United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development

E/RES/2013/42View PDF

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

A Resolution of the Economic and Social Council, under agenda item 14d Narcotic drugs, published in 2013.

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1 entity

Entity	(Sub-)Programme	Title	Total mandates cited	Expenditure
	Programme 13	International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice	377

Historical expenditure covers the complete programme or subprogramme, not this mandate. For an overview of all UN entities and programmes, see UN entities and programmes.

Who cites this mandate in the budget?

1 entity

Entity	(Sub-)Programme	Title	Total mandates cited	Expenditure
	Programme 13	International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice	377	—

Historical expenditure covers the complete programme or subprogramme, not this mandate. For an overview of all UN entities and programmes, see UN entities and programmes.

What subjects does this mandate have?

4 subjects

Drug Control Drug Policy Guidelines Narcotic Drugs

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6 operative paragraphs

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Recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the following draft resolution:

Welcomes the outcome of the high-level International Conference on Alternative Development, held in Lima from 14 to 16 November 2012, including the adoption of the Lima Declaration on Alternative Development and the International Guiding Principles on Alternative Development;Error: Reference source not found

Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on the outcome of that Conference;Error: Reference source not found

Adopts the aforementioned Lima Declaration on Alternative Development and the International Guiding Principles on Alternative Development as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development, annexed to the present resolution;

Encourages Member States, international organizations, international financial institutions, entities and other relevant stakeholders to take into account the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development when designing and implementing alternative development programmes;

Expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the Governments of Thailand and Peru for the convening of the International Seminar Workshop on Sustainable Alternative Development and the high-level International Conference on Alternative Development, respectively.

United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development

Lima Declaration on Alternative Development

We, the representatives convened in Lima for the high-level International Conference on Alternative Development on 16 November 2012,

Underscoring that the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 as amended by the 1972 Protocol,¹⁴ the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971¹⁵ and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988,¹⁶ in particular its article 14, paragraphs 2 and 3, constitute the framework of the international drug control system, and urging their full and effective implementation,

¹⁴United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 976, No. 14152.

¹⁵Ibid., vol. 1019, No. 14956.

¹⁶Ibid., vol. 1582, No. 27627.

Reaffirming the Political Declaration adopted by the General Assembly at its twentieth special session in 1998¹⁷ and the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem, adopted by the General Assembly in 2009,¹⁸

¹⁷General Assembly resolution S-20/2, annex.

¹⁸See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2009, Supplement No. 8 (E/2009/28), chap. I, sect. C.

Noting that, as was stated at the International Seminar Workshop on Sustainable Alternative Development, held in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 6 to 11 November 2011, the Political Declaration and Plan of Action mentioned above, together with the Action Plan on International Cooperation on the Eradication of Illicit Drug Crops and on Alternative Development,¹⁹ represent a significant advance, as they promote alternative development within the framework of broad national rural development, emphasize the need to address poverty, inter alia, as a driver of illicit crop cultivation and suggest the coupling of both human development and crop reduction indicators to measure the success of alternative development efforts,

¹⁹General Assembly resolution S-20/4 E.

Reaffirming that development-oriented drug policies and programmes should be undertaken in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and, in particular, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,²⁰ and the principle of common and shared responsibility, as well as the Millennium Development Goals, also taking into account the rule of law, the specific situations of countries and regions and, where appropriate, security concerns,

²⁰General Assembly resolution 217 A (III).

Recalling Commission on Narcotic Drugs resolutions 53/6 of 12 March 2010,²¹ 54/4 of 25 March 2011,²² and 55/4 and 55/8 of 16 March 2012,²³

²¹See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2010, Supplement No. 8 (E/2010/28), chap. I, sect. C.

²²Ibid., 2011, Supplement No. 8 (E/2011/28), chap. I, sect. C.

²³Ibid., 2012, Supplement No. 8 (E/2012/28), chap. I, sect. C.

