Statement Mr. Majid HAMEDANI, Head of Natural Disasters and Narcotics Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of iran Before the joint meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Under Agenda Item 4:  Strategic management, Budgetary and Administrative questions (Vienna, 5 December 2024)   In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful   Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,  I would like to seize this opportunity to thank the Chair of the CND and the CCPCJ for their leadership of the joint meeting of the two Commissions. We also appreciate the Secretariat for all its efforts in facilitating this joint meeting. The ongoing genocide and war crimes committed by the Israeli regime against innocent civilians in Gaza have continued unabated for the past 14 months, with the regime enjoying impunity due to the support of its well-known allies. These actions have violated the most fundamental principles of the UN Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law, undermining the integrity of the entire UN system. Urgent and decisive collective action by the international community is needed to end these atrocities and hold the occupying regime and its supporters accountable.   Dear Co-chairs, We underscore the prominence and active role of the FINGOV and consider it a valuable framework to promote understanding between Member States and the Secretariat in matters related to the UNODC.  We express our deep concern over the financial challenges faced by UNODC due to the shortfall in general-purpose funding and underlying funding trends affecting the Office’s ability to effectively uphold core programmatic functions for supporting developing countries, as well as the provision of timely, adequate, foreseeable and unwavering technical assistance, transfer of technology and equipment and capacity building to interested Member States, based on the challenges, needs and priorities. We are deeply concerned that the lack of adequate funding for country projects and programmers has led to the failure of the UNODC field offices to fulfil their mandate in assisting member states. In this regard, it is highly expected that the office enhance its efforts to ensure that adequate financial and logistical resources are allocated. We are of the firm belief that international cooperation is a cornerstone of all relevant international conventions, and in this regard, we emphasize the crucial role of the UNODC in strengthening and facilitating such cooperation. In this context, we reiterate the importance of addressing the challenges and removing the obstacles that hinder countries' abilities to meet their international obligations in combating illicit drugs and crime. Among the primary obstacles are Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs), which contravene international law and the UN Charter. These measures have been exacerbated by the politically motivated approach of some donor countries, which channel their financial support to specific projects and programs. This has led to systemic discrimination against several developing countries, and such challenges should be prominently reflected in the implementation of UNODC projects and programs. Distinguished Co-chairs, We would like to remind that the Iran's Partnership Programme with the UNODC was signed on the margins of the 66th CND. However, the level of support and the projects provided are not aligned with the country’s needs and priorities. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains at the forefront of the fight against drugs, yet the support extended to us—whether promised or delivered—falls short and contradicts the principle of fair share. Despite the unfair and politicized measures imposed against us, Iran has steadfastly continued its efforts in the fight against drugs, consistently defending the interests of the international community  Afghanistan continues to suffer from various chronic challenges, including a lack of economic and industrial infrastructure, as well as political instability and insecurity. The recent experience with the inefficiency of the opium ban in Afghanistan clearly demonstrates that the eradication of opium poppy cultivation is deeply intertwined with other socio-economic factors and requires international cooperation, alongside the effective implementation of sustainable alternative development programs. Despite earlier reports of a 95 percent reduction in cultivation, this decline was not sustained, and opium cultivation in Afghanistan has once again risen, according to the latest report on November 2024 by the UNODC. Additionally, the growing production and trafficking of methamphetamines, along with the emerging threat of ATSs (Amphetamine-Type Stimulants) and synthetic opioids, should not be underestimated The Islamic Republic of Iran highlights that UNODC’s research work should be based on clear and prior mandates and policy guidance provided by the governing bodies. We emphasize the importance of transparency, regular dialogue and close coordination between all Member States and UNODC regarding the ongoing and planned publications and research activities at all stages. In this regard, we stress the importance that the publications of UNODC shall be impartial and fully respect the cultural diversity of Member States.  Last but not least, regarding human resources, we reiterate our position that further efforts aimed at tangible outcome are still needed to achieve equitable geographical representation in the Office. To this end, it is highly expected that the Executive Director take concrete measure to narrow the wide gap which has sustained for many years and report thereon to the Commissions. In this regard, FINGOV should play its role and continue in line with the standing agenda item, to evaluate the progress made by the Office in improving representation from developing countries. The fight against illicit drug trafficking cannot be sustained without collective action. In this regard, Iran, as a frontline country in the anti-drug campaign, must receive unequivocal support from the UNODC, the international community, and beneficiary states. Our success in effectively combating illicit drug trafficking is rooted in coordination, cooperation, and a strong collective response.                        Thank you