| International Drug Policy and Links |
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Information overload: All on the page Part 7 |
| International drug policy and links |
Committing itself to the slogan 'a drug free world: we can do it!', the UNGASS (United Nations General Assembly Special Session) set three targets for 2008, which were accepted by 150 countries: (i) 'eliminating or significantly reducing the cultivation of the coca bush, the cannabis plant and the opium poppy'; (ii) 'eliminating or significantly reducing the illicit manufacture, marketing and trafficking of psychotropic substances, including synthetic drugs, and the diversion of precursors; and (iii) 'achieving significant and measurable results in the field of demand reduction'.
THE GLOBAL SYSTEM
Since the 1920s, the international community has agreed to systems of prohibition for a wide range of psychoactive substances, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis. The current framework for this drug control system is enshrined in a set of three landmark United Nations (UN) Conventions:
• The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961
• The Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971
• The Convention against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988
These Conventions limit the acceptable uses of narcotic and psychotropic substances to medical or research purposes and call on Member States to otherwise prohibit the production, distribution and use of psychoactive drugs. The Conventions have been signed and ratified by most UN Member States. This is a remarkable diplomatic achievement. It shows a high level of international consensus on a complex policy issue that impacts on different societies in different ways. There is near universal recognition of the gravity of 'the drug problem' and a shared recognition that it has an irreducibly global dimension.
Taken from:
The Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme
Towards a Review of Global Policies on Illegal Drugs , May 2004
Marcus Roberts, Axel Klein, Mike Trace
http://www.beckleyfoundation.co.uk/pdf/report_globalpolicy.pdf
| ORGANISATIONS AND LINKS :: |
United Nations
www.un.org
International Drug Policy Consortium
http://www.beckleyfoundation.org
The Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme aims to cast light on the current dilemmas facing policymakers at national and international level, as they seek to improve the effectiveness of global drug policies. The work of this initiative will be conducted within the context of a broad consortium of non-governmental organisations and professional networks, which share a commitment to the evidence-based development and refinement of policy in this field. It will be made up of a select group with credibility and technical expertise in the field of drug policy or practice. The influence of the reports produced by the BFDPP will be strengthened by the formation of this umbrella organisation.
The following organisations make up the existing members of the consortium:
Australian Drug Foundation
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
Drugscope ( UK )
GTZ ( Germany )
Akzept ( Germany )
CPD ( Switzerland )
National Drug Strategy NGO Group ( Ireland )
TNI
International Harm Reduction Development Programme
Washington Office on Latin America
ERIT ( Europe )
ITACA ( Europe )
International Harm Reduction Association
Trimbos Institute ( Netherlands )
Think Tank
http://www.beckleyfoundation.org
The Senslis Council
Drug Policy Advisory Forum
http://www.drug-policy.org
Transform Drug Policy Foundation
http://www.tdpf.org.uk
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (emcdda)
www.emcdda.eu.int
Drug Policy Alliance
http://www.drugpolicy.org/homepage.cfm
ELISAD
www.elisad.uni-bremen.de
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/index.html
The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) is an agency of the Organization of American States (OAS)
www.oas.org
The Home Office
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/index.html
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/cnd.html
The Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme
Assessing Drug Policy: Principles & Practice , 2004
http://www.beckleyfoundation.co.uk/pdf/report_drugspolicy.pdf
BFDPP Briefing Paper 1 - May 2004 : Reclassification of Cannabis in the UK
BFDPP Briefing Paper 2 - May 2004 : Drug Policy and the HIV Pandemic in Russia and the Ukraine
BFDPP Briefing Paper 3 - 2004: Drug Consumption Rooms
BFDPP Briefing Paper 4 - 2004: Upheavals in the Australian drug market: heroin drought, stimulant flood
EU Presidency
Conference - Towards an Effective Policy on Drugs: Policy Choices, Scientific facts and Day-to-Day Practice
http://www.eu2003.gr/en/articles/2003/1/29/1737/
Drug Policy Alliance
Drug Policy Alliance: Alternatives to Marijuana Prohibition and ...
