United Nations – President of the UN General Assembly Morgens Lykketoft on Monday urged the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to work closely with the UN to find solutions to the world drug problem.
Lykketoft made the appeal in his opening remarks at the IPU-UN Parliamentary hearing on the World Drug Problem titled: Taking Stock and Strengthening the Global Response, at the UN.
NAN reports that the hearing is taking place ahead of the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) scheduled to hold from April 19 to April 21.
He said lawmakers must first bring the ambitions and concerns of their constituents to the discussions.
“Over the coming days, you have an opportunity to make those voices heard by all.
“You can do it in a way that is familiar to us parliamentarians: through constructive dialogue; by recognising the validity of other opinions while searching for a common goal and a way to achieve it.
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“Second, as lawmakers, you are responsible for debating and adopting the legal framework in your own countries relating to the world drug problem.
“It is you who have to fight the consequences of this problem in our societies and it is your responsibility to strive to achieve the protection of the health and welfare of the people you represent and to help realise all human rights.
He said that as custodians of the cornerstone of democracy and parliamentary accountability, they must oversee the implementation of international commitments.
The president challenged them to demand answers when outcomes are not reached and to call for action by their governments on all matters.
NAN reports that there are over 200 parliamentarians attending the hearing. (NAN)
