International cooperation to address and counter the world drug problem A/RES/71/211 formulation, implementation, and the providing of relevant scientific evidence in support of, as appropriate, the evaluation of drug control policies and programmes, and recognizing further the importance of cooperation with the private sector in this regard, Reaffirming the determination of Member States to tackle the world drug problem and to actively promote a society free of drug abuse in order to help to ensure that all people can live in health, dignity and peace, with security and prosperity, and reaffirming also the determination of Member States to address public health, safety and social problems resulting from drug abuse, Reaffirming also the need to address the key causes and consequences of the world drug problem, including those in the health, social, human rights, economic, justice, public security and law enforcement fields, in line with the principle of common and shared responsibility, and recognizing the value of comprehensive and balanced policy interventions, including those in the field of promotion of sustainable and viable livelihoods, Expressing its appreciation for the results already achieved by the initiatives at the bilateral, regional and international levels, and recognizing that further positive results can be achieved with sustained and collective efforts through international cooperation in reducing the demand and supply of illicit drugs, Recognizing that, while tangible progress has been achieved in some fields, the world drug problem continues to present challenges to the health, safety and well being of all humanity, and resolving to reinforce national and international efforts and further increase international cooperation to face those challenges, Recognizing also, as part of a comprehensive, integrated and balanced approach to addressing and countering the world drug problem, that appropriate emphasis should be placed on individuals, families, communities and society as a whole, with a view to promoting and protecting the health, safety and well -being of all humanity, Expressing deep concern at the high price paid by society and by individuals and their families as a result of the world drug problem, and paying special tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives, in particular law enforcement and judicial personnel, and to the health-care and civil society personnel and volunteers who dedicate themselves to countering and addressing this phenomenon, Noting with concern that the availability of internationally controlled drugs for medical and scientific purposes, including for the relief of pain and suffering, remains low to non-existent in many countries of the world, and highlighting the need to enhance national efforts and international cooperation at all levels to address that situation by promoting measures to ensure their availability and accessibility for medical and scientific purposes, within the framework of national legal systems, while simultaneously preventing their diversion, abuse and trafficking, in order to fulfil the aims and objectives of the three international drug control conventions, Reaffirming equally that reducing drug abuse requires efforts to reduce demand, which must be demonstrated by sustained widespread demand reduction initiatives that are age- and gender-sensitive and integrate a comprehensive public health approach spanning the spectrum of prevention, educat ion, early detection and intervention, treatment, care and related support services, recovery support, and rehabilitation and social reintegration of drug users, in full compliance with the three international drug control conventions, 3/20