6th European Harm Reduction Conference – Live streaming

The Opening Session

· Tony Duffin, Ana Liffey Drug Project (Moderator)
· President Aleksander Kwasniewski
· Municipality of Warsaw Authorities
· Katrin Schiffer, Director, C-EHRN
· Magdalena Bartnik
· Daphne Chronopoulou

The opening session of the European Harm Reduction Conference 2024 in Warsaw will warmly welcome participants to the beautiful and vibrant City of Warsaw. This session will provide an insightful overview of the conference’s scope, focus, and format. Key speakers will highlight the critical role of harm reduction in Europe, addressing the conference’s central theme: “Putting People First – Empowering Communities and Driving Innovation.”

Polish Drug Policy: Persistence and determination towards drug law reform and putting people who use drugs at the centre.

· Magdalena Bartnik (Moderator)
· Agnieszka Sieniawska
· Jakub Nowak
· Justyna Struzik, assistant professor, Jagiellonian University
· Zofia Kotańska
· Katarzyna Urbaniak

The panel will provide an opportunity to reflect on current drug laws and the evolution of harm reduction in Poland, by discussing challenges, barriers and opportunities from a legal, PWUD community, service provision and research perspective.

This session will address the European Drug Policy situation in the EU and the neighboring countries and discuss trends, challenges and advocacy needs.

Alexis Goosdeel (Director EUDA) will provide an overview of the current European drug trends and developments and set the scene for a panel discussion with experts, consisting of national and European policy and decision makers, civil society and community members.

The panel discussion will focus on different topics, including:

• New drug trends and developments in the EU and the neighbouring countries
• Harm Reduction in Europe
• European policies – impact on harm reduction and an evidence-based drug policy
• Shrinking space for civil society
• Advocacy priorities and needs

· Tony Duffin, Ana Liffey Drug Project (Moderator)
· Alexis Goosdeel, Executive Director EU Drugs Agency (Speaker)
· Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Member of the European Parliament
· Denis Huber
· Lynn Ruane
· Viktor Mravčík, Scientific Advisor for the National Drug Coordinator, Czechia
· Peter Sarosi
· Lynn Jefferys, Operations , European Network of People who Use Drugs
· Viktoriya Tymoshevska

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the shifting global human rights landscape responding to key consequences of the “war on drugs” on the lives of people who use drugs. International and regional experts will overview key documents and on the urgent need for reform that prioritizes health, justice, and dignity for individuals, impacted by punitive drug laws.

The session will explore how repressive drug policy impact enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights and right to health and what civil societies need to change in our strategic engagement with UN human rights mechanisms and to impact European Aid Budgets to create a more humane and equitable framework that aligns with international human rights standards.

Moderator: Ganna Dovbakh

Subsessions

Human rights challenges in addressing and countering drugs: the OHCHR report and how to use it for national drug policy reform
December 02, 2024 2:00 PM – 2:10 PM

What we are missing in using different the UN treaty bodies for protecting human rights of people using drugs?
December 02, 2024 2:10 PM – 2:20 PM

How European aid budgets are supporting the war on drugs around the world?
December 02, 2024 2:20 PM – 2:30 PM

The Impact of Punitive Drug Laws and Policies on the Enjoyment of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia
December 02, 2024 2:30 PM – 2:40 PM

Restoring the right to health of people who use drugs in the EECA region: monitoring, responding, advocating, reforming.
December 02, 2024 2:40 PM – 2:50 PM

The session provides an overview of the status and progress made in the EECA region to respond to the changing drug scene with medication assisted treatments that have developed in the last several years.

The session will provide an overview of the drug scene in EECA and its most recent changes.

It will highlight the case of Ukraine that managed to deliver life-saving OAT during the war and even more – introduce the innovation of providing long-acting depot buprenorphine (LADB) and expand OAT in prison settings.

The case of Kyrgyzstan introducing LADB for people who inject opioids within a pilot study to assess the feasibility as part of a UNITAID project will be presented.

Experience of providing ADHD medication to stimulant users within SoS project 2.0 will be shared in the context of Czech program on stimulant users medically-assisted treatment. The Czech Republic have been implementing methylphenidate based MAT to stimulant drug users for over 7 years in several settings – clinical and NGO drop-in centers. Ukraine has launched a pilot in 4 cities on the basis of narcological clinics that will allow to assess how the program helps stimulant users with ADHD cope with usage by means of treating ADHD medically, as well as providing psychosocial support aimed at reducing use, as well as the influence on the quality of life and the acceptability of the service in general.