Recognizing that alternative development, which, in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolutions, includes, as appropriate, preventive alternative development, is part of sustainable and effective crop control strategies, which may also include eradication and law enforcement measures,

Recognizing also that alternative development is a process to prevent and eliminate the illicit cultivation of plants containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances through specifically designed rural development measures in the context of sustained national economic growth and sustainable development efforts in countries taking action against drugs, and recognizing the particular sociocultural characteristics of the target communities and groups, within the framework of a comprehensive and permanent solution to the problem of illicit drugs,

Recognizing further that the problem of the illicit production and manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is often related to development problems and that those links require, within the context of common and shared responsibility, close cooperation among States, the competent organs of the United Nations system, in particular, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, regional bodies and international financial institutions,

Acknowledging the principal role of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, as a governing body of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime, along with its subsidiary bodies, together with the International Narcotics Control Board, as the United Nations organs with prime responsibility for drug control matters,

Reaffirming that alternative development is one of the tools to fight against the world drug problem,

Recalling and noting with appreciation the inputs for the draft international guiding principles on alternative development agreed by participants at the International Seminar Workshop on Sustainable Alternative Development, held in the provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 6 to 11 November 2011,²⁴

²⁴See E/CN.7/2012/8.

Welcome the outcome of the high-level International Conference on Alternative Development, held in Lima from 14 to 16 November 2012, which includes the present Declaration and the International Guiding Principles on Alternative Development, as contained in the appendix hereto;

Encourage States, competent international organizations, entities and other relevant stakeholders to take into account the present Declaration and the International Guiding Principles on Alternative Development when designing and implementing alternative development strategies and programmes;

Submit the present Declaration, including its appendix, to the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for inclusion in his report to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs at its fifty-sixth session;

Express our appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Peru for the convening of the high-level International Conference on Alternative Development.

AppendixInternational Guiding Principles on Alternative Development

A.General provisions

Alternative development policies are an important component of enhancing development in States affected by, or in some cases at risk of, the illicit cultivation of crops used for illicit drug production and manufacture, and play an important role in national, regional and international development policies and in comprehensive policies of poverty reduction and cooperation.

Alternative development, as an integral component of policies and programmes for reducing drug production, is an important, viable and sustainable option for preventing, eliminating or significantly and measurably reducing the illicit cultivation of crops used for the production and manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances through tackling poverty and providing livelihood opportunities.

Alternative development, including in some cases preventive alternative development, constitutes an international policy founded on the principle of shared and common responsibility that seeks to discourage the cultivation of illicit crops in countries affected by that problem and in those countries which are vulnerable to illicit activities.

Alternative development, which includes, as appropriate, preventive alternative development strategies and programmes, should be formulated and implemented by taking into account the vulnerability and specific needs of the communities and groups affected by illicit cultivation of crops used for drug production and manufacture, within the broader framework of national policies.

Effective alternative development strategies and programmes require, as appropriate, the strengthening of relevant governmental institutions at the national, regional and local levels. Public policies should be supported to the extent possible by, inter alia, strengthening legal frameworks, involving local communities and relevant organizations, identifying and providing adequate financial support, technical assistance and increased investment, and recognizing and enforcing property rights, including access to land.

Local communities and relevant organizations should be involved in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all alternative development programmes in order to truly reflect the needs of targeted communities.

Civil society can contribute significantly to the formulation of effective and sustainable alternative development programmes, and its active participation should therefore be encouraged in all phases of alternative development programmes.

An integrated and complementary approach to alternative development programmes and strategies is crucial and should be implemented in concert with broader drug control policies, including demand reduction, law enforcement, illicit crop elimination and awareness-raising, taking into account demographic, cultural, social and geographic considerations, as appropriate, and in line with the three drug control conventions.

States should ensure the proper and coordinated sequencing of development interventions when designing alternative development programmes, and in that regard should take into account issues related to the establishment of agreements and viable partnerships with small producers, favourable climatic conditions, strong political support and adequate market access.

Alternative development programmes in the areas where crops are cultivated for illicit drug production and manufacture should be undertaken with a clear understanding of the overall objectives, as appropriate, of eliminating or significantly and measurably reducing the supply of drugs while promoting comprehensive development and social inclusion, alleviating poverty and strengthening social development, the rule of law, security and stability at the country and regional levels, taking into account the promotion and protection of human rights.

Alternative development programmes should include measures to protect the environment at the local level, according to national and international law and policies, through the provision of incentives for conservation, proper education and awareness programmes so that the local communities can improve and preserve their livelihoods and mitigate negative environmental impacts.

Alternative development programmes, including, as appropriate, preventive alternative development programmes, should be designed to address subregional and regional needs and should be integrated, when circumstances require, into broader regional, subregional and bilateral treaties and arrangements.

International cooperation, coordination and stakeholder ownership are essential for the successful implementation and sustainability of alternative development programmes. Alternative development should be considered by all parties involved as a long-term commitment whose results may require time to attain.

