OSCE-wide Conference on Combating the Threat of Illicit Drugs and the Diversion of Chemical Precursors
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The conference will provide a platform for experts of the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation to discuss challenges of tackling the trafficking in synthetic drugs, including methamphetamines, NPS and fentanyl, as well as support governments in implementing pertinent thematic recommendations of the UNGASS 2016 outcome document. In particular, participants will review the current situation with regard to trafficking in synthetic drugs, their availability, including recent trends and threats posed to the international community.
They will discuss how to effectively prevent and counter illicit production and trafficking in synthetic drugs and their precursors while ensuring access to controlled substances to relieve pain and suffering. They will consider how to more efficiently tackle drug-related crime using tools provided by the international conventions, relevant UN norms, standards and guidelines.
Experts will also address treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration approaches rooted in scientific evidence and public health, and discuss cross-cutting issues, including those related to the protection of youth, the most vulnerable drug users, with an insight on potential gender aspects, and respect for human rights in designing and implementing balanced drug control policies.
The conference will be divided into four working sessions:
- The first session on “Current situation and new trends in trafficking in synthetic drugs” will review threats posed by them. Experts will reflect on the availability of highly potent synthetic stimulants and opioids and consider measures to tackle these challenges.
- The second session “Supply reduction of synthetic drugs and related measures” will address domestic, regional and inter-regional responses to countering drug-related crimes, as well as promoting law enforcement and judicial co-operation in criminal matters. Participants will discuss topical issues in this area, including countering the supply of methamphetamine and NPS, precursors and pre-precursors, and misuse of the Internet.
- The third session on “Demand reduction of synthetic drugs and related measures” will address awareness raising and prevention the trafficking in synthetic drugs, as well as health-related issues, including treatment and care.
- The fourth session “Cross-cutting issues” will consider legal and gender implications in tackling the threat of synthetic drugs, review protective measures, including those designed for the most vulnerable population – children and youth, and discuss human rights issues related to the implementation of balanced drug control policies and promoting the participation of civil society in these activities.
This conference is intended for decision-makers and experts from national drug control structures, representatives of OSCE Partners for Co-operation, OSCE field operations, relevant international and regional organizations, as well as civil society that are engaged in tackling the world drug problem. Practitioners from pertinent government ministries and services, including ministries of Interior, Justice, Social, Health and Foreign Affairs, as well as other related institutions are especially encouraged to attend and actively participate.
Click here for online registration.
Should you experience difficulties with online registration, please contact Ms. Anastasia Rybachenko (Anastasia.Rybachenko@osce.org).