A/HRC/31/45 V. Conclusions 35. In his concluding remarks and responses to questions raised during the discussion, Mr. Florez stated that Colombia had been actively involved in preparations for the special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem and that different approaches to drug policy may be needed. Colombia was working in particular on the preparatory process in Latin America and had consulted with a wide range of States and other stakeholders with an interest in redefining drug policy. He added that an evidence-based approach to drug policy was supported by Colombia. 36. Ms. Fordham noted that one study had shown that drug use was not significantly affected by the policy framework but that the harm caused by drugs and violations of the human rights of drug users could be positively addressed by policy choices. She stated that global drug policy was currently focused on harsh and punitive measures and that it was important for the special session of the General Assembly to ensure that global drug policy responses would be based on human rights, public health and development principles in the future. It was important that the special session be an open debate that would consider all options, for different parts of the United Nations system to make their voices heard and for consideration to be given to the views of civil society. She recommended that an expert advisory group be established to promote coherence within the United Nations system on drug policy. 37. Mr. Mohamedou stated that, when engaging with States in West Africa, it was important to avoid the militarization of drug policy and counter-trafficking responses. Addressing drug use as a public health issue and not as a criminal justice issue could be done by balancing public health and security needs. He added that public health responses should include harm-reduction programmes. He noted that drug trafficking networks in many regions had established footholds by exploiting already weak governance and criminal justice systems. 38. Mr. Saxena welcomed the emphasis in the discussion on the public health dimension of the drug problem and said that clear guidelines were needed on how to assist States. He emphasized that drug users should receive evidence-based treatment. He noted that opioid substitution therapy was an important health response and that making available clean syringes would make a significant difference in improving the health of injecting drug users. He added that prevention was extremely important in improving the living conditions of people. 39. The Deputy Executive Director of UNODC stressed the need to ensure the provision of health care, alternatives to incarceration and free legal aid to drug users. Judges should be able to take into account extenuating circumstances when hearing cases involving drug users. He added that access to controlled medicines should be a major goal of drug policy. In response to a question, he noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran had a new country programme with a focus on prevention and harm reduction in prisons. 40. In her concluding remarks, the panel moderator noted that regional differences had been highlighted by some delegations when it came to designing drug policies. She added that all countries were part of a chain of drug production, trafficking and consumption and thus shared responsibilities. She noted that many delegations wanted to evaluate measures to counter the drug problem and wished to implement specific measures that would result in tangible outcomes. Scientific evaluation was important and the scientific community also needed to be closely involved in policymaking. She added that pilot projects needed to be monitored to see whether 9