Well put, Lynne. I like the fact that you emphasize the inclusion of family, and that drug prevention in school is not just putting focus on drug education.
Ferdie
-----Original Message-----
>From: Lynne Magor-Blatch <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Apr 21, 2016 4:28 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: [EFTC] UNGASS 2016
>
>I am grateful for the support of the Civil Society Task Force, the NGO
>sector inEurope and Australia for the support this week to attend the
>United Nations General Assembly Special Sitting (UNGASS) on the World
>Drug problem.
>
>My involvement was with Roundtable 1 - addressing issues of Demand
>Reduction. The following is my statement, presented on behalf of
>civil society -
>
>Mr Chair and distinguished representatives, my name is Lynne
>Magor-Blatch, I am here as a representative of civil society and from
>Australia, and I thank you for the opportunity to speak on this
>important topic.
>
>1. There is a need for a policy and resources shift away from law
>enforcement and prohibition as the primary response, to prevention,
>early intervention and treatment. It should be easier for someone to
>enter treatment for their drug addiction than it is to end up in
>prison. Shame, stigma and discrimination must be addressed, both in
>relation to drug users themselves, and importantly, in relation to
>their families and the community. Many families suffer a range of
>discriminations – they are too often blamed, and their own needs are
>consequently overlooked. If stigma and discrimination are not
>addressed, marginalisation will continue, even after the person’s
>reintegration into the community.
>
>2. Almost 50% of people with substance use disorders also suffer from
>a mental illness and many have physical health problems which are
>untreated, and which put them at further health risk. This firmly
>places substance use in the realm of health, rather than as a criminal
>concern. Treating the underlying issues which have led to the use of
>substances is of primary importance - and that means recognising the
>myriad of family, social, intergenerational and psychological factors
>which contribute to the use of substances. Providing appropriate
>evidence-based and quality treatment responses to address these
>concerns is essential. In this regard, civil society is pleased to
>note the inclusion of access to essential medicines included in the
>outcome document.
>
>3. We have already heard from others about the importance of the
>rights of the child in terms of protection from trafficking and early
>exposure to drug use. For this to be successful we need to end
>criminal sanctions for drug use and develop better partnerships
>between health and criminal justice systems. This means considering a
>range of diversionary processes from the criminal justice system, and
>other measures which includes support to families to cease drug abuse
>and to promote family reunification.
>
>This I know from my own personal professional experience and research
>evidence.
>
>Children have the right to become the next generation of leaders,
>rather than the next generation of drug users – and must be nurtured
>and protected. In this context, early and primary intervention
>strategies must be strengthened, recognising that children whose
>parents are involved in drug use are at risk, and their needs must be
>addressed through early intervention and support programs.
>
>4. Primary prevention and education is far more than school drug
>education. It includes intervening with vulnerable and at risk
>groups, reducing inequality and providing opportunities, and honest
>and accurate information. We need to increase health and help-seeking
>behaviour of young people and develop the capacity of those services
>that are working in these areas.
>
>5. Finally, there needs to be a greater involvement of civil society
>in decision making processes at UN and in all countries at every level
>– international, national, regional and local, and at the centre of
>drug policy. We need to also remember the many vulnerable small
>island developing states, such as those in the Pacific, who have
>particular needs.
>
>6. The involvement of civil society in all planning and implementation
>processes is vital to the health, social and psychological outcomes
>for all clients, their families, community and society. Including
>civil society at all these levels provides the opportunity to bring
>many voices together in a coordinated approach. This should start at
>the beginning of the process and in the planning stages – not just at
>the end. If civil society is included at the outset the final outcome
>will have the best chance of success through a cooperative and
>collaborative approach.
>
>Thank you.
>
>
>I have also attended a number of side events - and at one of these
>Rowdy Yates spoke passionately about therapeutic communities - thank
>you Rowdy for your ongoing championing of TCs in the world arena.
>
>My sincere appreciation to the CSTF, the NGO sector and others who
>supported me in coming to UNGASS 2016.
>
>Kind regards, Lynne
>
>Lynne Magor-Blatch
>Executive Officer, ATCA
>
>Email: [log in to unmask]
>www.atca.com.au
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