... of national drug policies to international trade and development assistance funding
is one of the most problematic features of the international drugs policy ...
drugpolicy.org/library/mcdonald2.cfm
International drug policy: challenges and perspectives
http://www.senliscouncil.net/documents/Leroy_paper
Bernard Leroy, Senior Inter-regional Legal Advisor, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
The Senslis Council
http://www.drug-policy.org
Global Drug Policies - Better Health and Social Welfare
Policy materials and discussion
Drug policy and the global fight against Aids Author : Barra, Massimo (16 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: As there are no common positions on the drug problem, compromises are difficult, and therefore policies must be flexible and adapt to every local situation. While taking into account these different circumstances, the focus on preventative practices and harm reduction innovations must be intensified. The approach that the Red Cross uses for the fight against HIV/AIDS and the initiatives of the Global Fund can perhaps be used as a guiding light for how to approach the drugs issue.
Alternative Development Author : Berg, Christoph (71 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The concept of development-oriented drugs control as followed by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development is about reducing poverty, ensuring sustainability, improving participation and strengthening good governance. As a result, alternative development can contribute significantly to the reduction of illicit drug production
The tragic outcome of Sweden's dream of a drug free society Author : Stålenkrantz, Berne (17 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: By criminalizing personal possession of drugs, enforcing serious penalties and overiding individual rights, the Swedish model hopes to create a good drug-free society. Instead it is leading only to increased usage and less treatment by condemning the addict to a life of alienation and fear. Drugs must be decriminalized in order to allow addicts to be part of society and feel able to seek help without fear of persecution. A policy of condemnation must be replaced by understanding.
Opinion on the legality of health promotion measures in light of the UN drug conventions regime Author : British Institute of International and Comparative Law (195 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: A paper commissioned to undertake an independent review of the flexibility of the UN drug conventions regime as regards approaches aimed at promoting the public and private health of a society and its individuals. It is contended that there is a strong case for arguing that drug-injection rooms, needle-exchange programmes, substitution treatment and heroin treatment are permissible within the existing drug control regime.
Draft Fourth Framework on Risk Management Author : British Institute of International and Comparative Law (219 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The legal structure for a new United Nations Convention for the risk management of drug use. The articles define a thorough and comprehensive framework for amendments to the laws presently implemented by the various international control organs and incorporates measures for promoting public health through substitution treatment, prevention, education and alternative development, as well as the evaluation and application of such prescriptions.
The Swiss Case Author : Guillaume Fournier (57 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Swiss harm reduction policy is the most developed in the world. Today, legislators envisage instituting an official cannabis distribution channel.
Is Harm Reduction Enough? Author : Goldberg, Ted (11 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Bringing harm reduction to policy agenda in Vietnam Author : Oanh, Khuat Thi Hai (11 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Vietnam tries to adopt a humanistic approach by not treating the user as a criminal in principal, but trying to rehabilitate them. Not many Vietnamese people however, are aware of the concept of harm reduction. While there have been some conferences and pilot projects on the subject, more help needs to come from the international community in order to build awareness and create an impetus for financing more health-oriented policies for drug users.
Experiences with harm reduction policies and the relevance of the international drug conventions Author : Polak, Frederick (48 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Red Cross Harm Reduction Report Author : International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (2222 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: This document, the first of its kind ever issued by the Red Cross, outlines the rationale for harm reduction programmes and what generic approaches Red Cross societies can adopt and implement. In the report, the Red Cross advocates forcefully for the just treatment of drug users and harm reduction in general.
Drug policy and public health promotion in France Author : Romero, Jean-Luc (10 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: In France there has not been that much public debate on the drugs issue. No reform has been made on the drug laws since the very repressive one passed in 1970 which prohibits harm reduction. More attention has been brought to the issue since the spread of AIDS, and the current government is looking into some drug law reform. But more of a common policy in Europe is needed in order for France to go too far down this path.
