STATEMENT BY HER EXCELLENCY KAREN TAN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE HIGH-LEVEL THEMATIC DEBATE IN SUPPORT OF THE PROCESS TOWARDS THE 2016 SPECIAL SESSION ON THE WORLD DRUG PROBLEM 7 MAY 2015

Distinguished Co-Chairs and panellists,

Thank you for allowing me to share Singapore’s perspectives and strategies to counter the drug problem with you.

Singapore is a small and densely populated city-state, as well as a key transportation and financial hub in South-east Asia that is close to the major drug-producing Golden Triangle area.  In this context, drugs can permeate and destroy our society very quickly and we can be turned into a transit centre for drugs.

Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance approach against drugs, and tackles drug demand and supply through a holistic and comprehensive approach. 

First, our tough laws against drug trafficking and effective enforcement have kept our streets virtually drug-free and crime-free.  

Second, preventive drug education will continue to be a key strategy in our war against drugs. We continue to work closely with parents, schools and community partners to educate our youths that drugs are addictive, and harmful, and that they should say no to drugs.

Third, we provide structured rehabilitation and supervision tailored to the needs of different age and risk profiles, so as to prevent relapse. We also invest heavily in aftercare programmes, supported by the family and community, to help former drug abusers reintegrate into society. But ultimately, the abuser has to take personal responsibility, and have the motivation to change and stay clear of drugs.

The drug situation and HIV infection rates arising from drug needle usage in Singapore remains under control despite the challenging global and regional drug situation. We have thus decided against adopting measures such as needle exchange programmes and opiate substitution programmes. Our view is that such measures are not suitable for Singapore. It is our comprehensive approach aimed at demand, supply, rehabilitation and reintegration that saves lives and communities from drugs.  

We are of the view that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as each country has its unique set of challenges. Our citizens support a zero- tolerance position against drugs, and the Singapore government is ultimately accountable to its people to ensure a safe, secure and drug-free country. We understand that other countries have adopted strategies to respond to the specific challenges they face. Singapore believes that each country has the sovereign right and responsibility to decide on the most appropriate approach to tackling its own drug problem, taking into account the historical, social and cultural context of their society.

Thank you.

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