Governments should build open and constructive relationships with civil society in the discussion and delivery of their strategies

Political sensitivities often lead policy makers to view civil society as a problem to be avoided. However, NGOs, especially those representing people who use drugs or illicit crop growers, are an invaluable source of expertise because of their understanding of drug markets and drug-using communities. They have extensive experience and expertise on these issues and play a major role in analysing the drug phenomenon and in delivering programmes and services.

Meaningful and constructive engagement with civil society is premised on the principles of participation, transparency and accountability, and aims at:

• Formulating better-informed drug policy and supporting appropriate policy formulation and priority-setting based on practical advice and experience;
• Strengthening political support for policy design and implementation;
• Facilitating effective communication between policy makers and key civil society stakeholders, making sure that people and communities are involved in planning interventions that will impact on them;
• Seeking mutually beneficial partnerships with civil society organisations to undertake joint programming and/or act as programme implementers;
• Stimulating a vibrant network of civil society organisations that can continue to support effective policy design and implementation; and
• Increasing monitoring and evaluation capability.

The positive role of civil society in the design and implementation of effective policies should be recognised. IDPC seeks to facilitate the creation of clear and open lines of communication between governments and civil society representatives in order to engage in meaningful and respectful exchange of information and perspectives.