UN level engagement
Screenshot from 'The 2016 UNGASS: Challenges and opportunities', a side event at the CND.
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As a global network, IDPC is uniquely placed to connect advocacy efforts and bridge policy debates between the national, regional and international levels, facilitating participation, promoting accountability and leveraging positive developments to advance progressive reforms.
IDPC’s engagement in international debates on drug policy has contributed to growing and accelerating momentum for reform. We provide expert advice to UN member states and agencies, develop capacity and awareness about UN processes on drug-related issues, and bring focus to the intersections between drug policy and related UN mandates, including human rights, gender and development, in Vienna, Geneva and New York.
IDPC’s work to shift global norms is enhanced by the support that we provide our membership to make their voices heard in regional and global forums, and to leverage international progress to effect change domestically. From its inception, IDPC has prioritised the promotion, protection and expansion of civil society space at the UN level. This is particularly important in light of the barriers and hostility that civil society often faces from public authorities at the national level, including in relation to authoritarianism and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, we work with our members and partners to promote and improve cross-UN engagement and coherence in relation to drug policy – especially by promoting the landmark UN System Common Position on drug-related matters, which contains strong normative support for decriminalisation, harm reduction, development and human rights.
