Drug Foundation - Policy

International Drug Policy Consortium August Information Alert

Ross — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:59:58 +1200

Release date:

3 Aug 2007

Media release summary:

Monthly update on international drug policy issues.

Media release:

The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) is a global network of NGOs and professional networks that specialise in issues related to illegal drug production and use. The Consortium aims to promote objective and open debate on the effectiveness, direction and content of drug policies at national and international level, and supports evidence-based policies that are effective in reducing drug-related harm. It disseminates the reports of its member organisations about particular drug-related matters, and offers expert consultancy services to policymakers and officials around the world.

The following reports have been published in recent weeks, and can be downloaded from the Consortium website (http://www.idpc.info) Please forward this alert to anyone on your email networks with an interest in drug policies.

IDPC Briefing Paper Number 6 - The World Drug Report 2007.
This IDPC Briefing reviews the data in the latest report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime on the state of the global market, criticises the claims made in the report that international action is successfully controlling the market, and questions the political objectivity of the UNODC as we approach the review of the global objectives set in 1998.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/IDPC_BP06_WorldDrugRpt2007_EN.pdf

Beckley Report 12 - Prisons and Drugs.
The latest report from the Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme describes the high rates of drug problems in all prison systems, summarises the current state of global knowledge and research evidence, and provides a guide for policymakers on how to develop effective policies and programmes in this area.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/Beckley_RPT12_Prisons_Drugs_EN.pdf

Beckley Briefing Paper 12 - The Australian "heroin shortage" six years on: what, if any, are the implications for drug policy?
This briefing paper summarizes the results of research into the consequences of the so-called Australian "heroin shortage" in 2001 and reviews the continuing debate about its causes and policy significance.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/Beckley_BP12_AusHeroinShortage_EN.pdf

Transnational Institute Drug Policy Briefing No 22 - Colombia Coca Cultivation Survey Results - A Question of Methods.
Despite 2006 witnessing the most intensive use of fumigation in the country's history, some 157,200 hectares of cultivation were detected, 13,200 hectares more than in 2005. Is the fumigation strategy failing?
http://www.tni.org/detail_page.phtml?&act_id=17020

Opium Jihad. Martin Jelsma and Tom Kramer - Red Pepper, June 2007. With Afghanistan now responsible for more than 90 per cent of the world's opium production, there is massive international pressure for repressive policies. But quick-fix solutions like opium bans and eradication don't work, write Martin Jelsma and Tom Kramer, who report back from Afghanistan on the rising anger of poor farmers on the front line.
http://www.tni.org/detail_page.phtml?&act_id=17028

International Harm Reduction Association - The Ultimate Price.
This article by Rick Lines describes the global situation regarding the death penalty for drug-related offences. Although there has been an emerging international trend away from capital punishment in general, more and more "retentionist" countries are expanding the death penalty to include drug offences - and even drug possession itself. This article (from Druglink magazine - the bi-monthly publication from DrugScope in the UK) outlines how the death penalty for drug offences can be seen as a violation of international law and human rights.
http://www.ihra.net/uploads/downloads/NewsItems/Lines-DrugLink0707.pdf

International Harm Reduction Association - Policing Harm.
This article by Jamie Bridge describes the impact that policing practice can have on harm reduction approaches - as well as the efforts that have been made to engage law enforcement personnel in harm reduction interventions and training. The article (from Druglink magazine - the bi-monthly publication from DrugScope in the UK) is adapted from the "50 Best Resources on Policing and Harm Reduction" - IHRA's free resource collection which is available at: www.ihra.net/policing.
http://www.ihra.net/50BestCollectionsOverview http://www.ihra.net/uploads/downloads/NewsItems/Bridge-DrugLink0607.pdf

International Harm Reduction Association - The Works Party Comedown
This article by Jamie Bridge describes some of the issues and problems facing needle exchange services and staff in the UK. An audit of needle exchanges in the UK showed the extent of the "postcode lottery" that exists in terms of service coverage and quality. The article (from Druglink magazine - the bi-monthly publication from DrugScope in the UK) describes what needs to be done in order to take needle exchange into the next era and rise to the challenges of rising HIV and hepatitis C prevalence amongst the country's injecting drug users.
http://www.ihra.net/uploads/downloads/NewsItems/Bridge-DrugLink0906.pdf

