NCJ Number
124066
Date Published
1989
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the role of international drug conventions developed by the United Nations emphasizes that, like other international conventions, they are limited in that they can only recommend measures and help promote policies and actions on particular issues.
Abstract
Thus, these conventions may be regarded as instruments of consensus. Unless they are binding on the national legislation of a nation, their acceptance and ratification depend on the political will of that country. In democratic nations, the political will expresses public opinion. Thus, conventions need to reflect the true public opinion of countries, and the quality of these opinions will determine the quality and limitations of the conventions. Drug conventions are further limited as a result of the constant scientific advancements in medicine and pharmacology and the advances in international communications. These conventions must also reflect recognition that drug issues are multidimensional and require multidisciplinary action at the national, regional, and international levels. Footnotes and 18 references.