A side event at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs brought together experts to discuss how drug policy outcomes are measured, with the Sustainable Development Goals discussed as a potential mechanism of evaluation.
There is still a long way to go. But what is clear though is that the combined efforts from academia, policy circles, and the involvement of the grassroots in the development of solutions can pave the way for more systematic responses to the tough questions on illicit economies.
It remains to be seen how debates over cannabis develop and whether the meetings between the INCB and its civil society interlocutors grow into real processes of dialogue. But this is certainly a step in the right direction for the Board.
Adapting the UN drug control system to modern realities is long overdue, and if the Board wants to protect the useful elements of the current system, the only option is to facilitate change, through honest discussion and valid guidance.
The workshop highlighted the fact that a local policy addressing Harm Reduction and HIV services (including human rights aspects and service equity) is best designed through community collaboration and consultation with local and international advocates.
Overall, the INCB was a positive presence at this year’s CND, and its contributions were by and large progressive, re-stating opposition to the use of the death penalty, advocating access to medicines, strongly supportive of human rights, and making itself available to civil society for discussions
Despite the unequivocal link between the drug policy debates and human rights, the negotiations in Geneva held over several weeks were not easy, demonstrated by the oral amendments to the text that were made even in the last hour.
The conference was hosted by KANCO and brought together over 600 participants from more than 20 countries. It was a rare opportunity for Eastern Africa to have a conversation about drug policies that are progressive and that put people and communities first.
