Beyond 2008: A global NGO review of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Illicit Drugs (UNGASS) AND As it may inform the European Union (EU) Plan of Action on Drugs

Beyond 2008: An Overview Beginning in 2007, the Vienna NGO Committee led a global NGO consultation entitled “Beyond 2008” to contribute to the UNGASS review process. Beyond 2008 was endorsed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, financially supported by several NGO’s and UN member states (Canada, Hungary, Italy, Sweden, United Kingdom) and the European Commission. Beyond 2008 consisted of: regional consultations in all 9 regions of the world & a representative Forum in July 2008 A total of over 900 persons representing millions of members in 145 countries participated in this process.

Beyond 2008 Forum – Vienna, July 2008 Following the regional consultations, a Global Summary report was prepared as were a draft Declaration and three Resolutions for debate at the Forum by the 300 delegates attending from 115 countries Participants representing a very wide range of ideological and policy positions adopted a UN style modus operandi where the Declaration Resolutions were debated line by line in plenary by all delegates Following the adoption of common and agreed language, the Declaration and three Resolutions were unanimously adopted by consensus – an historic feat never before seen at the global level and with such a breadth of representation.

Framing the Beyond 2008 Resolutions: key definitions Historic agreement was reached (after considerable effort) on the inclusion and definition of key terms including: Affected Populations: “Acknowledge the human rights abuses against people who use drugs as an affected population and encourage Member States, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other relevant organisations to solicit the participation of all affected and stigmatised populations in identifying and responding to these human rights abuses, to illicit/harmful drug use and to its adverse health, social and economic consequences.”

Historic agreement was reached (after considerable effort) on the inclusion and definition of key terms including: Illicit/Harmful Drug use: “Illicit drug use is use contrary to the UN Conventions; harmful drug use is drug use which causes harm to individuals, families, communities or the environment; illicit/harmful drug use is drug use where action is necessary, including but not limited to prevention or intervention in the fields of criminal justice, education, health care, social support, treatment or rehabilitation” Framing the Beyond 2008 Resolutions: key definitions

Historic agreement was reached (after considerable effort) on the inclusion and definition of key terms including: Harm reduction: “meaning efforts primarily to address and prevent the adverse health and social consequences of illicit/harmful drug use, including reducing HIV and other blood borne infections” …related was the affirmation of: “Noting the fundamental importance of prevention, including those efforts aimed at alcohol abuse and tobacco use, as important and complementary efforts to reduce illicit/harmful drug use” Framing the Beyond 2008 Resolutions: key definitions

Beyond 2008 Recommendations & the High Level Segment (HLS) Declaration Considerable commonalities are evident between both documents but some notable gaps remain Among the commonalities… Affected populations should be involved Reaffirm adherence to UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Demand and supply reduction should be seen as equal priorities Ensure adequate supply of essential medicines

Among the gaps NGO’s called upon CND to: develop a common standard against which demand, harm and supply reduction activities can be measured in terms of their efficacy and outcomes, including analysis of the unintended consequences of the drug control system evaluate its own work and policies and identify ways in which its effectiveness and impact might be improved... review consulting mechanisms which have been developed by other UN entities and establish mechanisms for both ongoing and recurring civil society participation, including affected and stigmatized populations, at the CND... Beyond 2008 Recommendations & the High Level Segment (HLS) Declaration

Key Themes Emanating From Beyond 2008 Relevant to the CND and EU Shared responsibility and accountability. Governments, at all levels, need to leverage the experience, reach, professionalism and passion of NGOs. NGOs have become more focused, disciplined, inter-connected and organized around how to take on this global problem. NGOs are well placed to contribute – but only if their experience, reach, impact and commitment is engaged.

Give the most affected a voice. This is an issue that has to be addressed at the human level. The Declaration and Resolutions represent many different voices - individuals, families, and communities - from around the globe. This voice needs to be heard because it brings a fundamental understanding on how to achieve demonstrable progress to reduce illicit/harmful drug use and its adverse health, social and economic consequences. Key Themes Emanating From Beyond 2008 Relevant to the CND and EU

Beyond 2008 Forum has created a call for action. The Declaration and Resolutions provide specific and realistic recommendations – but they are just the start. It is a commitment by all of the participants to build on what was achieved in Vienna as they return to their work and engage with their governments. It also represents an opportunity for the EU as it moves towards its new Plan of Action Key Themes Emanating From Beyond 2008 Relevant to the CND and EU

HLS Challenges May Present Opportunities for the EU HLS preparations disproportionately focused on debating semantics of the term harm reduction and weakened its consensus as stated in the closing session There is a need for the world to bridge this ideological schism which is limiting opportunities for engagement and collaboration The rhetoric of ‘failed prohibition’ and ‘ the loss of the war on drugs’ must be clarified as it relates to future actions Is this a call to move further from supply to demand reduction? If so, greater opportunity for clear and sustained partnerships. If it means dismantling the current regulatory framework, then it is clear a consensus will not be achieved.

Civil Society and the EU Plan of Action The EU Plan of Action sets out a positive means of civil society consultation largely through the EC, the Commissions’ European Alliance on Drugs and through willing individual member states. Civil society both within Europe and among the many third countries, are a key strategic asset to the success of the Action Plan and can provide unique data, insight and expertise to address persistent knowledge gaps in policy and programs effectiveness. As such, the EU should consider optimizing the participation of civil society within other EU institutions, as deemed appropriate, such as the EU Parliament, Horizontal Drugs Group and EMCDDA.

Solutions to drug policy problems are best known by those closest to them. Civil society often knows best how a EU wide policy plays out on the ground. Civil society consultation is important but so too is the need for them to have a more substantive role in policy, program and practice development. Clarifying “who should do what, where” is critical to long term success. Working successfully with civil society requires common language and defined parameters. The EU plan of action is a three year window of opportunity, capable of bridging many policy divides. Civil society is eager to accept its shared responsibility and work with you. Civil Society and the EU Plan of Action

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