Addiction concepts and international drug control: presentation slides Author : Room, Robin (91 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Recent Developments on Global Drug Policy Author : Uchôa, Paulo (15 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The 2001 Brazilian national plan on drug policy, drafted and implemented by SENAD (National Antidrug Secretariat), aims to employ a decentralized and intersectional approach to drug policy implementation. Through the eduction and development of its citizens at all levels, society can be mobilized into efficient and effective action in drug demand reduction without prejudice against the drug user.
Drug policy and health systems: options for a more effective drug control regime: presentation slides Author : Wodak, Alex (137 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Vienna Civic Centre: Fleur Woudstra Closing Author : Woudstra, Fleur (55 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Global Drug Policies - National Policies Facing Multiple Challenges
Policy materials and discussion
Drug policy in Romania Author : Agapie, Monica (13 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Romania is a nexus point of heroin trafficking from the Balkans to Western Europe . The National Anti-Drug Agency was set up in 2002 in order to implement new trends in Romanian drug policy. A more sophisticated system integrates drug prevention with treatment, rehabilitation, and integration services for drug addicts. Nevertheless, more support needs to come from international drug policy networks.
International Framework and National Realities Author : Andenas, Mads (13 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: While the need for a legislative regulatory framework remains paramount, the current regime must articulate a more comprehensive and holistic set of goals. The best approach to reform is one that is premised on a collective action by a group of countries with a shared reform agenda. Elements from alternative regimes, such as the 2003 WHO framework convention on tobacco control, certification schemes, and Fairtrade systems may serve as informative tools in designing a new regulatory framework.
Colombia: a story to be told Author : Bell Lemus, Gustavo (25 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Colombia , the biggest producer and exporter of cocaine in the world, is plagued by drug-related armed conflict as well as a harmful repressive anti-drug campaign by the U.S. based mainly on crop fumigation that is having great human, financial and environmental costs. New alternatives need to be evaluated in a more pragmatic and scientific manner and implemented by the international community. Options for the gradual legalization of drug consumption controlled by the government as well as alternative uses for drugs need to be explored as part of the solution to the drug trafficking phenomenon.
Alternative Development Author : Berg, Christoph (71 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The concept of development-oriented drugs control as followed by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development is about reducing poverty, ensuring sustainability, improving participation and strengthening good governance. As a result, alternative development can contribute significantly to the reduction of illicit drug production
The tragic outcome of Sweden's dream of a drug free society Author : Stålenkrantz, Berne (17 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: By criminalizing personal possession of drugs, enforcing serious penalties and overiding individual rights, the Swedish model hopes to create a good drug-free society. Instead it is leading only to increased usage and less treatment by condemning the addict to a life of alienation and fear. Drugs must be decriminalized in order to allow addicts to be part of society and feel able to seek help without fear of persecution. A policy of condemnation must be replaced by understanding.
Drug policy change in Germany and at the international level: shorter version Author : Boellinger, Lorenz (32 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: In Germany , depenalisation is about legal interpretation. Since the laws can be redefined according to circumstance, many drug consumer protection systems have been implemented without violating the repressive disosition of the written laws. This should serve as a paradigm for the international system as reinterpretation will be the only way to achieve any substancial policy shift within the existing UN agreements.
Combating the drug problem with new solutions Author : Canas, Vitalino (77 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The rationale behind the new Portuguese drug policy (decriminilisation of the consumption of all drugs) is to consider the drugs user as a sick individual who required social and/or health support. If the Portuguese "third way" is now supported across party lines at home, it has had more difficulties fitting into the international drug framework, where risk reduction is given very little room if any at all. Time has come now where the fight against drugs, misery, exclusion and sickness of drugs use must be fought not in fear of innovation but with courage and reforms to the international framework.
