Way to go

Drug policy is often controversial. Opinions and beliefs about goals, priorities, responses and outcomes differ across geographical, political and professional contexts. Finding agreement on a common drug policy framework at an international level is therefore an extremely challenging exercise. Yet this was exactly what was achieved at the ‘Beyond 2008’ Forum held 5–7 July 2008 in Vienna. Martina Melis.

The objective of the International NGO Forum ‘Beyond 2008’ was to agree on a Declaration and three accompanying Resolutions embodying shared priorities and recommendations for future international drug policy approaches and responses. The documents will represent the contributions of the international community of NGOs to the 2009 meeting of the Commission on Narcotics Drugs (CND), where future international drug policy directions will be shaped.

Delegates came to the Forum with differing moods and expectations. Some had limited optimism about reaching consensus and about the importance the Declaration and Resolutions would eventually be accorded by UN member states at the 2009 CND.

Others saw the Forum as an unprecedented opportunity to better understand the politics and processes of international drug policy setting and the chance to engage in a modified dress rehearsal of the ‘real thing’.

There were those who came with clear agendas – the most vocal being to defend and preserve the status quo – and those who hoped agreement could be found to bring realism and innovation into the current but aged international framework.

With broadly different starting points, some form of compromise was inevitable to a successful outcome. However, a common willingness to focus on commonalities rather than dissent and to work towards consensus soon took over the Forum, and a very good compromise – probably the best that could have been hoped for – was achieved.

Though, at times, extensive negotiations were held around predictable sensitivities (such as the use of particular terminology, for example, drug abuse/drug use/drug misuse/harmful use), the Forum was ultimately able to reach agreement through discussion without having to resort to either majority voting or recorded dissent. The endorsement of the entire Forum means the Declaration and Resolutions carry a substantive strength and legitimacy.

The Declaration and Resolutions contain key principles and clear recommendations on the priorities and approaches that should inform and guide future international drug policy. These include: a call to address drug use as a public health issue; human rights and fundamental freedoms as the underlying basis upon which drug policies must be formulated and evaluated; the importance of collective action and global partnerships to achieve progress in reducing illicit/harmful drug use; and the need for a common standard to measure the efficacy and outcomes of demand, harm and supply reduction activities, including an analysis of the unintended consequences of the drug control system.

Though an important result, the Declaration and Resolutions represent just one element in the wider process that will culminate in the meeting of the CND in March 2009. While the NGO community will continue to prepare for the March sessions – in some cases, as part of government delegations, in others, as advisors, experts and advocates at home – the bulk of responsibility for the outcomes of the CND 2009 lies with governments.

In his opening remarks to the Forum, UNODC Executive Director Antonio Costa said, “In the same way you expect all UN Member States to agree at the CND, I urge you all to agree on a declaration to be submitted to governments.” The NGO community has exceeded these expectations. Its inclusive and content-focused consultative process, has achieved far beyond what the CND has been able to do to date, setting a big challenge for next year.

Government representatives have some important tasks and responsibilities ahead. Clearly, they need to work with their national NGOs to ensure outcomes from the meeting in 2009 truly reflect the views and recommendations of their populations. They also need to consider seriously the recommendations of the international community of NGOs as clear indications for the way ahead. Lastly, they must be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the design of more humane, just and effective future international drug policy. We are confident this is what the New Zealand delegation to the 2009 CND is already gearing up to achieve.

Martina Melis is a senior policy analyst at the New Zealand Drug Foundation.