Partners from Slovenia and Romania will share their experience of interesting approaches and developments in OAT provision, such as utilising mobile units and NGOs, a variety of medication options available and reaching solid coverage.

The session will also include representatives of the PWUD community; sharing their personal and community experience in relation to monitoring access and quality of medications, based on their recent experience of ECAT on OST.

Moderator: Maria Malakhova

Subsessions

Which factors facilitate or hinder the implementation of injectable opioid agonist treatment? A scoping review
December 02, 2024 4:00 PM – 4:10 PM

Fragile Grassroots Solidarities. On the Situation of Opioid Users in Poland.
December 02, 2024 4:10 PM – 4:20 PM

Introducing Long-Acting Depot Buprenorphine in Kyrgyzstan: A Feasibility Study
December 02, 2024 4:20 PM – 4:30 PM

For more than 30 years, Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) have been implemented in Western countries. These services, typically aim to reduce overdose-related morbidity and mortality, prevent the spread of infectious diseases and provide access to a broad range of medical and social support services. As frontline, low-threshold services, DCRs are also often among the first sites where insights into new drug use patterns and they therefore play an important role in the early identification of new and emerging drug trends. In addition, DCRs may also have the objective of reducing drug use in public and to improve public amenities.

In some countries, DCRs are a well-established and integrated component in responses to drug-related problems. Additionally, a substantial body of practical experience and research evidence has accumulated to support its effectiveness in achieving public health and safety. Yet, the scale of DCR implementation still varies considerably worldwide as they remain contested measures, particularly at the level of political and public debates.

From a legal point of view, international conventions allow flexibility in the establishment of DCRs when national legislation acknowledges these facilities as part of a public health, harm-reduction strategy. However, in many countries, the operation and continuity of DCRS require adaptations to their legislative, judicial and/or administrative frameworks. Also, they face multiple political, cultural, economic and ethical obstacles, as well as community and public opinion debates.

This session aims to contribute to an informed discussion about DCRs, by presenting the available evidence, reviewing the various models being adopted and their characteristics, as well as (legal) preconditions and considerations that would allow this public health service to be integrated and balanced continuum of drug policy initiatives.

Potential partners: European Network of Drug Consumption Rooms, Queen’s University, EMCDDA, EuroNPUD

Moderator: Roberto Perez Gayo

Discussant: Peter Krykant, Release Drugs, Trustee

Subsessions

Abrigado Luxemburg 20+1: From drug consumption room to complex drug help center
December 03, 2024 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM

Implementation and development of an integrated model of Drug Consumption Room in a disadvantaged and stigmatized social housing context in Lisbon
December 03, 2024 9:10 AM – 9:20 AM

Overcoming legal barriers to the establishment of DCRs in Europe
December 03, 2024 9:20 AM – 9:30 AM

OPC Prep: Developing a core outcome set to evaluate overdose prevention centres (OPCs) or Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs)
December 03, 2024 9:30 AM – 9:40 AM

Overdose prevention centres as spaces of safety, trust and inclusion: a causal pathway based on a realist review
December 03, 2024 9:40 AM – 9:50 AM

Drug Consumption Rooms operating in Greece: Highlighting the importance through evidence-based data.
December 03, 2024 9:50 AM – 10:00 AM

Despite the fact that drug checking services have been provided for a long time in many countries, such as the Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom, Spain, and Switzerland, they all operate in a legal grey area. It basically means that they’re not explicitly illegal – but they’re not legal either. In 2022, Aotearoa New Zealand became the first country in the world to fully legalise drug checking services. This allows people to get their drugs tested at festivals, clinics, and other locations to identify the substances present and make informed decisions about use. There are still many countries in Europe (and in the world), which are afraid of providing drug checking services, because of the “legality” of the service. However, practise shows, that there are many loopholes in the laws and overcoming it can help in starting provision of drug checking services.

The aim of this session is to explore how organizations can overcome legal barriers, to be able to provide drug checking services.

