Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe

Since the 2016 UNGASS on drugs, much more visibility than ever before
has been given to the need to ground drug policies and interventions
in human rights principles. Europe has been a leader in this regard,
pushing for a strong human rights agenda at both regional and
international levels. The European Union (EU) has been among the
strongest voices in support of the UNGASS Outcome Document since
2016 and of the UN System Common Position on drug-related matters.
The EU recently adopted a new Drugs Strategy for the period 2021-25,
which has a human rights focus. The Council of Europe has just
adopted a resolution on human rights-focused drug policies, while
the Pompidou Group is aiming to give more prominence to human
rights within its work. In the meantime, the 45 members of the EU Civil
Society Forum on Drugs have promoted the need for drug policies
and interventions grounded in human rights at national, regional and
global levels. This side event will be an opportunity to discuss these
developments from a civil society and policy makers’ perspective.

Speakers:

Marie Nougier, International Drug Policy Consortium, on behalf
of the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs.

Edith Hofer, European Commission, European Union.
Péter Sárosi, Rights Reporter Foundation, representative of the
EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs.
Dr. Joan R. Villalbí, Delegate of the Government for the National
Plan on Drugs, Ministry of Health, Spain.
Hannah Bardell, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,
Rapporteur for the report on "Human rights and drug policies
in Europe : a baseline reference”.
Chair Moderator: Oriol Esculies, International Commissioner of
Association Proyecto Hombre.

Recorded on Thursday 15th April 2021. 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. (CET)
at the 64th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs