The main messages of this conference were decriminalisation of drug users, proportional sentencing and a focus on harm reduction policies and programmes.
As the ECOSOC adopts the report of the 52nd CND, IDPC Chair, Mike Trace addresses the plenary to highlight remaining difficult questions for international drug policy and UN system-wide coherence.
The US House of Representatives have voted in favour of lifting the ban on the use of US federal funds for needle exchange. Challenges remain but this is an important step in changing US public policy on harm reduction measures.
Michel Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund call for greater coherence within the UN system on the issue of drug policy, with particular reference to HIV prevention for people who inject drugs.
A Dutch review of national drug policy has called for a number of key changes and focuses on four key points: concern about drug use among young people (particularly the very young), a more restrictive approach to coffee shops, tougher measures against organised crime and the establishment of a drugs authority.