Workshop II: New approaches and tools for law enforcement and justice Author : Fournier, Guillaume (64 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: This document summarises themes for discussion during the second workshop at the Lisbon International Symposium. Elements offered for discussion include supply and demand, approach on abuse, private production and self-supplying. Other topics offered include the role police should play in the control of a regime of controlled distribution, and the trend of tabacco smuggling.
Reforming the French drug system: a proposal Author : Fournier, Guillaume (231 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: This study aims to briefly illustrate the state of the French legal and illegal drug control system in relation to the various categories of substances concerned. It is followed by a series of recommendations on how one might improve the existing drug regulations.
Crime delinquency associated to drugs Author : Guillaume Fournier (51 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The link between drug consumption and delinquency is complex and should not be interpreted merely as a relationship of cause and effect. Furthermore, the comparison of legal to illegal drugs confirms the idea that prohibition is a primordial factor in public disorder associated with psychoactive drugs.
Law enforcement and the criminal justice system Author : Guillaume Fournier (62 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The "War on drugs" massively clogs the judicial system and makes its management problematic. Despite a growing amount of resources, the repression apparatus remain saturated, seriously compromising the efficient accomplishment of their missions.
Drug prohibition and terrorism Author : Guillaume Fournier (51 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Terrorist activities cannot exist without funding in which states refuse to participate today. The prohibition of drugs allows drug traffickers to make a vast profit, part of which is destined towards political violence and terrorist programs.
Drug prohibition and criminality Author : Fournier, Guillaume (44 Kilobytes application/pdf)
The Swiss Case Author : Guillaume Fournier (57 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Swiss harm reduction policy is the most developed in the world. Today, legislators envisage instituting an official cannabis distribution channel.
Cultivation of canabis: summary Author : Hough, Mike (71 Kilobytes application/pdf)
How Drug Prohibition Finances and Otherwise Enables Terrorism Author : Oscapella, Eugene (42 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: This paper deals with how the drug trade under a system of prohibition has become a major, if not the major, source of funding for many terrorist groups. The analysis concludes that because current methods of attacking the drug trade are ineffective, governments must reconsider and, ultimately, dismantle prohibitionist drug laws.
Drug Policy in Thailand Author : Phongpaichit, Pasuk (20 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The result of several ruthless anti-drug campaigns by the Thai government has been the overcrowding of jails, the abuse of human rights, extrajudicial killings and the overall increase in drug prices. A new strategy is desperately needed, such as decriminalization and a stronger emphasis on rehabilitation. Beyond these mesaures, there should be discussions at the international level on the different options for the economic regulation of drugs, its cost-effectiveness and social impact.
Drug policy and public health promotion in France Author : Romero, Jean-Luc (10 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: In France there has not been that much public debate on the drugs issue. No reform has been made on the drug laws since the very repressive one passed in 1970 which prohibits harm reduction. More attention has been brought to the issue since the spread of AIDS, and the current government is looking into some drug law reform. But more of a common policy in Europe is needed in order for France to go too far down this path.
Review of Swedish Drug Policy Author : Tham, Henrik et al. (474 Kilobytes application/msword)
Abstract: The goal of Swedish drug policy is “a drug free society”. By setting this objective, Sweden has assumed a unique position among European nations, adopting a total prohibition model and emphasising a restrictive approach. This comprehensive review offers the opportunity for a number of academics and researchers to critically investigate the realities of Swedish drug policy and share their coonclusions in an open and rational way.
Illicit Drugs in the andes five years after UNGASS-98 Author : Thoumi, Francisco (136 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Recent Developments on Global Drug Policy Author : Uchôa, Paulo (15 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The 2001 Brazilian national plan on drug policy, drafted and implemented by SENAD (National Antidrug Secretariat), aims to employ a decentralized and intersectional approach to drug policy implementation. Through the eduction and development of its citizens at all levels, society can be mobilized into efficient and effective action in drug demand reduction without prejudice against the drug user.