Reality Check on Coca in the Andes - WOLA BRIEFING, JUNE 2007
The latest ONDCP data on coca cultivation in the Andes makes one thing clear: there is plenty of coca. Overall Andean coca cultivation in 2006 may have reached its highest level in 20 years. The high coca cultivation levels, especially in Colombia, indicate continued robust cocaine supplies and provide no reason to expect imminent reductions in U.S. cocaine availability. This report provides a detailed analysis of the 2006 ONDCP coca cultivation figures with helpful charts and graphics.
http://www.wola.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=viewp&id=457&Itemid=2

Reforming the Ranks: Drug-Related Violence and the Need for Police Reform in Mexico. WOLA Briefing, July 2007.
Mexico's accelerating drug violence has highlighted the limits of police effectiveness and the problems of police corruption. At least 1,400 people have died in attacks since January 2007, figures that far exceed those for the same period in 2006 and 2005. The Calderón government has been quick to call out troops but slow to start the necessary process of professionalizing police forces. Long-term remedies to drug-related violence require strong, accountable police forces - with the support and trust of the civilian population.
http://www.wola.org/media/Drug%20violence%20and%20police%20reform%20report.pdf

The IDPC also wish to publicise the following events and conferences that are of interest to individuals and organisations engaged in drug policy issues:

HARM REDUCTION 2008: IHRA's 19th International Conference. The latest in the series of global gatherings to review the state of harm reduction services, exchange best practices, and plan for the future.11 - 15 May 2008; Barcelona, Spain.
http://www.ihra.net/Barcelona/Home

2007 INTERNATIONAL DRUG POLICY REFORM CONFERENCE - NEW ORLEANS, DECEMBER 5-8. The International Drug Policy Reform Conference is the world's principal gathering of people who believe the war on drugs is doing more harm than good. No better opportunity exists to learn about drug policy and to strategize and mobilize for reform.
http://kessjones.com:80/conf07

"BEYOND 2008" REGIONAL FORUMS.
This series of conferences is designed to facilitate regional discussion between NGOs that will feed into a global forum in July 2008, that itself will formulate the official NGO presentation to the UN global review of drug policy scheduled for 2009. The following regional session has been confirmed:
SOUTH-EAST ASIA , EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC - MACAU, 31st October to 1st November 2007.
Conferences in other regions are currently being planned. For latest updates, visit
http://www.vngoc.org

FIFTH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DRUG POLICY.
This conference, to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 27/28 August 2007, aims to promote an informed debate on drug issues in order to strengthen public opinion towards drug policies alternative to prohibition. The conference is organised by Intercambios Civil Association, and is supported by the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Advances of the Argentine Ministry of Education.
http://www.intercambios.org.ar

SOUTH EAST ASIA REGIONAL FORUM ON AMPHETAMINE-TYPE STIMULANTS.
Manila, the Philippines, 29-31 August 2007. The Forum addresses the current state of the ATS problem in Asia, assesses responses and future possibilities. For further details please contact Mr Jeremy Douglas (jeremy.douglas@unodc.org) or Mr Gerson Bergeth (gerson.bergeth@unodc.org) and visit http://www.apaic.org/

International Drug Policy Consortium June Information Alert

Ross — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 13:34:22 +1200

Release date:

12 Jun 2007

Media release summary:

Media release:

The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) is a global network of 26 NGOs and professional networks that specialise in issues related to illegal drug production and use. The Consortium aims to promote objective and open debate on the effectiveness, direction and content of drug policies at national and international level, and supports evidence-based policies that are effective in reducing drug-related harm. It disseminates the reports of its member organisations about particular drug-related matters, and offers expert consultancy services to policymakers and officials around the world.

