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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