What about drug production Author : White, Tony (61 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Global Drug Policies - New Approaches
Policy materials and discussion
Read the Public letter to Kofi Annan and list of signatories
Towards a new drug control regime Author : British Institute of International and Comparative Law (199 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: This paper outlines various opportunities for a new international drug regime and proposes a new Fourth Framework Convention. By drawing analogies with a number of economic or political frameworks and mechanisms, this paper aims to look at the policy environment in which a major shift in drug policy can take place.
Draft Fourth Framework on Risk Management Author : British Institute of International and Comparative Law (219 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The legal structure for a new United Nations Convention for the risk management of drug use. The articles define a thorough and comprehensive framework for amendments to the laws presently implemented by the various international control organs and incorporates measures for promoting public health through substitution treatment, prevention, education and alternative development, as well as the evaluation and application of such prescriptions.
Open Letter from Dario Fo Author : Fo, Dario (58 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Reforming the French drug system: a proposal Author : Fournier, Guillaume (231 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: This study aims to briefly illustrate the state of the French legal and illegal drug control system in relation to the various categories of substances concerned. It is followed by a series of recommendations on how one might improve the existing drug regulations.
Europe's role in Drug in Drug Policy Reform Author : Mancroft, Benjamin (78 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Lisbon International Symposium: dinner speech by Dr. Mowlan Speech Author : Mowlan , Mo (11 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Legalise coca leaves - and break the consensus Author : Oomen, Joep (17 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The coca leaf has for thousands of years been a practical and cultural resource with many benefits for many people. The arguments that have been used to ban coca consumption have always had more to do with geopolitical concerns than with public health, and the result has been political and economic destabalisation in a significant part of Latin America . The proposal for legalizing coca leaves could eventually break the consensus on desinging a more rational, human rights-oriented model for global drug policy.
Senlis Council Backgrounder Author : Senlis Council (137 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: This backgrounder looks at the different dimensions of global drug policy. In this context, it presents the initiatives undertaken by the Senlis Council - Drug Policy Advisory Forum.
Is social nuisance a key to change in current drug policy practice? Author : De Ruyver, Brice and Vander Laenen, Freya (24 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The authors try to answer the central question of how public policy can have a grip on a multidimensional social phenomenon like the drug phenomenon. The question can only be answered by going beyond the distinction between licit and illicit substances, which is purely arbitrary and legalistic in nature.
Emerging policy contradictions Author : Bewley-Taylor, David (28 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Today, reform-minded nations are no longer in agreement with many of the provisions contained within UN drug control treaties signed in good faith some time ago. This is placing UN institutions responsible for international drug policy in an increasingly difficuly position vis-à-vis those signatories wishing to create more policy space at the national level. There are a number of steps that could be considered by nations hoping to move along the path to drug policy repatriation and the development of pragmatic multi-dimensional policies.
Conclusions from Workshop II: New approaches and tools for law enforcement and justice Author : White, Tony (9 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Findings resulting from these workshop deliberations include the need for enforcement agencies to amend erroneous branding of "traffickers," discontinue targeting low level user/dealers in compensation for the failure to arrest major drug "kingpins," match legalization/decriminalization policy changes between possession of cannabis and the cultivation of cannabis for self-supply, and the establishment of threshold values in respect to driving regulations.
An ill wind Author : White, Tony (12 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: From disadvantaged peasants to political parties and suppliers of military hardware, the beneficiaries of the illicit drug trade are many. Generating employment and boosting commerce all over the world, this "illegal" economy has become so intertwined with the "legal" one, that separating the two has become almost impossible. Deflating the illegal drug trade "balloon" must be done by forcing down the value of drugs as commodity at a very gradual rate so as not to upset the legitimate economy.
Calling for Action to improve the current International Framework on Drugs Author : White, Tony (51 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The drug elimination or significant reduction targets set at the 1998 UNGASS are failing and will most certainly not be achieved by 2008. Over the next five years, the case for change, backed up by data and expert opinion, can be built up to the point at which it dwarfs the case for maintaining policies that stand exposed as having failed.
