treatment

World Drug Report with focus on Asia & Europe

Webinar on the World Drug Report with focus on Asia and Europe

The Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) together with the UNODC Civil Society Unit will be holding two webinars to present and discuss the World Drug Report 2021, which was launched on 25th June. The yearly publication is the most comprehensive source of facts and knowledge on drugs and the world drug market, sourced straight from evidence-based studies and data compiled by UNODC experts. The participants of the webinars will learn about the newest trends, both global and regional. The first webinar will be held on 13th July 2021 (10:00-11:30, CEST, Vienna) and will comprise welcome remarks from VNGOC and UNODC, a formal presentation of the World Drug Report 2021 with a respective focus on the different regions by UNODC experts, two civil society panelists, and an open question and answer session. 

Register here:https://bit.ly/3pyC5t1

Interpretation in Russian and French will be available. The full agenda can be viewed on the VNGOC website.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Drugs-NY, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit ngomentalhealth.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Family-NY, please visit ngofamilyny.org.

World Drug Report 2021: Africa & the Americas

The Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC) together with the UNODC Civil Society Unit will be holding two webinars to present and discuss the World Drug Report 2021, which was launched on 25th June. The yearly publication is the most comprehensive source of facts and knowledge on drugs and the world drug market, sourced straight from evidence-based studies and data compiled by UNODC experts. The participants of the webinars will learn about the newest trends, both global and regional. This webinar will be held on 15th July 2021 (16:00-17:30, CEST, Vienna) and will focus on Africa and the Americas.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3ipmlHf

Interpretation in French and Spanish will be available. The full agenda can be viewed on the VNGOC website.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Drugs-NY, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit ngomentalhealth.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Family-NY, please visit ngofamilyny.org

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

2021 observance: “Building back better: Supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in the context of pandemic recovery”

Join us from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EDT on Thursday, 17 June 2021 via UN WebTV live webcast

Commemorating the 7th official observance, this year’s virtual event is co-hosted by the Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Office of the SRSG on Children and Armed Conflict and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations.

The purpose of the event is to stand in solidarity with the survivors and those working to support them on the frontlines, often at great personal risk, particularly in the current climate of intersecting crises. The event will provide a platform for strategic reflection on ways to integrate the specific rights, needs and perspectives of survivors of CRSV into national and regional COVID-19 response and recovery plans, to ensure they are not forgotten in a climate of intersecting crises and constrained resources.

The impact of COVID-19 on survivors of conflict-related sexual violence

The chronic underreporting of conflict-related sexual violence, due to stigma, insecurity, fear of reprisals, and lack of services, has been compounded by COVID-19 containment measures. Lockdowns, curfews, quarantines, fears of contracting or transmitting the virus, mobility restrictions, and limited access to services and safe spaces, as shelters closed and clinics were repurposed for the pandemic response, added a layer of complexity to existing structural, institutional and sociocultural barriers to reporting.

Proactive measures to foster an enabling environment for survivors to safely come forward and seek redress have become more urgent than ever. The pandemic has laid bare the intersecting inequalities that plague our societies, as compounded by conflict, displacement, and institutional fragility. The only solution for these overlapping ills is an injection of political resolve and resources equal to the scale of the challenge.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-NY, please visit ngocsw.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-Vienna, please visit ngocswvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-Geneva, please visit ngocsw-geneva.ch.  For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bknotts@uua.org or bobbinassar@gmail.com. 

