Dianova, a Decade Contributing to International Drug Policies

For the tenth consecutive year, Dianova organizes several side events at the 64th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

CND64

The 64th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs will be held from 12 to 16 April, 2021, in a hybrid format (online and in-person sessions in Vienna)

Press release

Geneva, 7 April 2021 – The 64th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND64) will be held from 12 to 16 April in Vienna, Austria, in a hybrid format (in-person and online meetings) due to the global health crisis.

The CND is the main decision-making body of the UN international drug control system. It is the body in charge of regulating which psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals come under international control; in addition, it plays a key role in providing political guidelines on issues including support for people who use drugs, equitable access to controlled substances for medical purposes, the implementation of evidence-based practices, and the recent recognition of the therapeutic interest of cannabis, among other issues.

60th anniversary of the Drug Conventions

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Conventions against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which form the legal framework for international drug control. However, the reality of drugs, both demand and supply, has changed enormously in recent years, therefore Dianova believes that it is crucial that the conventions adapt to changing realities in order for responses to be effective.

Topics for discussion will focus on the follow-up to international agreements, cooperation between UN agencies and the contribution to the 2030 Agenda.  Five resolutions have been presented, two of which focus on access to treatment services, education, reintegration of marginalized populations, and the promotion of quality, affordable, evidence-based and comprehensive prevention and treatment practices. Among other issues, the commission will also address the impact of COVID, alternative development and non-medical use of drugs.

CND64 side events

110 online side events will take place throughout the week. This is the session with the highest number of side events organized so far. You may find the list of events and register here.

Dianova side events

  • 15 April – 14:10 to 15:00 CET: Strengthening the prevention and treatment of problematic cannabis use

Regardless of the debates on how best to control the use of cannabis through legal channels, it is urgent to respond to the needs of those for whom cannabis use is becoming a real problem. This online event will address these related issues, focusing on the implementation of science-based programmes based on the needs identified by addiction professionals – view flyer

  • 15 April – 10:00 – 10:50 CEST: The way forward: developing gender-sensitive treatment programmes to eradicate barriers for women

Women who use drugs face specific barriers that limit their access to recovery programmes. The online event will review ways to remove these barriers and improve their adherence to treatment. It will feature an infographic prepared by the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) and Dianova – view flyer.

Finally, several other side events will be organised by member organisations and partners of the Dianova network. See details of these events

Civil society participation

Civil society will also have the opportunity to participate in informal dialogues with the President of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the CND Chair, the President of the International Narcotics Control Board and representatives of the World Health Organization.

While the hybrid format makes civil society participation difficult, we would like to thank the UNODC Civil Society Team and the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) for their efforts in promoting and facilitating this participation. Dianova will be present at the official meetings, while organizing with its partners, and for the tenth consecutive year, two side events aimed at addressing these issues.

Dianova CND events

Along with its partners, Dianova will organize two side events at the CND