Economic and Social Council

 
49th plenary meeting
24 July 1995

 1995/18. Promoting the use of memoranda of understanding to facilitate cooperation between customs authorities and other competent administrations and the international trading community, including commercial carriers

The Economic and Social Council,

Deeply concerned about the unlawful use of commercial carriers for the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in precursors and essential chemicals,

Recalling its resolution 1993/41 of 27 July 1993,

Recalling also article 15 of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988, 1/ which provides for cooperation between appropriate authorities, including customs and commercial carriers,

Recognizing the importance of the use of memoranda of understanding concluded between the World Customs Organization, originally established as the Customs Cooperation Council, and international trade and transport organizations, as a means to improving cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking,

Noting that a review undertaken by the World Customs Organization of the effectiveness of the programme of memoranda of understanding has revealed that both customs operations and trade have benefited from the adoption of such a programme,

Noting also that an increasing number of States have implemented memoranda of understanding,

Noting further that the adoption of a programme of memoranda of understanding has enabled States to improve the capacity of their law enforcement agencies to target and intercept illicit drug trafficking without hindering the free movement of innocent persons and legitimate international trade,

1. Commends the World Customs Organization for its work in demonstrating the effectiveness of the programme of memoranda of understanding developed at both national and international levels to combat illicit drug trafficking;

2. Also commends the cooperation of those Governments which shared their experiences with the World Customs Organization, and thereby demonstrated the wide support of the programme of memoranda of understanding;

3. Invites those Governments to further promote the effectiveness of the programme of memoranda of understanding, notably as reflected in the practical benefits of enhanced cooperation and understanding, and actively to support the efforts of the World Customs Organization by sharing their experiences with other Governments;

4. Also invites more countries and trade organizations to take part in the programme of memoranda of understanding;

5. Urges all States that have not already done so to implement fully article 15 of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988, by taking appropriate measures to prevent the use of commercial means of transport for the trafficking of illicit drugs;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to transmit the present resolution to all Governments for consideration and implementation.

Notes

1/ United Nations publication, Sales No. E.91.XI.6.

Date last posted: 5 December 1999 13:27:00
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