United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development A/RES/68/196 the provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 6 to 11 November 2011, 23 1. 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; 2. 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; 3. 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; 4. Express our appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Peru for the convening of the high-level International Conference on Alternative Development. Appendix International Guiding Principles on Alternative Development A. General provisions 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Effective alternative development strategies and programmes require, as appropriate, the strengthening of relevant governmental institutions at the national, _______________ 23 See E/CN.7/2012/8. 5/10