The following reports have been published in recent weeks, and can be downloaded from the Consortium website (http://www.idpc.info/)

IDPC POSITION PAPER - DRUG POLICY OBJECTIVES SHOULD INCREASINGLY FOCUS ON THE CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG USE. This position paper explains the thinking behind the IDPC call for a refocusing of high-level drug policy objectives.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/IDPC_Position2_June07.pdf

IDPC POSITION PAPER - EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE SUPPLY OF DRUGS SHOULD NOT FOCUS ON THE PUNISHMENT OF GROWERS. This position paper outlines the IDPC view that programmes, such as forced eradication, that criminalise those involved in the cultivation of illicit crops are ineffective and counterproductive, and that source country strategies should focus more clearly on development and poverty reduction goals.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/IDPC_Position3_June07.pdf

IDPC POSITION PAPER - THE UN SYSTEM SHOULD DEVELOP A MORE CO-ORDINATED APPROACH TO DRUG POLICY ISSUES. This position paper describes the many ways in which the current UN system for dealing with problems related to illegal drugs is incoherent, and sets out suggestions on how the system could become more co-ordinated and effective.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/IDPC_Position5_June07.pdf

WOLA Report on Coca Prices in the USA - "CONNECTING THE DOTS". This report, from the Washington Office on Latin America, analyses the most recent US government figures on prices of Coca and Cocaine in wholesale and retail markets, identifying a recent reduction in prices.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/WOLA_CTD_April2007.pdf

International Harm Reduction Association - "50 BEST RESOURCES ON POLICING AND HARM REDUCTION". The latest in IHRA's "50 Best" series focuses on the role that police forces can play in supporting harm reduction initiatives.
http://www.ihra.net/50BestCollectionsOverview

Report of the 2007 Wilton Park Conference on Global Drug Policy. "HOW CAN INTERNATIONAL DRUG POLICIES SUCCEED?". This is the report of the 2007 Wilton Park conference on drug policy, covering speeches and discussion amongst an invited group of senior policymakers, diplomats and academics.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/WiltonPK_DPSucceed_March2007.pdf

"AN ANALYSIS OF UK DRUG POLICY". Peter Reuter and Alex Stevens, on behalf of the UK Drug Policy Commission. This is the executive summary of a report prepared for the launch of the Commission, that reviews progress against the objectives of the UK Government's 10 year national drug strategy.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/UKDPC_DP_review_May2007_EN.pdf

"SAFETY FIRST". A toolkit produced by the Drug Policy Alliance, that provides an alternative approach to "Just Say No" approaches to drug education and prevention.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/SafetyFirst_teensanddrugs_May2007_EN.pdf

"FIRST GLOBAL FORUM OF PRODUCERS OF CROPS DECLARED TO BE ILLICIT". This is the first announcement of a conference, to be held in February 2008, that will bring together representatives of groups involved in the cultivation of crops controlled under the UN Conventions.
English version: http://www.idpc.info/docs/IPC_Illicit_Crops_May07_EN.pdf
Spanish version: http://www.idpc.info/docs/IPC_Illicit_Crops_May07_ES.pdf
French version: http://www.idpc.info/docs/IPC_Illicit_Crops_May07_FR.pdf

"A DIALOGUE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST ON SOCIAL WORK". This conference, to be held in Shanghai, China on 28/29 October 2007, aims to bring together social work professionals from East and West to compare approaches.
http://www.idpc.info/docs/ECUST_PapersCall_May2007_EN.pdf

The conference of "POLICING DRUGS ON THE STREETS OF EUROPE", Warsaw, Poland, 12-14 September 2007 offers mid-ranking police officers an opportunity to meet, share best practice and learn about innovative operational initiatives. The conference is organised by IWR Associates, and is supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers, the UK Home Office and Europol. For further details and to book your place, go to the dedicated conference website at:http://www.policingdrugs.com/

Reducing drug demand a good investment

Ross — Thu, 10 May 2007 13:58:16 +1200

Release date:

10 May 2007

Media release summary:

The Drug Foundation welcomed the Government’s increased investment in reducing demand for drugs, released today in a pre-budget announcement.

Media release:

The Drug Foundation welcomed the Government’s increased investment in reducing demand for drugs, released today in a pre-budget announcement.

Associate Minister of Health Jim Anderton announced the spending of $5.9 million over three years on two activities to reduce drug demand. The first is a targeted information campaign to inform people about drugs and where they can get help, the second activity supports better policy making on drug issues.

