International Narcotics Control Board

International Narcotics Control Board

Abbreviation	INCB
Formation	1968
Type	United Nations agency
Legal status	Active
Purpose	Drug control
Headquarters	Vienna, Austria
Region served	Worldwide
Parent organization	United Nations

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is an independent, quasi-judicial expert body established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. It is mandated to monitor and support governments' compliance with the three main international drug control conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The INCB works to ensure that adequate supplies of drugs are available for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion into illicit channels. It also assists governments in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

History

The INCB was established in 1968, succeeding the Drug Supervisory Body and the Permanent Central Opium Board, which were formed under earlier international drug control treaties. Its creation was part of a global effort to enhance international cooperation in drug control and to establish a unified system for controlling the production, distribution, and consumption of narcotics.

Functions

The INCB has several key functions:

• Monitoring the implementation of the international drug control treaties.
• Providing technical assistance and guidance to governments to improve their drug control regulations.
• Ensuring that the production and use of narcotic and psychotropic substances are limited to medical and scientific purposes.
• Identifying and highlighting weaknesses in national and international drug control systems.
• Working with governments to prevent the diversion of drugs from licit to illicit channels.

Structure

The Board consists of 13 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 capacity and have expertise in medicine, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, law, or administration.

Reports

The INCB publishes an annual report that provides a comprehensive overview of the global drug situation, analyses trends, and offers recommendations to governments and international organizations on improving drug control efforts. It also publishes technical reports on specific substances and issues related to drug control.

Criticism

The INCB has faced criticism for its conservative stance on drug policy, particularly regarding harm reduction and the legalization of certain drugs for recreational use. Critics argue that the Board's approach is at odds with evolving perspectives on drug use and harm reduction strategies.

See also

• World Health Organization
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
• Drug control law
• Harm reduction

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