The 5th Brandenburg Forum offered a space for government, UN and civil society representatives to discuss the state of play of international drug policy as well as recent trends and developments.
13 UN agencies from the region call on Member States to permanently close compulsory drug detention and rehabilitation centres to curb the spread of COVID-19.
EHRA's report highlights changes due to the pandemic for harm reduction services, including take-home OST medications, mobile outpatient clinics and the provision of food and shelter.
Data for Progress and the Justice Collaborative Institute urge American authorities to open safe injection sites to prevent overdose deaths and the spread of infectious diseases.
The EMCDDA provides data on the implications of the pandemic for harm reduction and treatment providers, from managing staff shortages to using mobile or online platforms.
HRI and INPUD call on the international community to ensure the continuation of harm reduction services and prioritise community leadership to ensure people who use drugs are not left behind in the COVID-19 response.
Frontline AIDS and the Global Fund offer guidance to overcome the stigma, discrimination, violence, punitive laws and policies that prevent vulnerable populations from accessing HIV services.
UNODC provides evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions are disrupting drug markets to varying degrees, from drug shortages to changes in mode of transport.
