ID PC 103d ago

Governments around the world are increasingly recognising that punitive drug policies have failed. Criminalisation continues to drive preventable health harms, mass incarceration, and serious human rights violations. Yet across regions, community-led and grassroots responses are proving what works: improving access to services, reducing stigma, and building trust between communities and institutions. This side event, held during the 69th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (#CND69), brings together voices from civil society and affected communities to share practical lessons on meaningful participation, strategic advocacy, and protecting civic space. Drawing on the global experience of the Support. Don’t Punish campaign — active in over 120 countries — the discussion explores how community leadership, backed by international human rights standards such as Human Rights Council resolution 60/26, can help shape more effective, evidence-based, and rights-affirming drug policies. Speakers highlight why participation is not optional — it is essential. Organised by IDPC and the Support. Don’t Punish campaign, with EuroNPUD, Manas, Mujeres Libres, Skoun, OHCHR, UNAIDS, the Robert Carr Fund and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. More information: https://supportdontpunish.org/cnd69-event-from-punishment-grassroots-organising-for-drug-policies-that-support-communities/ Speakers: • Sally Gandar (OHCHR) • Claudia Cardona (Mujeres Libres, Colombia) • Joana Canêdo (EuroNPUD) • Tatyana Sleiman (Skoun, Lebanon) • Chinwike Okereke (AFRILAW, Nigeria) Moderator: Juan Fernández Ochoa (IDPC)