The objectives of this session are:

To identify the most common legal barriers related with no/ limited access to provision of drug checking services;
To discuss how countries with long drug checking service provision experience overcame legal barriers;
To share and express opinions regarding the future of drug checking services and its legalization.

Moderator: Igor Gordon

Subsessions:

Paving the Way – Grey Zone Drug Checking in Lithuania
December 03, 2024 11:00 AM – 11:10 AM

Drug checking via Syringe Vending Machines
December 03, 2024 11:10 AM – 11:20 AM

Innovations from a Harm Reduction Lab in Spain: Science for individuals, organizations and the community
December 03, 2024 11:20 AM – 11:30 AM

Overcoming legal challenges in Drug Checking services: Insights and future directions
December 03, 2024 11:30 AM – 11:40 AM

This conference session will explore the evolving cannabis policies in Europe and the role of harm reduction in these regulatory shifts. It will cover key findings from studies in Switzerland, Germany, and France, examining how regulated cannabis access impacts user behavior and public health. The session will highlight Switzerland’s pilot projects on regulated cannabis sales and discuss the broader implications for European policies, which are increasingly rooted in harm reduction principles.

Additionally, it will address the challenges faced in Germany’s recent move to decriminalize cannabis, including resistance from medical and regulatory bodies. The session will also explore the use of cannabis as a substitute for other substances, showcasing its potential as a harm reduction tool. Overall, it aims to provide insights into how harm reduction strategies can be integrated into cannabis regulation and the barriers to progressive policy changes.

Moderator: Joey Reno Vella

Subsessions

Opportunities for harm reduction in emerging European policies regulating cannabis
December 03, 2024 1:30 PM – 1:40 PM

Cannabis as an alternative or complement to other psychoactive substances: cannabis users’ experiences and implication for Harm Reduction strategies
December 03, 2024 1:40 PM – 1:50 PM

The Geneva Cannabis Project – A longitudinal study
December 03, 2024 1:50 PM – 2:00 PM

The Cannabis Consumption Act in Germany
December 03, 2024 2:00 PM – 2:10 PM

The session “Harm Reduction in the War in Ukraine” will explore innovative strategies developed to address the complex challenges posed by the war on Ukraine. Drawing on research and fieldwork, the session will examine the war’s impact on drug use trends, healthcare disruptions, and illicit markets. It will also highlight the resilience of harm reduction services in engaging key populations, ensuring access to HIV, hepatitis, and TB prevention, and providing comprehensive support to displaced persons. By focusing on new approaches to service delivery, the role of humanitarian efforts, and the integration of mental health care, the session underscores the adaptability of harm reduction frameworks in times of crisis. Additionally, the importance of peer-driven models and cross-border collaboration will be discussed, emphasizing the continuity of vital services in the most challenging conditions.This session will demonstrate how harm reduction frameworks have adapted to emerging crises, providing vital support to vulnerable populations during the war.

Moderator: Ievgen Kushnir, Alliance for Public Health

Subsessions

Harm reduction in a conflict setting: new drug trends and policy debates in the context of the war in Ukraine
December 03, 2024 3:30 PM – 3:40 PM

Experience of NGO “Convictus Ukraine” in Implementing Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Harm Reduction Services in Chernihiv and Kyiv Regions During the War
December 03, 2024 3:40 PM – 3:50 PM

Main results and conclusions of the project on social and legal assistance to forcibly displaced Ukrainian prisoners in Russia.
December 03, 2024 3:50 PM – 4:00 PM

Implementation of an innovative model of involving prisoners in the provision of harm reduction counselling services in prisons on a peer-to-peer basis in times of war
December 03, 2024 4:00 PM – 4:10 PM

People who use drugs and other marginalised groups, such as people experiencing homelessness, sex workers or migrants, are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis epidemics. With stigma, discrimination, and criminalisation aggravating health disparities, these communities experience limited access to health services and higher prevalenceof infectious diseases compared to the general population.

In light of these considerations and recognising the urgent need to address these multiple epidemics to improve the health of affected communities and public health in Europe, the BOOST project was launched by CEHRN to strengthen and support community-based and community-led harm reduction organisations4 in providing high-quality communicable disease services to people who use drugs. These include the scaling-up of good practices in communicable disease awareness, prevention, screening/testing and linkage to care, delivered as an integrated part of people-centred harm reduction interventions.