Racial and Environmental Justice: SDGs in Action

Racial and Environmental Justice SDG’s in Action
MeaningfulWorld Annual Mind-Body-Eco-Spirit Festival at The United Nations
RSVP by 31 May to email address: info@meaningfulword.com

Chair: Dr. Ani Kalayjian, Columbia University & ATOP Meaningfulworld

Meditation: Eric Manigian, Buddhist Action Coalition

Speakers:

  • Pastor Daren Jaime, Anchor, Bronxnet Television & Radio
  • Sohayla Eldeeb, Global Outreach Director, Zero Hour

Musical Interlude: Farah Chandu, Willow Interfaith Chorus

Dance Interlude: Ms. Isha Parupudi, Columbia University, United States

Closure: Ubuntu Peace Circle, Heart-to-Heart Circle of Love and Gratitude

Congratulations to the 2021 MeaningfulWorld Ambassadors Diego Bustamante, Rachel Davidovich, Andrew Dolinar, MA, Mary Garcia Ryan, MSW, Mark Imus, BA, Samer Sabbour, Sahib Singh, Mandi Kollmeier, Isha Parupudi, Meira Yasin, PhD

Co-sponsored by: ATOP Meaningfulworld, Armenian Constitutional Rights Protective Center, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

Due to COVID-19, it is expected that 13 million more child marriages could take place by 2030 than would have otherwise. Families are more likely to marry off daughters to alleviate the perceived burden of caring for them, especially in the anticipated economic fallout of the pandemic.

In turn, the fight to end obstetric fistula, one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during childbirth, could be threatened by COVID-19.

Obstetric fistula is preventable; it can largely be avoided by delaying the age of first pregnancy; the cessation of harmful traditional practices; and timely access to obstetric care. Unfortunately, the current pandemic affects all these preventive measures in developing countries where obstetric fistula still exists – countries in which health care systems, even before the coronavirus outbreak, failed to provide accessible, quality maternal health care.

The pandemic is also expected to cause significant delays in programmes to end female genital mutilation (FGM) – something that could lead to a spike in FGM cases, according to UNFPA, which is a contributing factor for obstetric fistula.

As the virus advances in these countries, health services become overloaded, or provide a limited set of the services that women need. At the same time, many women and girls also skip important medical check-ups for fear of contracting the virus.

With this possible future scenario of preventive measures in danger, now more than ever, it is important to call on the international community to use the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula, as well as urging post-surgery follow-up and tracking of fistula patients.

To read personal testimonials and learn more about how the UN commemorates this day, visit un.org/en/observances/end-fistula-day.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee for Rare Diseases, please visit ngocommitteerarediseases.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bobbinassar@gmail.com or bknotts@uua.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-NY, please visit ngocsw.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-Vienna, please visit ngocswvienna.org. ngocsw-geneva.ch.

No Capes Needed: A Safe-Space During Nurses Week

It’s been a year – join a free, therapist-led virtual support circle for nurses at noon EST on May 6th.

This safe space to help process grief and loss are a place where the capes can come off and compartmentalization can come down. Gift yourself an hour where you don’t need to hold it all together. During nurses’ week, enter a space to feel your shoulders drop and your breath connects with your heart.

Pre-registration required: https://forms.gle/BMbVNMcH2JQo3B4x5

On-going support beyond nurses week may also be offered if the group desires. This event is sponsored by PEAC Institute, Mayo Clinic, Nurses You Should Know, & Nursing Futurites.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit ngomentalhealth.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org.

Compassion, Commitment, and Innovation: A Symposium on Onchocerciasis Control in Africa

Bruce Benton’s book, Riverblindness in Africa: Taming the Lion’s Stare (2020), documents the origins, stories, successes, and challenges of controlling, and eventually eliminating, onchocerciasis, a widespread and debilitating disease in Africa. This event probes dimensions of the human side of the onchocerciasis-control story, including the role of compassion and the importance of trust. It examines how compassion, commitment, and innovation, which have been central to the long-term success of onchocerciasis control, can lead to completion of that effort in Africa.

Register here: https://georgetown.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fZyB5O3yR3asKzMfU38JCQ

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee for Rare Diseases, please visit ngocommitteerarediseases.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org.

Strengthening the prevention and treatment of cannabis problematic use

Strengthening the prevention and treatment of problematic cannabis use

a side event of the 64th annual session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND64)

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 on how to improve prevention and treatment programs, focusing on the implementation of science-based programs based on the needs identified by professionals from the field of drugs.

