DSRSG/RC/HC Ghulam Isaczai – Speech Launch of Substance Use Report and Guidelines

Your Excellency Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi, Minister of Health
Distinguished Dr. Hanan Balkhi, Regional Director of WHO \ Eastern Mediterranean region 
Honorable colleagues from the Ministry of Health,
Distinguished partners and guests,

It is a great honor to welcome you all to this important gathering, which brings together high-level leaders and stakeholders to address one of Iraq’s most pressing challenges – the issue of drugs and their impact on public health, security, and society.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all attendees for your commitment and leadership in confronting this critical issue, and for your continued support in advancing Iraq’s national response.

Today, we convene to discuss the serious challenge of drug use and trafficking. This issue is of utmost significance for Iraq’s stability, public health, and the protection of its youth – the foundation of the country’s future.

In recent years, Iraq has moved from being primarily a transit country to becoming a country of consumption, with thousands of cases recorded annually, most affecting young people.

We commend the efforts of the Government of Iraq, particularly the Ministry of Health, for preparing the report on the Drug use situation in Iraq and development of the National Protocol for the management of substance use disorders, launching the community awareness guideline and establishing specialized centers such as Al-Qanaa Rehabilitation Center – located on the site of the former Canal Hotel, where several of our UN colleagues lost their lives 22 years ago. Transforming the site of this tragic event into a rehabilitation center and witnessing the launch of these reports from this very location is a significant tribute to the victims of this tragic incident.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting Iraq in addressing the drug use challenge. This work directly contributes to the achievement of the Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on health and wellbeing, and aligns with the priorities of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

We encourage the Government to continue expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation services across all governorates, ensuring these services are accessible to all who need them.

It is vital that all interventions place young people at the center, while also ensuring that no vulnerable group is left behind, including women and marginalized communities.

The UN stands ready to deepen its partnership with the Government to strengthen prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to ensure that together, we build a healthier, safer, and more resilient Iraq.

In closing, allow me to thank Your Excellencies and all participants for your leadership and commitment in addressing the drug challenge. This collective effort is pivotal in protecting Iraq’s youth, safeguarding public health, and advancing national stability.