US the big surprise at international drug policy meeting in Vienna

UNU-ONY, United Nations University

Obama administration is praised by human rights organization for bringing a "fresh approach" to international drug policy and HIV/AIDS policy-making.

The Obama Administration’s approach to international drug and HIV/AIDS policy at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) meeting that was held March 8-12 in Vienna, Austria has won praise from the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA).

More info at the CNDBlog: Although the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the UN body tasked with overseeing global drug policy, does not broadcast its proceedings nor make its minutes or report summaries public, the IHRA has added transparency to this meeting through its CNDBlog. Go there to find out the position your government is taking on global drug policy.

“Real progress was made here this week in Vienna; some countries that in the past tried to obstruct resolutions dealing with harm reduction and human rights have backed off,” said Professor Gerry Stimson, executive director of the IHRA, who attended the Vienna meeting.

“The big –- and welcome –- development is the U.S. position," said Stimson in a written statement. "The fresh approach of the Obama administration to the UN and to international drug and HIV/AIDS policy is making itself felt. U.S. officials here for the first time were able to voice their support for HIV-related risk prevention measures, and for HIV prevention firmly based in human rights. Let’s hope this continues to play through in the years ahead. If so, we are going in the direction of a more rational global response to drug-related harm.”

IHRA also praised a U.S.-sponsored resolution on access to essential controlled medicines. The Commission has long neglected this aspect of its mission, according to the IHRA.

“The real disappointment is Russia, which not only neglects the prevention and care of HIV for drug users within Russia (some 65 percent of HIV infection in the country occurs through injecting drug use and opioid substitution therapy, such as methadone, is illegal), but continues to try to export that negative approach to the rest of the world,” said Damon Barrett, IHRA human rights analyst, who also attended the CND meeting.

“Russia attempted to block key provisions of the HIV/AIDS resolution and with co-operation from Kenya, managed to remove any mention of essential drugs for HIV prevention from the U.S. medicines resolution,” concluded Barrett.

The International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) promotes a harm reduction approach to all psychoactive substances on a global basis. It works to prevent negative social, health, economic and criminal impacts of illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco for individuals, communities and society. IHRA supports the engagement of people and communities affected by drugs and alcohol around the world and works to promote harm reduction and human rights issues within national, regional and international bodies such as the UN.

Key resources on drug policy and harm reduction:

• International Harm Reduction Association
• International Drug Policy Consortium
• International Centre on Human Rights and Drug Policy
• International Harm Reduction Development
• Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
• Youth R.I.S.E.
• Drug Policy Alliance Network (U.S.)
  
• Harm Reduction Coalition (U.S.)