With the new EU drug strategy now adopted, key questions remain about its direction and implementation—especially the balance between public health, human rights, and security. We spoke with Anna Dovbakh, Chair of the Civil Society Forum on Drugs, about what the strategy means in practice and the role of civil society moving forward.
Ukraine
Ukraine: To treat or not to treat
This DUNews video is dedicated to three key topics that today determine the future of Ukrainian drug policy and the healthcare system: the use of psychoactive substances in the treatment of various conditions, the full-fledged legalization of medical cannabis and the introduction of national standards, as well as the revision of Order No. 188 on minimum dosages of psychoactive substances based on European recommendations.
WHEN THE ADULT IN THE ROOM IS GONE: Trump’s Budget Cuts and Global Drug Policy
The Trump administration’s slashing of foreign aid is already having a devastating impact on harm reduction and HIV services around the world. But the harmful effects extend far beyond that. Drugreporter interviewed key experts at the annual UN drugs meeting, the CND in Vienna, to provide a clear picture of the real impacts.
20 years of opioid substitution therapy (OST) in Ukraine
This new documentary film presents the history of 20 years of opioid substitution therapy in Ukraine, from the 1990s of the 20th century to the present day. This is a story of success and confirmation of the importance of OST programs as an effective tool for harm reduction for the community of people who use drugs.
Tenacity in the shrinking civic spaces | CND 2024
The side event examined prevalent legal strategies and frameworks utilized by authoritarian regimes in Central Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEECA) to impede civil society’s role in public health improvement, protection of human rights, and the delivery of life-saving harm reduction services.
Psychedelics Come to Ukraine: Ketamine Treatment for War Veterans
A short video produced by DUnews explains how ketamine can help soldiers struggling with trauma and depression.
The Global War on Drugs Breeds Monsters like Putin
The Andrey Rylkov Foundation urges countries to stop the war on drugs and provide full rehabilitation to the victims! On 26 June, the Andrey Rylkov Foundation joins the global advocacy campaign, Support Don’t Punish Day, to shed light on the devastating consequences of the War on Drugs in Russia and its expansion into Ukraine. Collaborating with Drugreporter, the Foundation releases a short video exposing the atrocities inflicted by punitive drug policies, aiming to raise global awareness and demand urgent change.
Mariupol. The city that was killed
This is the story of Natasha Kaluzhskaya, a patient in an opioid substitution programme in Mariupol, Ukraine. Mariupol was completely destroyed by the Russian army in 2022. Under the bombs, Natasha rescued people who were using drugs. She managed to survive. And today she stands as a witness to the crimes of war in Ukraine.
LIFE UNDER OCCUPATION – Part V. We kept watching
We wanted to remember it, to make sure it would never be forgotten. On 29 August, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched an operation to liberate the right bank of Kherson Oblast. And despite the regime of silence imposed by the General Staff, despite the disgusting communications, good news reached us from time to time.
LIFE UNDER OCCUPATION – Part IV. The ground was burning under their feet
Summer came to Kherson, with thick morning mists and frog concerts at night. Sweet cherries, juicy apples, and all of the many things that the soil generously provides began to appear. And with them came blackouts and mobile phone disconnection.