International cooperation programmes aimed at alternative development should take into account the experiences of different countries, including with regard to South-South cooperation, should draw on best practices and lessons learned in alternative development programmes and projects and should take into account the available financial and technical support provided by donors.

Alternative development policies, as one of the tools available in the fight against the world drug problem, should be implemented alongside efforts made by States to strengthen the rule of law and promote health, safety and security so as to ensure a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges that may be posed by the possible links between drug trafficking, corruption and different forms of organized crime and, in some cases, terrorism.

Alternative development can be an integral element of an overall development strategy and should complement economic efforts in the fight against poverty.

The impact of alternative development programmes should be assessed by taking into account their contribution to the control of illicit crop cultivation, including the eradication of such crops, and through estimates based on human development indices, socioeconomic and environmental indicators and impartial and accurate evaluations.

B.Actions and implementation measures

18. States Members of the United Nations, international organizations, regional organizations, development agencies, donors and international financial institutions, as well as civil society, should apply their utmost efforts, as appropriate:

To target illicit cultivation and production of crops used for the production and manufacture of illicit drugs, and address related factors, by alleviating poverty, by strengthening the rule of law and institutional frameworks, as appropriate, and by promoting sustainable development aimed at enhancing the welfare of the population;

To build and maintain confidence, dialogue and cooperation with and between stakeholders, from people at the community level and local authorities to leaders at the national and regional levels, so as to ensure participation and ownership for long-term sustainability;

To implement long-term projects and programmes to provide opportunities to fight poverty, diversify livelihoods and strengthen development, institutional frameworks and the rule of law;

To develop policies and programmes that take into account an evidence- and science-based assessment of the potential impact of alternative development on the illicit cultivation of crops used for the illicit production and manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and on rural and socioeconomic development, including the gender dimension related thereto, and the environment;

To take into account the need to promote the diversification of licit crops cultivated and licit economic activities undertaken when implementing alternative development programmes;

Owing to the transnational nature of drug-related crimes, to encourage and support coordinated cross-border collaboration and alternative development activities, where appropriate and feasible, with the support of international cooperation;

To address with specific measures the situation of women, children, youth and other high-risk populations, including, in some cases, dependent drug users, owing to their vulnerability and exploitation in the illicit drug economy;

To provide, within a holistic and integrated development approach, essential basic services and legal livelihood opportunities to the communities affected by, or in some cases vulnerable to, illicit crop cultivation;

To recognize that alternative development, including, as appropriate, preventive alternative development, requires the implementation of articulated short-, medium- and long-term plans and actions from all relevant stakeholders to promote positive and sustainable socioeconomic changes in the affected and, in some cases, vulnerable areas;

To promote coordination and encourage alternative development programmes which contain complementary measures at the local, regional and national levels;

To ensure, when considering crop control measures, that small-farmer households have opportunities for viable and sustainable licit livelihoods so that the measures may be properly sequenced in a sustainable fashion and appropriately coordinated, taking into account the circumstances of the region, country or area concerned;

To ensure that programmes or projects related to alternative development effectively discourage the illicit cultivation of crops used for the illicit production and manufacture of drugs;

To also ensure that drug control programmes are implemented in a comprehensive and balanced manner, so as to avoid the shifting of illicit crop cultivation domestically, as well as from one country or region to another;

To respect the legitimate interests and specific needs of the local affected and, in some cases, vulnerable population when designing and implementing alternative development programmes;

To address basic human needs, in full conformity with the three drug conventions and relevant human rights instruments, in order to promote the welfare of targeted communities;

To integrate those communities which are in marginalized regions into the economic and political mainstream; as appropriate, such integration should involve supporting access to roads, schools, primary health-care services, electricity and other services and infrastructure;

To promote increased coordination and cooperation between relevant governmental agencies, when appropriate, and adopt an integrated approach to drug control that involves all relevant stakeholders;

To ensure that the implementation of alternative development programmes is conducted in a manner that helps to enhance synergy and confidence among national Governments, regional authorities and local administrations and communities with regard to building local ownership and coordination and cooperation;

To promote the strengthening of the justice and security sectors and social development, as well as institutional legal frameworks and anti-corruption measures, in a manner conducive to enhancing alternative development efforts;

To promote governance capabilities, when appropriate, in order to strengthen the rule of law, including at the local level;

