There was a time when we expected that the end of aggressive American interventionism would open the gates to drug policy reform. We are now at the dawning of a new multipolar world order, but it is not only the spirit of reform that has been released from the bottle. (Russian translation here!)
Drug Policy and Law
Drug laws in most countries of the world follow the principle defined by the three international drug conventions (1961, 1971, 1988), that is, they prohibit the non-medical and non-scientific use of some mind altering drugs. This principle is not only outdated but it has become anachronistic: the reality is that millions of people use mind altering substances for recreational purposes and most of them do not experience significant harms from drug use. What is more, many harms people do experience are directly connected to the war on drugs, which created a lucrative black market that only benefits criminal organisations. A drug-free world is an illusion, drug policies should be aimed at reducing the harms of drug use and drug policies instead. We believe that drug use should not be punished and drugs should be regulated as legal products, adjusted to the specific characteristics and risks of those drugs.
Call for Applications – Case Studies on Drug Policy
The Civil Society Forum on Drugs, an expert group of the European Commission, is currently accepting applications from eligible European civil society organisations for a case study project about positive and challenging examples in the field of drug policy.
The Limits of Evidence-Based Drug Policy Making
We often speak about evidence-based drug policies – but presenting decision makers with the evidence rarely works in the way it is supposed to.
Making Peace in the Drug War in Mexico: Interview with Zara Snapp
We interviewed Zara Snapp, a leading expert on drug policy reform in Latin-America, about the chances of making a long term peace in the war on drugs in her home country, Mexico.
Civil Society Forum on Drugs Reconvenes in Brussels
The reconvened Civil Society Forum on Drugs discussed how to put drug policy back on the EU’s political agenda at its first meeting in Brussels.
Online Survey on EU Drug Policies
The Civil Society Forum on Drugs is conducting an online survey to assess civil society perspectives on the EU Action Plan on Drugs.
The Ritualistic Nature of the War on Drugs
Albert Einstein was wrong when he said to repeat the same mistake over and over again is insanity. It is quite normal human behaviour. But we are able to overcome it.
“Duterte Ordered to Have Me Killed” – Interview with Senator Trillanes
More than 12.000 of people, mostly urban poor, have been murdered in the Philippines since President Duterte took office in 2016. But why is the drug war so important to Duterte? Do the people support his policies? What is the role of the church? Is international pressure effective in preventing the death of more people? […]
Drugreporter Live From the Commission on Narcotic Drugs
The Drugreporter video team will live-stream sessions and talkshows from the annual UN meeting on drugs in Vienna on 12-14 March. Please follow us on Facebook and tune in!
Civil Society Urges Italian Government to Support Humane Drug Policies
Ahead of the annual meeting of the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs next week, Italian NGOs have sent an open letter to the government, urging it not to repeat the mistakes of the past and to stand up for European and humane drug policies.
