Statement by
Ms. Fatemeh Arab Bafrani
Second Secretary
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the Third Committee of the 77th Session of the General Assembly
On Agenda Items 109, 110, and 111: Combating Crimes, ICT for Criminal Purposes, and International Drug
General Discussion
New York, 3 October 2022
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Thank you Mr. Chair,
My delegation takes note of the reports presented to the Committee under these agenda items.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has addressed the drug problem by implementing a wide range of plans and programs regarding demand reduction, prevention, treatment, harm reduction, rehabilitation, social support, and vocational training for drug addicts.
Iran has also undertaken extensive measures in line with advancing a society-based strategy to reduce demands for illicit drugs. These measures include:
1- Establishment of treatment and rehabilitation centers especially for women,
2- Supporting relevant civil society and NGOs,
3- Taking the advantage of the youth participation in preventing and addressing illicit drug use and formulating extensive programs for training children and youth at schools and universities.
It should be noted that in 2021 in my country more than 9 thousand treatment and harm reduction clinics have provided relevant services to more than one million and 4 hundred persons.
The Secretary-General in his report contained in document A/77/137 calls upon States to intensify regional and international cooperation in areas such as capacity-building, financial and technical assistance and joint operations in order to effectively counter drug trafficking and disrupt the activities of organized criminal groups.
The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes any bilateral, regional and international cooperation in all areas related to the fight against narcotics. In this vein, we have signed MoUs with more than 40 countries. We are cooperatively working as an active member of the "Regional Program of Afghanistan and Neighbors". A tripartite initiative for cooperation in the field of narcotics has been established between Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Iran has set up several cooperative activities with the UNODC country office in Tehran and other UN-specialized agencies such as UNICEF and WHO.
Iran has also succeeded in 2021 to carry out approximately 5,000 operations and armed confrontations to dismantle more than 2,300 armed drug trafficking rings and active local, regional and international networks.
Through these operations, Iran prevented the entry of more than 1100 tons of several types of drugs into the global illicit drug markets and according to the UNODC’s World Drug Report, by seizing 92 percent of opium, 59 percent of morphine, and 27 percent of the heroin in the global level, Iran set once again a unique record in illicit drug seizures.
Let me underscore that, the continuation of the active role of Iran and other frontline countries against international illicit drug trafficking requires removing obstacles such as unilateral and exterritorial sanctions, burden-sharing, meaningful engagement of the international community, and providing adequate financial and technological support in the context of shared responsibility.
Mr. Chair,
It is of utmost importance to take the necessary measures to respond to the challenges and risks the youths experience, particularly those emanating from the use of ICT for criminal purposes. In this regard, we underline the importance of an effective fight against such offenses by youths as victims and potential offenders. In a similar vein, we stress the importance of enabling a supportive environment for the youths in virtual space which promote dignity and morality.
We express our concern about the increase in hate crime which is highlighted by the SG in document A/77/127. We strongly believe that hate crimes and hate speech against members of racial, and religious minorities particularly Muslims while police and security agencies continue targeting, profiling, and harassing them are alarming to note.
To sum up, it is unfortunate to state that Iran`s relentless efforts to fight against international drug networks are not acknowledged by countries of destinations appropriately. These efforts have been negatively affected by Unilateral Coercive Measures imposed or implemented by the same States. Such unilateral sanctions have impaired the allocation of required resources and technical assistance to fight against international drug trafficking as well as promoting and protecting youth and the non-engagement of the youths in pernicious activities.
Thank you for your kind attention.