The 68th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotics Drugs (CND) took place in Vienna 10-14 March. It presented several opportunities to address the issue of shrinking space in the region of Central Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
1. During the Informal Civil Society Dialogue Ganna Dovbakh, Executive Director of EHRA on behalf of Rise & Decriminalize asked UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly the following: “In recent years, we have observed that civic space has been increasingly restricted across the CEECA region, compounding the challenges already faced by people who use drugs, LGBTQI+ individuals, sex workers, and people living with HIV. Given these challenging developments, does UNODC have a coordinated plan of action to protect health and social service providers for people who use drugs and to ensure that civil society remains engaged in shaping, implementing, and evaluating effective responses?” Watch video with the answer.
2. During the Plenary Session the statement on shrinking space for civil society was delivered by Linas Tavaras on behalf of the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA), its members, and partners in the region. Read and listen to the statement HERE.
