11 August 2016
Blog
Results 181 to 192 of 448
9 August 2016
The INCB speaks out against death and impunity in the Philippines, as over 700 suspects are murdered
This represents an unprecedented intervention by the INCB in cases where countries have contravened international law under the guise of drug control and, should it continue, bodes well for the future of the UN drug control authorities.
3 August 2016
INCB expresses concern about reports of violence against persons suspected of drug-related crime and drug use in the Philippines
The statement comes as a response to an open letter drafted by IDPC and supported by over 350 NGOs asking the UNODC and the INCB to call upon the Phillipines to take immediate action to stop ongoing extrajudicial killings targeting alleged drug users and dealers.
3 August 2016
INCB reiterates its call to States to consider the abolition of the death penalty for drug-related offences
On behalf of the International Narcotics Control Board, Board President Werner Sipp wishes to express his regret that the Government of Indonesia has recently carried out further executions of prisoners convicted of having committed drug-related offences despite calls by the international community to abstain from doing so.
12 July 2016
Local actions, global voice: The Support. Don’t Punish global day of action 2016
On or around the 26th June, activists and allies in 70 countries took part in the fourth Support Don't Punish ‘Global Day of Action’ – making it the biggest Day of Action to date!
11 July 2016
Changes to the IDPC Board
Dear Colleagues,
At its 2016 Annual General Meeting this week, the IDPC Board agreed some personnel changes, creating a new Board to take this remarkable network through its next phase of development.
We have recruited four new members, who will add a wide range of skills and perspectives to the Board. These individuals will serve for initial 3 year terms:
Alison Holcomb, Director, Campaign for Smart Justice, ACLU
Donald MacPherson, Director, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
Kathryn Leafe, Executive Director, New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme
Vicki Hanson, Analyst, Ministry of Finance, Jamaica
At the same time, Jim Fitzpatrick and myself are stepping down from the Board with immediate effect, and Ross Bell has announced his intention to end his term next year, after having overseen a smooth transition to the new Board as interim Chairman.
Jim stepped in to the Board when IDPC was first constituted as an independent entity, and has provided solid governance and strategic advice, and contributed a law enforcement perspective to our strategic discussions. I am personally grateful to him for his willingness to take on this task, and for his contribution to the smooth launch of the new legal structure.
As for myself, you will all know that I have been involved in IDPC from the start (more than 10 years ago), and so it is a big deal for me to say I will not be involved from now on. 12 years ago, after many years working in drug policy roles in governments and the UN, I was determined to improve the way in which NGO voices were heard in government drug policy debates, and the level of access and respect that they received from decision makers. Both of these things were at a low ebb at the time – with this important area of social policy dominated by suspicion, polarisation, and a lack of transparency. What was needed was a sophisticated and credible NGO platform – rooted in the expertise and perspectives of community level organisations, but able to speak and be listened to by the highest decision making authorities.
In those early planning meetings, those of us involved could never have envisaged what we were starting – IDPC has become a truly global, vibrant and professional initiative – the secretariat has produced an incredible volume of analysis, networking and advocacy on a small budget, and the membership of like minded organisations continues to increase and diversify in a way we could only have dreamed of when you could have got all of us in a London taxi.
There is still a lot wrong with drug policies at the international and country levels, and there are instances of backward stepping and complacency that will continue to depress and frustrate. But we know that the direction of travel is positive - away from repression and punishment, and towards more humane and effective approaches - and we know there is a mature and diverse reform movement that is well placed to contribute to move this process forward faster than would otherwise be possible. Indeed, it is heartening that many of the early concepts and principles espoused by IDPC (and before that, in documents published by its predecessors – The Beckley Foundation, and ‘Forward Thinking on Drugs’) are now to be found in the official policies and pronouncements of many governments and UN agencies.
This is a good time for me to move on – the recent UNGASS provides a significant milestone, and the IDPC governance and executive structure is well established and strong. Ann Fordham, and her wonderful team of staff and consultants, have worked wonders in building strong networks and work plans, and I want to register my thanks for their professionalism, hard work and dedication that has brought IDPC to this position of strength.
I don’t intend to leave the field of drug policy – I will continue to write, speak, and turn up to the odd meeting. I am particularly interested in how governments tackle the practical design and implementation challenges when pursuing reforms. You will not be surprised to hear that I have a couple of ideas for how these functions can best be developed, and will be working these up in the coming months. If you want to contact me on this or anything else, my IDPC email account will continue working for some months, or you can email me on mtracework@aol.com
It’s been great, and I’m very proud of my contribution. I look forward to the next 10 years of reforming and modernising drug policy, and hope to work with you again at some point.
Regards,
Mike
30 June 2016
Is drug decriminalisation on the cards for Thailand?
The proposal to reschedule methamphetamine as a medicine is essentially a ‘red herring’ without other serious policy reforms.
17 June 2016
Local actions, global voice: The Support Don’t Punish day of action on 26th June 2016
This month, a huge range of local actions, events, protests and meetings will be held as part of a global show of force calling for drug law reform, as part of the Support. Don't Punish 2016 Global Day of Action.
16 June 2016
INCB Watch: High Level Meeting on Ending AIDS
Despite the position of the Board, the institution continues to be opposed to the work of safer injection facilities.
14 June 2016
INCB Watch: Board visits the Republic of Argentina
The INCB conducted a country visit to Argentina, led by Professor Francisco Thoumi.
13 June 2016
INCB to focus on women and drugs in the thematic chapter of its 2016 Annual Report
Among the most significant elements in the 2016 Report will be the thematic chapter, which will address the topic of women and drugs.
1 June 2016
Sustainable development under threat from drug trafficking in West Africa
As a whole, the proliferation of the drug trade in West Africa significantly undermines people’s well being and create a major road block to development efforts.