Perils without passports.

• Author: Annan, Kofi
• Position: From the Secretary-General - Illegal drugs

In it, Member States of the United Nations will commit themselves "to establish 2003 as a target date for new or enhanced drug demand reduction strategies and programmes set up in close collaboration with public health, social welfare and law enforcement authorities and commit ourselves to achieve significant and measurable results in field of demand reduction by the year 2008". The six main themes that will be considered at the Special Session are listed below.

Precursor chemicals: In recent years, the diversion of precursor chemicals used to manufacture illicit drugs has become one of the most serious challenges confronting international drug control efforts. To prevent it, countries have agreed to monitor domestic and international movements of certain chemicals. The Special Session will promote concerted global action by adopting measures to further strengthen the control of precursor chemicals and setting 2008 as the target date for a significant reduction of the diversion of precursors.

Amphetamine-type stimulants: Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the most abused synthetic drugs manufactured clandestinely. Though relatively new, they have quickly become a part of the mainstream illicit drug culture. A wave of synthetic stimulant abuse has been reported in recent years, but global awareness of the problem is still limited and responses to it inconsistent. The Special Session will call for giving high priority to ATS and consider an action plan against their manufacture, trafficking and abuse, with target dates.

Judicial cooperation: Strengthening the legal framework to improve the application of drug control laws is essential for success in the global fight against illicit drugs. Member States are expected to enhance judicial and law enforcement cooperation by adopting measures concerning extradition, mutual legal assistance, transfer of proceedings, controlled delivery, illicit traffic by sea, and other forms of cooperation and training. Without some form of inter-State cooperation in these areas, virtually none of the international treaty provisions against drug trafficking can be implemented. The Political Declaration sets 2003 as the target date for the promotion of judicial cooperation.

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