This side event at the 2023 SDG summit underscores that without a major reframing of the 'world drug problem' and a focus on sustainable development priorities, there is a risk of falling short of achieving the 2030 Agenda.
The Paradigma Youth Coalition present their response to the 2023 World Drug Report, emphasising the importance of involving young people in shaping progressive drug policies with evidence-based approaches, inclusivity and harm reduction at their core.
IDPC offers a historical analysis of civil society advocacy for drug policy reform at the UN, assessing gains, challenges and insight on how the latter have been generally overcome.
IDPC takes stock of progress made on the implementation of the recommendations included in the UNGASS Outcome Document, focusing on six critical areas: public health, development, human rights, civil society engagement, UN agency collaboration and cooperation, and drug policy evaluation.
Despite some progress, in most parts of the world, governments remain wedded to draconian policies that continue to have catastrophic impact on communities and have resoundingly failed in their stated purpose of eradicating illicit drug markets.
UNODC compiles data on thriving drug markets, noting a 30% rise in use over the last decade yet remaining mostly silent on human rights impact of drug control.