On the meeting of H.E. Mr. Yury Ambrazevich, Permanent Representative of Belarus in Geneva, with Ms. Helen Clark, member of the Board of the Global Commission on Drug Policy
29.01.2019On January 29, 2019 the Permanent Representative of Belarus to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva H.E. Mr. Yury Ambrazevich met with Ms. Helen Clark, member of the Board of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, at her initiative.
Ms. Helen Clark informed about the main activities of the Global Commission, focused on promoting the concept of decriminalization in the regulation of drug trafficking. Separately, she focused on the practice of New Zealand where she served as Prime Minister for 9 years.
Taking into account her personal visits to Belarus in 2014 and 2016 during her work as the UNDP Administrator/UN Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Helen Clark positively noted the results achieved by the Belarusian government towards combating HIV/AIDS including the use of methods for working with vulnerable groups, including consumers of drugs.
She also expressed confidence that international best practices could make an additional contribution into improving the effectiveness of national anti-drug policy measures.
Mr. Yury Ambrazevich and Ms. Helen Clark discussed the possible interest of the Government of Belarus in the activities of the Global Commission in other states as well as potential steps to build expert contacts.
For reference:
the Global Commission on Drug Policy was formed in 2011 to bring to the international level an informed, science-based discussion about humane and effective ways to reduce the harm caused by drugs to people and societies. It consists of 23 prominent political and public figures from various countries of the world, former heads of states, governments and international organizations. The Commission annually prepares reports on current problems in the field of drug policy. The Secretariat of the Commission is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