Is social nuisance a key to change in current drug policy practice? Author : De Ruyver, Brice and Vander Laenen, Freya (24 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: The authors try to answer the central question of how public policy can have a grip on a multidimensional social phenomenon like the drug phenomenon. The question can only be answered by going beyond the distinction between licit and illicit substances, which is purely arbitrary and legalistic in nature.
Illicit drugs convention reform & the United Nations agencies: Full text Author : Wilson, Andrew (481 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: This background paper, prepared for the September 2002 Comité des Sages Meeting, provides a brief summary of the positions (stated or implicit), interests and potential contributions of various UN agencies regarding reform of the three main international conventions on illicit drugs.
Illicit drugs convention reform & the UN Agencies: Summary Author : Wilson, Andrew (116 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Drug policy and health systems: options for a more effective drug control regime Author : Wodak, Alex (13 Kilobytes application/pdf)
Abstract: Perceived conflict with an entrenched commitment to global drug prohibition is the major barrier to adoption of effective HIV prevention for injection drug users (IDUs). There is overwhelming evidence that needle syringe programmes (NSPs) are effective, safe and cost effective in preventing the spread of HIV infection. In order to lower the community costs of illicit drug use, new health systems such as NSPs, substitution treatment programs and the availability of dilute retail forms of drugs need to be implimented.
Transform Drug Policy Foundation
http://www.tdpf.org.uk
United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs meeting in Vienna April 2003
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (emcdda)
www.emcdda.eu.int
The EU action plan on drugs (2000–2004)
Having examined the proposal of the Commission , the European Council of Santa Maria da Feira endorsed the EU action plan on drugs in June 2000 as a concrete follow-up to the EU drugs strategy (2000-04). The strategy set 11 general aims and six main targets for the EU, and the Action plan lists around 100 specific activities to be implemented by the EU and its Member States by the end of 2004.
The six main targets are:
• to reduce significantly over five years the prevalence of drug use, as well as new recruitment to it, particularly among young users under 18 years of age;
• to reduce substantially over five years the incidence of drug-related health damage (HIV, hepatitis, TBC etc.) and the number of drug-related deaths;
• to increase substantially the number of successfully treated addicts;
• to reduce substantially over five years the availability of illicit drugs;
• to reduce substantially over five years the number of drug-related crimes;
• and to reduce substantially over five years money-laundering and the illicit trafficking of precursors.
Information and evaluation are an integral to the action plan. In both areas the EMCDDA is envisaged as a major contributor.
In June 2001, the Commission published a first Communication on the progress made in the implementation of the EU action plan. The objective of this first Communication, based on contributions from the Commission, the EMCDDA and EUROPOL, was to promote actions in Member States and at EU level to meet the objectives of the Action plan on drugs within the timeframe. The Commission also presented there the method by which it intended to carry out the evaluations of the Drugs strategy and Action plan. In particular, it launched a 'Follow-up table' for the review of progress in the implementation of the Action plan and confirmed recourse to 'Situation snapshots' and Eurobarometer surveys focusing on young people's opinions on drugs.
On 4 November 2002 , the Commission adopted a Communication on the mid-term evaluation of the EU Action plan on drugs . This Communication based on contributions from Member States, EMCDDA, Europol and Commission services, gives a clear picture of the level of implementation of activities foreseen in the Action plan. It also provides recommendations to the different stakeholders on the activities that need to be pursued, developed and/or launched at each relevant level.
The Commission proposed the setting up of a steering group for the preparation of the final evaluation of the EU Action plan.
EMCDDA-Europol reviews
The action plan calls on the EMCDDA and Europol to contribute to developing a structure to facilitate the process of evaluating the impact of the EU strategy on drugs. The EMCDDA and Europol are producing two situation reviews:
• The first review, Baseline 1999 , describes the situation and responses in place in 1999 prior to the EU strategy on drugs (2000-2004), based on a set of parameters connected to the six EU targets. This is the baseline against which the progress achieved in 2004 can be measured.
