The INCB has faced criticism for its conservative stance on drug control policies, particularly regarding its approach to new developments such as the legalization of cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes in some countries. Critics argue that the INCB's positions sometimes lack flexibility and may hinder the adoption of progressive drug policies that could lead to better health and social outcomes.

See also

• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
• World Health Organization
• Drug prohibition law