“We don’t begrudge the government’s investment over the past few years on tackling the supply of drugs, but it’s a no brainer that if we don’t increase our efforts to reduce the demand for drugs, especially among young people, then we’re wasting our time on controlling supply,” says Ross Bell, executive director of the New Zealand Drug Foundation.

“The laws of supply and demand apply as much to illicit drugs as they do to TVs and bananas. Efforts to reduce supply may reduce the quantity of drugs and push up prices, but as long as there is a demand for drugs people will find a way to meet that demand. And because it’s an illegal market, this results in criminal activity,” says Mr Bell.

The Drug Foundation, however, cautions against a saturation media campaign on drugs, saying there is little research and evidence to support the types of anti-drug campaigns seen overseas.

“While high profile media campaigns showing extreme consequences of drug use may win advertising awards and increase politicians’ popularity, such campaigns do not deter, and may even encourage, teen drug use,” warns Ross Bell.

Mr Bell welcomes Jim Anderton’s commitment to a targeted campaign based on credible messages and the most up-to-date and best evidence.

“The campaign needs to provide honest and factual information to people that need it, including young people, schools and community agencies. We also need to support parents to deal with drug issues, including providing advice on the best ways to communicate with their children about drugs. And people need to know where to get help,” says Mr Bell.

The Drug Foundation also welcomes Mr Anderton’s focus on cannabis, which, despite its legal status is the mostly widely used illicit drug in New Zealand.

“The attention given to methamphetamine and party pills has been at the expense of a serious discussion on new and better ways to address the harms from cannabis,” says Ross Bell.

Click here for the Government's announcement

Inquiry into New Zealand’s relationships with South Pacific (Submission)

Catherine — Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 +1200

The Drug Foundation is concerned about the widespread harms caused by drugs in New Zealand communities; the biggest harms are being caused by our legal drugs – alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco cause serious problems on a global scale.

Reclassification of bzp (Submission)

Ross — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +1300

In 2004 Mr Anderton asked the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) to review recent New Zealand research on benzylpiperazine (BZP), the main ingredient in most party pills. The official EACD report was released by Mr Anderton on 20 December 2006. It recommended BZP be classified as C1 under the Misuse of Drugs Act alongside drugs such as cannabis. It is illegal to possess or sell Class C drugs.

Opioid substitution treatment practice guidelines February 2003

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 11:09:38 +1300

These Opioid Substitution Treatment New Zealand Practice Guidelines provide a framework for the effective, safe and responsive delivery of opioid substitution treatment and will supersede the National Protocol for Methadone Treatment in New Zealand (1996) from 1 February 2003.

National drug policy

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:47:16 +1300

The National Drug Policy (NDP) aims to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders by encouraging the development of strategies and programmes which prevent and reduce drug-related harm.

The NDP is in line with World Health Organization and United Nations recommendations of a balanced approach to drug policy.

Progress under the NDP is reviewed twice yearly by the Ministerial Committee on Drug Policy (MCDP). Initiatives are progressed and monitored by a group of Government agencies that make up the Inter-Agency Committee on Drugs (IACD).

New Zealand police alcohol action plan March 2006

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:41:26 +1300

Over the years, police have built up considerable experience in dealing with alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder, and much has been learnt about what works in minimising problems linked to alcohol. Importantly, steps have been taken to look beyond individual incidents to identify patterns in alcohol-related crime and crashes, which has suggested opportunities to better target police interventions.

National alcohol strategy 2000-2003

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:38:46 +1300

In a formal sense, the National Alcohol Strategy sits under the New Zealand Health Strategy and the National Drug Policy. The New Zealand Health Strategy sets the platform for change and identifies key priority areas, the National Drug Policy sets out the Government's commitment to minimise all drug related harm; and identifies various priority areas and desired outcomes towards this end.

Seeing through the smoke: tobacco monitoring in New Zealand 2005

Catherine — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:35:13 +1300

This report extends the brief section on monitoring included in Clearing the Smoke, the Ministry of Health's five-year strategic plan for tobacco control (2004-2009), and provides a more detailed overview of the current state of tobacco monitoring in New Zealand.