The session will provide exemples on what challenges organisations face to tackle HIV/HCV in Portugal and Slovenia and then highlight practical interventions and experiences in the field of data collection, digital skills, community involvement and advocacy for better HIV/HCV policy and practice, based on the experiences of the BOOST project.

Moderator: Ruth Zimmermann

Subsessions

Analysis of Provision of the HCV Treatment to People Who Use Drugs In Bratislava and Reccomendations for Future Practice
December 04, 2024 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM

Decentralized Consultation: showcasing the benefits of public-private partnership in the community
December 04, 2024 9:10 AM – 9:20 AM

Strengthening community-based harm reduction – Experiences of the BOOST project in the field of capacity building and advocacy
December 04, 2024 9:20 AM – 10:30 AM

Cities are at the forefront when it comes to the development and implementation of innovative health, social and drug policy responses.. They are “the places where both problems emerge and solutions are found” and are hotspots for identifying new drug patterns, social disparities, and healthcare needs, profoundly impacting the lives of urban residents. Moreover, cities often serve as pioneers, offering models for other urban areas globally.

This Panel Discussion will bring together mayors, local policy and decision-makers, and drug policy experts to explore local drug policy challenges, share experiences and best practices, and discuss how cities can craft innovative, evidence-based drug policies, including models for decriminalisation and regulation.

Organised as part of the European City Initiative on Drug Policy—launched by C-EHRN in 2024—this session will also introduce the EHRC2024 Satellite Event, Dealing with Drugs II – cities as incubators in the international quest for regulation, hosted by the City of Amsterdam on Wednesday afternoon, directly following the conference.

Moderator: Lynn Ruane

Femke Halsema, Mayor of the City of Amsterdam
Allan Casey, Councillor of the City of Glasgow
Carly Heath, City Council of Bristol, Night Time Economy Advisor
Pavel Bem
Jacopo Rosatelli, Assessore of the City of Turin
Robert Csák, Drug Coordinator of the City of Budapest
Municipality of Warsaw Authorities (Speaker)

Wrap-Up session

The Wrap-up Session serves as a crucial closing moment of the conference, bringing together a diverse panel of harm reduction experts. This session will provide a platform for reflection on the key takeaways from the event, offering insights on the progress made and the gaps that remain in harm reduction efforts globally.

Key areas which will be addressed include:

Summarizing Major Insights: The panel will highlight the most significant discussions and findings from the various sessions, shedding light on emerging trends, best practices, and innovative approaches shared throughout the conference.

Identifying Challenges and Barriers: Experts will critically assess ongoing challenges in implementing harm reduction policies and strategies.

Exploring Future Opportunities: The session will also look ahead, exploring new opportunities for collaboration, policy advocacy, and the development of evidence-based interventions.

Moderator: Tony Duffin

Speakers

Alexei Lakhov
Magdalena Bartnik
Marta Pinto
Rafaela Rigoni, C-EHRN, Head of Research

The mayor of the City of Amsterdam invites cities, European and international stakeholders to join her in the pursuit of a more just and humane drug policy.

The satellite event delves into how controlled regulation can provide solutions and how initial experiments can be wisely designed and sensibly executed. The event builds on the outcomes of the Dealing with Drugs Conference in January 2024.

Highlights of the program, that will be moderated by Steve Rolles (Transform Drugs):

The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, and the High Commissioner for the Human Rights Volker Türk (by video message) will set the scene for the event, stressing the importance of searching for alternative approaches to drug policy. Ambassador of Colombia Laura Gil will speak about her experiences in the complex world of international cooperation. Keynote speaker Neil Woods will dive into the mechanisms that explain why the war on drugs is not effective.

Host
Steve Rolles
Speakers
Femke Halsema, Mayor of the City of Amsterdam
Volker Türk
Neil Woods
Laura Gil
Philippe Close

By zooming in to the practical aspects of regulation, the debate can move from the why, to the how of regulation. As author of several ‘how to’ books, Steve Rolles has become one of the most knowledgeable advisors for governments and cities. Pieter Walinga will present a practical canvas that can be used to design experiments with regulation of different substances.

Speakers:

Pieter Walinga, City of Amsterdam , Program manager
Steve Rolles