• The second review will describe the situation and responses in place in 2004 on the basis of the same set of variables.
Related documents
Implementation 21 June, 2004
Communication (170 KB) of the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of the EU action plan on drugs (2000-2004)
Communication 
EU action plan 21 June, 2004
The EU action plan on drugs (2000-2004), endorsed at the Santa Maria da Feira European Council in June can be downloaded here. The document is based on the European Union drugs strategy of December 1999 and on the proposal of the Commission.
Action plan 
Communication of the Commission to the Council and to the European Parliament 
Mid-term evaluation 21 June, 2004
Communication (235 KB) from the Commission on the mid-term evaluation of the EU action plan on drugs (2000-2004)
Communication 
Cordrogue 64 21 June, 2004
To download a pdf file in your preferred language of the European Union drugs strategy (2000-2004) as adopted in December 1999, click on the relevant language below.
Cordrogue 64 
Baseline 1999 21 June, 2004
Baseline 1999 presents core data on the situation regarding drugs and drug addiction in 1999, prior to the implementation of the European Union action plan on drugs (2000-2004). The drawing up of this baseline forms part of the process of evaluating the action plan. The same set of variables will be used to produce a second snapshot, in 2004, allowing the progress achieved to be measured.
Eurobarometer 21 June, 2004
Report (174 KB) of the Commission on attitudes and opinions of young people in the European Union on drugs (Eurobarometer 57.2)
Report 
Methodology 21 June, 2004
Report (205 KB) by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and Europol on the identification of criteria for an evaluation of the European Union Strategy on Drugs (2000-2004) by the Commission' (NR 2564-144)
Table of parameters (200 KB)
Report 
Parameters 
This section highlights the EC and EU's key activities on drugs since the late 1980s and provides details on the EU action plan on drugs (2000-04) and the EMCDDA's contribution to its implementation.
• EU drug legislation
• EU action plan on drugs (2000-2004)
National
National drug strategies
Coordination in the field of drugs
Public expenditure
The work carried out in this area involves collecting core descriptive data on :
• Drug legislation and practice
• National strategies/action plans on drugs
• Coordination arrangements in the field of drugs
• and public expenditure on drugs .
Drug law
The European Legal Database on Drugs (ELDD) is the EMCDDA online archive of information on European drugs-related legislation and provides access to legislative texts currently in force in the EU Member States and Norway , which can be accessed through a search function. Country profiles provide an overview of drug legislation by country. Comparative studies and a special section on main trends in drug law give further information on the legal position of EU countries with regard to illicit drugs. News and registration services enable you to keep abreast of new developments. In preparation for their full integration into the work of the Centre, the candidate countries are now being added to the database as the information becomes available.
The EMCDDA's policy briefing Drug in focus No. 2 entitled 'Drug users and the law in the EU', offers policy-makers the latest findings on key issues in this field and is designed to inform the decision-making process in this domain.
No. 5 in the EMCDDA's Insights Series , is entitled 'Prosecution of drug users in Europe: varying pathways to similar objectives', and details research carried out in 2000 (with updates of laws to September 2001) on the actual implementation of the drug laws by the police, prosecution and courts in the EU countries. We offer the executive summary (53KB, PDF) - for purchase of the full publication, please consult the ordering details .
How international and national legislation on substitution treatment is enforced in the EU is the focus of a recent EMCDDA study carried out by the Catholic University of Leuven ( Belgium ). The study entitled 'Legal aspects of substitution treatment: an insight into nine EU countries' (1556 KB) looks at the impact of such legislation on the status, design and organisation of substitution treatment programmes and how they are accepted by the community as a whole. See also the sections in the Annual reports 2003 on legal developments in the EU and Norway and in the acceding and candidate countries .