To ensure that measures aimed at strengthening the rule of law are included in development-oriented drug control policies in order to, inter alia, support farmers in their efforts to stop, and in some cases prevent, the cultivation of illicit crops;

To apply, in addition to estimates of illicit cultivation and other illicit activities related to the world drug problem, indicators related to human development, socioeconomic conditions, rural development and the alleviation of poverty, as well as institutional and environmental indicators, when assessing alternative development programmes in order to ensure that the outcomes are in line with national and international development objectives, including the Millennium Development Goals, and that they reflect accountable use of donor funds and truly benefit the affected communities;

To utilize objective impact evaluations that examine a broad range of social, economic and environmental factors and incorporate the lessons learned from these evaluations in future projects to ensure that the design and implementation of alternative development programmes are based on a reliable and evidence-based evaluation and thorough analysis of local socioeconomic, geographical and cultural realities, as well as the assessment of benefits and risks;

To undertake further research and strengthen data collection with a view to providing a basis for more effective and evidence-based alternative development programmes, as well as conduct research to assess the factors leading to the illicit cultivation of drug crops used for the production and manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances;

To utilize data and conduct analysis to identify areas, communities and affected populations that are vulnerable to illicit cultivation and its related illicit activities, and tailor the implementation of programmes and projects to address identified needs;

To encourage partners in cross-border alternative development activities to consider measures to support the implementation of alternative development strategies and programmes, which may include special preferential policies, protection of property rights and facilitation of the import and export of products, in accordance with relevant international law, including trade agreements;

To enhance technical support, including exchange of expertise, best practices and resources, while seeking to secure long-term flexible funding for alternative development programmes in order to ensure their sustainability;

To consider the possibility of creating an international fund for alternative development programmes that could be used to face major emergency situations, in order to ensure continuity;

To recognize that international cooperation resources for the implementation of alternative development programmes should be used in consultation and in coordination with partner countries to support joint efforts to eliminate, reduce and, in some cases, prevent the cultivation of illicit crops through reducing poverty and enhancing rural development in areas affected by, or in some cases vulnerable to, illicit cultivation and engaging in effective law enforcement measures;

Recognize that long-term cooperation, coordination and the commitment of multilevel and multisectoral stakeholders are essential to a holistic and integrated approach to the effectiveness and sustainability of alternative development programmes;

Consider voluntary and pragmatic measures in appropriate forums, with a view to enabling alternative development products to gain easier access to international markets, in accordance with applicable multilateral trade rules and treaties and taking into consideration the ongoing negotiation processes in the framework of the World Trade Organization; these might include promoting cost-effective marketing regimes in the field of alternative development, including, as appropriate, preventive alternative development, such as a global stamp for products stemming from alternative development programmes and voluntary certification to support the sustainability of alternative development products;

Promote, where appropriate, a favourable socioeconomic infrastructure, including the development of roads and transportation networks, the promotion and enhancement of farmer associations, microfinance schemes and schemes aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the management of available financing resources;

Combine local wisdom, indigenous knowledge, public-private partnerships and available resources to promote, inter alia, a legal market-driven product development approach when applicable, capacity-building, skills training of the involved population, effective management and the entrepreneurial spirit, in order to support the creation of internal and sustainable commercial systems and a viable value chain at the local level, when applicable;

Support policies conducive to cooperation with the international financial institutions and, where appropriate, private sector involvement and investment to help to ensure long-term sustainability, including through the use of public-private partnerships, and to encourage alternative development in rural associations or cooperatives and support their management capacity, in order to maximize value from primary production and to ensure the integration of areas affected by, or in some cases vulnerable to, illicit cultivation into national, regional and, as appropriate, international markets;

Promote local ownership and participation of the involved parties in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of alternative development programmes and projects;

Foster empowerment, including articulation, communication and participation, of the community and local authorities and other stakeholders, to sustain the achievements of the projects and programmes;

Take into account land rights and other related land management resources when designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating alternative development programmes, including those of indigenous peoples and local communities, in accordance with national legal frameworks;

Raise awareness among rural communities of the negative impacts that illicit drug crop cultivation, related deforestation and the illicit use of natural resources, in disregard of national or international laws, may have on long-term development and the environment.

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

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Who cites this mandate in the budget?

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What’s in this document?

AppendixInternational Guiding Principles on Alternative Development

A.General provisions

B.Actions and implementation measures

Table of contents

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