Speakers

  • Antonio Jesús Molina Fernández – Universidad Complutense de Madrid
  • Heidi Heilman – Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention (RAG AP)
  • Phaedon Kaloterakis –  European Federation of Therapeutic Communities (EFTC)
  • Ana Afuera – European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies (ENCOD)

Moderator

  • Lucia Goberna Lehmann – Dianova International

Organized by Dianova International with the support of the European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies, the European Federation of Therapeutic Communities and Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs, please visit vngoc.org. For more information on the New York NGO Committee on Drugs, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit ngomentalhealth.org.

Indigenous Healing Ways for Mental Health

The Indigenous Health Subcommittee is offering a side event during the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Indigenous practices for physical and mental healthcare have always been used in their communities and there are now attempts to revive and promote them in the mainstream, even in the COVID-19 era.This panel will feature US-based and global young indigenous mental health professionals who will discuss the current utilization of traditional healing practices for mental health based on their experiences, and current research on effectiveness of indigenous treatment outcomes. It will foster dialogue between mainstream and traditional medicine practices, and their integration as the best way forward for mental health care services in general.

Join us on April 29, 12-2PM for an important discussion with our NGO Committee Members, Rick Chavolla (as the discussant) and Rashmi Jaipal (as the moderator), and our incredible panel of young mental health professionals, featuring:

  • Maria Crouch, MS, PhD(c) – Doctoral Candidate in Psychology at the University of Alaska and Pre-Doc Fellow at Yale School of Medicine, of Deg Hit’an, Coahuiltecan, and Scandinavian origin
  • Stefanie Gillson, MD – Public Psychiatry Fellow at Yale School of Medicine and Institute Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, of Dakota/Mdewakanton and Swedish origin
  • Kyle Hill, MPH, PhD – Psychologist and Assistant Scientist at the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health (Great Lakes Hub) and Bloomberg School of Public Health, of Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota origin
  • Ningsangrenla Longkumer, PhD – Assistant Professor (Psychology) and researcher at the North Eastern Christian University, Nagaland, India, of Naga origin

Hope you can join us! Register here: indigenoushealing-mentalhealth.eventbrite.com

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please visit facebook.com/NGOCoRIP. For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit  ngomentalhealth.org

Overcoming Stigma and Violence Against Incarcerated and Drug-using Women

Overcoming Stigma and Violence against Incarcerated and Drug-using Women

Organised by Dianova International, the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) and the Women and Harm Reduction International Network (WHRIN)

Women who use drugs, and women incarcerated and formerly incarcerated for drug offences, face high levels of stigma, discrimination and violence, as they are seen as defying their assigned roles in society as mothers and caregivers. Women who use drugs face daunting barriers in accessing harm reduction and treatment services, and gender-sensitive programmes remain an exception rather than the norm. As a result, they are at higher risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C, especially while incarcerated. Formerly incarcerated women face significant obstacles in rebuilding their lives. From the time of their arrest until their release, women’s – especially trans women’s – journey through the criminal legal system is marked by experiences of systemic violence, discrimination and trauma. This side event will discuss the most pressing issues faced by women who use drugs and incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, with accounts of lived experiences from the USA and Mexico.

Speakers:

  • Mary Chinery-Hesse, West Africa Commission on Drugs, IDPC representative in Ghana & Former Deputy-General of the International Labour Organisation – Opening remarks
  • Ruth Birgin, Women and Harm Reduction International Network
  • Gisela Hansen Rodríguez, Dianova International
  • Andrea James, National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls
  • Kenya Cuevas, Casa de las Muñecas Tiresias A.C. & Casa Hogar “Paola Buenrostro”

Moderator: Marie Nougier, International Drug Policy Consortium

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtags: #EndTheStigmaCSW65 #EndTheViolenceCSW65 #EndTheStigma #EndTheViolence

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the New York NGO Committee on Drugs, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-NY, please visit ngocsw.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-Geneva, please visit ngocsw-geneva.ch. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women-Vienna, please visit ngocswvienna.org.

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