Evidence of this breakthrough came at the General Assembly's special session, held one year ago. The governments of 185 States adopted the first ever international instruments specifically designed to combat drug problems. With the benefit of various partners' cooperation, the United Nations International Drug Control Programme has launched new initiatives to ensure that the necessary information, technology and funds will be available on a long-term basis. The demand for, and supply of, dangerous drugs has been markedly reduced as a result. Indeed, some of the targets agreed upon this time last year may be reached ahead of schedule.
Drugs continue to blight and, indeed, destroy far too many human lives.
The costs associated with their use continue to impose a heavy burden on the social infrastructure of numerous countries, whether they be developed or developing. Valuable human and financial resources continue to be diverted away from productive activities which are essential for development and prosperity. Drug trafficking also continues to foment corruption, one of the most formidable obstacles to good governance. I would, therefore, like to reiterate, on this international day against drug abuse, that the struggle we are engaged in is vitally important. There is no need to remind anyone that, tragically and quite literally, this is often a question of life and death.