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Background

Basic information about the OAS Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission

The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) is an entity of the OAS created in 1986 that enjoys technical autonomy in the exercise of its functions.

It is the main hemispheric political forum on issues related to the drug problem, and promotes multilateral cooperation and continuous political dialogue between member states, and implements programs of action to strengthen the capacity of member states to prevent and treat drug abuse.

The Executive Secretariat of CICAD works at OAS headquarters in Washington, DC. It has 40 staff members who are responsible for implementing programs in six areas: the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM); Institutional Strengthening and Policy Coordination; Inter-American Observatory on Drugs; Demand Reduction; Anti-Money Laundering; and Supply Reduction.

What have been the main achievements of CICAD?

· In the 2011-2015 Plan of Action of the 2010 Hemispheric Drug Strategy for the first time a paradigm shift was made to treat the drug user not as a security issue but as one of public health.

· In 2013 the report on "The Drug Problem in the Americas" was published, in accordance with a mandate from the Sixth Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia in 2012. The report marked a milestone in the regional debate about drugs. The report questioned the effectiveness of current drug policies and raised possible alternatives.

· The OAS, in the 2013 General Assembly - its main annual meeting- expressed support for seeking alternative paths. It also approved the Drug Resolution 2014 of Guatemala, where a Special OAS Assembly was held to discuss drug policy.

· CICAD has Expert Groups who identify and develop resources, tools, guides, and reference materials to support member states.

· Provides support for the process of evaluating the drug control policies of OAS member states.

· Promotes Drug Treatment Courts, which aim to divert substance-abusing offenders from prison and jail into treatment and rehabilitation under judicial supervision.

Why is CICAD 58 important?

• CICAD has two top level meetings per year, where the 34 active OAS member states define the policies to be followed. CICAD 58 will take place between November 11 and 13 in Trujillo, Peru.

• At the meeting the region's position ahead of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem, UNGASS 2016, will be analyzed.

• Participants will report with recommendations on reducing supply and demand for drugs, and combating money laundering.

• Meeting will advance in the discussion of the 2016-2020 CICAD Action Plan

• On Tuesday, November 10 in Trujillo a meeting with representatives of civil society was held to discuss their positions ahead of the 58 CICAD.

Background

In 1986 the OAS General Assembly brought together the ministers of justice of the Americas for the First Inter-American Specialized Conference on Drug Trafficking, held in Rio de Janeiro in April 1986. In November 1986, the OAS General Assembly approved the Program of Action of Rio de Janeiro and created the CICAD.

In January 1987 the Executive Secretariat of CICAD was established as an OAS specialized body. The Commission met for the first time in March 1988.

In November 1996, Anti-Drug Strategy in the Hemisphere was approved by CICAD and the concept of shared responsibility characterized the approach in Buenos Aires.

In June 1997, the OAS General Assembly expanded CICAD membership to all eligible states (instead of 11 members elected by the Assembly as previously).

In April 1998, the Second Summit of the Americas (Santiago, Chile) mandated to the creation of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM).

In 2000 the Inter-American Observatory on Drugs was created as a division of statistics, information and research branch.
Since 1999, the Reports of the First Round of the MEM (1999-2000), Second Round (2001-2002), Third Round (2003-2004), Fourth Round (2005-2006) and Fifth Round (2007-2009) have been issued.

Reference: S-039/15