Morocco has been re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for a third term, reflecting significant success in Morocco’s diplomatic efforts. Jalal Toufiq secured the position during elections held by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Tuesday, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
Morocco and India were both selected as candidates in the first round, with Morocco receiving 30 votes out of 54.
Morocco had faced stiff competition among the 25 countries vying for the five seats reserved for candidates selected by governments.
The achievement is particularly notable given that Morocco is not currently a member of the ECOSOC, demonstrating the Kingdom’s high reputation in multilateral engagement, the Ministry asserted in the statement.
The Kingdom’s election to this important body demonstrates Morocco’s “credibility in multilateral efforts to address global economic, social, and health challenges, particularly those related to drug control, guided by King Mohammed VI’s noble vision,” the statement reads.
It also demonstrates the international community’s trust in Morocco’s relentless efforts to tackle the problem of illegal drugs, especially in light of the development of new narcotics, notably synthetic compounds.
Toufiq, President of the INCB, is also the director of the National Center for Prevention, Treatment, and Research in Addiction; the National Observatory on Drugs and Addiction; and the Arrazi Hospital for Mental and Psychiatric Diseases.
The INCB, an impartial and quasi-judicial body of specialists, was founded by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961). It is responsible for monitoring the implementation of United Nations drug control conventions. It also produces an annual report that includes a complete analysis of the drug control situation worldwide, the execution of UN treaties concerning illegal drugs, and recommendations on remedial measures.
The INCB is comprised up of 13 members chosen by the ECOSOC. Ten are picked from a list of individuals nominated by states and the remaining three are elected by the World Health Organization.
Last month, at a presentation of the 2023 annual report at the UN Office in Vienna, INCB President Toufiq highlighted the persisting problems in combating drug trafficking worldwide.
The report indicated a decline in cannabis drug busts in Morocco over the previous year, but also emphasized the country’s continued importance as a transit point for cannabis bound for Europe.