National drug strategies
National Drug Strategies seen as increasingly vital in tackling the drug phenomenon. The EMCDDA monitors developments and trends in this field. The study ' Strategies and coordination in the field of drugs in the European Union ', undertaken in 2002 by the EMCDDA with the collaboration of the European Commission gives a first comprehensive overviews of action plans, strategy papers and coordination mechanisms in the EU countries in the field of drugs. In 2003 the EMCDDA produced a similar study on the candidate and acceding countries. Published in the 2003 EMCDDA Annual report , the research, done in collaboration with officials of central and eastern European countries, gives access to strategies mechanisms and trends in the domain. Click h ere for more detailed information on country profiles, summary tables and charts, and links to official documents. See also the sections in the Annual reports 2003 on national drug policy developments in the EU and Norway and in the acceding and candidate countries .
Coordination in the field of drugs
Over the past 15 years an international consensus has evolved around the concept of co-ordination in drugs policies: co-ordination is not only important, it represents the key element in any policy measure aiming to be comprehensive, balanced and effective. The study ' Strategies and coordination in the field of drugs in the European Union ', gives already a comprehensive overview of models and characteristics of coordination in the EU member states. The EMCDDA's policy briefing Drugs in focus No. 9 entitled 'Coordination: a key element of national and European drug policy, goes further offering (in all EU languages), policy-makers the latest findings in this field and addressing decision-making with policy considerations on the issue. The EMCDDA constantly monitors the development and trends in this field, giving access to country profiles, synoptic tables and charts, models in use and links to related national sites . See also the sections in the Annual reports 2003 on national drug policy developments in the EU and Norway and in the acceding and candidate countries .
Public expenditure in the field of drugs
The EMCDDA is studying how the drugs budget is organised in different Member States. An initial overview (using the information available) of the first comprehensive research carried out at European level on public expenditure is available: Public spending on drugs in the European Union during the 1990s - retrospective research (2103KB). The executive summary (464KB) of this report is also available. Moreover another research on public expenditures in the EU with two case studies in Sweden and Netherlands in also accessible together with links and other relevant documents. Finally the EMCDDA has published a research on drug demand reduction expenditures in its 2003 Annual report . For more on drug related expenditure click here . See also the section in the Annual report 2003 on public expenditure in the area of drug-demand reduction .
Joint action on new synthetic drugs
Implementing the Joint action
Early-warning system
Risk-assessment activities
The EMCDDA has been assigned a key role in the detection and assessment of new synthetic drugs in the European Union under the terms of a Joint action concerning the information exchange, risk assessment and control of new synthetic drugs which was formally adopted by the Council of the European Union under the Dutch Presidency on 16 June 1997 . The initiative relates to new synthetic drugs which are not currently listed in the Schedules to the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances , which pose as serious a threat to public health as the substances listed in Schedules I and II to the 1971 Convention and which have a limited therapeutic value.The Joint action:
• provides for the establishment of an 'early-warning system' to identify new synthetic drugs as they appear on the European market;
• incorporates a mechanism for assessing the risks of these drugs; and
• comprises a decision-making process through which these products may be placed under control in the EU Member States.
For a description of the three phases in the implementation of the Joint action, click here .
Drugs in focus
Issue 12 24 June, 2004
'Evaluation of the European Union's strategy and action plan (2000-2004)'
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Issue 9 24 June, 2004
'Coordination: a key element of national and European drug policy'
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Issue 8 24 June, 2004
'Eu enlargement and drugs - challenges and perspectives'
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Issue 0 21 June, 2004
'Making the most of the EMCDDA'
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Forward Thinking On Drugs
http://www.forward-thinking-on-drugs.org/#
The Mechanics and Dynamics of the UN System for International Drug Control
David R. Bewley-Taylor, Professor Cindy S. J. Fazey
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A review of the evidence-base for harm reduction approaches to drug use
Neil Hunt
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World Trends in the Production, Trafficking and Consumption of Illicit Drugs
Cindy Fazey and Charlie Lloyd
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Daily Dose and Weekly Dose (Wired) offers daily collections and a large resource of Archive material
www.drugscope.org.uk |
