If problems such as multiple stigma were to be overcome, and women and girls could make their voices heard in decision making processes, they could make important steps to winning back their rights to health, dignity and a decent quality of life.
In addition to the need for assistance in the context of legal ambiguity in which ayahuasca unfolds today, ICEERS also is committed to foster a change of scenario.
Discussions focus on access to essential medicines in emergencies and on the licit cultivation of opium poppy, as well as on initiatives on the non-medical use of cannabis.
At the meeting, there was a lively discussion on the issue of depenalisation, decriminalisation and regulation of drugs – with a clear division between member states on these issues. Harm reduction, reassuringly, was not subjected to any such controversy.
The content of the INCB presentation continued to support for improved access to controlled medications and for the abolition of capital punishment for drug-related offences, but the punitive ethic about drug control remains.
A serious debate is taking place around the future of drug policies and such discussion is no longer taboo. But, the UN drug control bodies are unable to proactively engage and lead a progressive discussion on an increasing outdated treaty framework.
The purpose of International Hospice and Palliative Care Day, like all the other “days’ identifying vulnerable populations or causes to celebrate, is to draw attention to the unique and wonderful vocation of hospice and palliative care providers around the world.
In his statement, Dr. Naidoo drew attention to the need to increase capacity to prevent, treat and rehabilitate from drug dependence, the need to ensure adequate availability of control substances for medical purposes.
