drugs and crime

Contemporary “Worship” of Firearms: Challenging Current Interpretations of the 2nd Amendment

Please join Religions for Peace for a discussion on the evolution of the 2nd amendment and how the civic religion of the United States uses / subverts Judeo-Christian teachings to exalt firearms. We will explore how the interpretation of 2nd amendment as an individual right to bear arms has superseded the unalienable right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” enumerated in the US Declaration of Independence.

*Join Live via Zoom or Facebook

Zoom registration is required but complimentary. Please click here to register.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, please visit rngos.wordpress.com. 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 Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit ngomentalhealth.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values, and Global Concerns/NY, please visit csvgc-ny.org.

Updates on the Human Rights Crisis in the Philippines under Marcos, Jr.

What does a second Marcos regime mean for human rights and social justice in the Philippines? Join us as we hear the latest updates on human rights through testimony of church leaders in the Philippines and advocates in the U.S.

Our Philippines-based speaker will share their firsthand experiences enduring surveillance and trumped-up charges, as well as to the general condition of the Filipino people under oppression and the role of progressive movements on the ground. A community member of a local grassroots organization will also share experiences of the curtailment of freedom of speech and the far reaches of the Philippine government’s repression on dissenters abroad.

RSVP at tinyurl.com/PHSideEvent. For more information, contact nychrp@gmail.com.

Please note we’ll be in the 10th Floor Meeting Room of the Church Center for the United Nations, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bobbinassar@yahoo.org or bknotts@uua.org. 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 Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org. For more information on the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, please visit rngos.wordpress.com

2022 CCPCJ Expert Discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment

2022 CCPCJ Expert Discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment

THREE PILLARS OF THE EXPERT DISCUSSIONS

The expert discussions are scheduled as follows:

  • 14 February 2022 – Preventing crimes that affect the environment
  • 15 February 2022 – Combating crimes that affect the environment
  • 16 February 2022 – Strengthening international cooperation to address crimes that affect the environment

REGISTRATION

Please download the registration form for the expert discussions. The registration form should be sent to unodc-sgb@un.org together with a letter from the Head of the organization.

WEBCAST

The Expert Discussions will be conducted in a hybrid format and translated into 6 UN official languages. Please click here to watch the sessions online.

PLATFORM INFO

Once you have successfully registered for the meeting, you will receive a link to your email address. The login username will be your registered email address, and the password is indicated in the confirmation email.

For best experience, you need to use Google Chrome. If Google Chrome is not your standard browser, you can right-click on your link, copy the hyper link, and paste it in the Google Chrome browser.

For more information, please read the guides for the platform. If you have any other technical questions concerning the platform, please write to unodc-eventplatform@un.org for assistance.

GUIDANCE FOR MEETING PARTICIPANTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Revised arrangements for the 2022 Expert Discussions on preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment

COVID-19 Guidelines for in-person participants for the CCPCJ Expert Discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • From Monday 22 November, all those entering the VIC must comply with 2.5G (vaccinated, recovered or PCR test no older than 48 hours).
  • By swiping their VIC grounds pass/badge, those entering the VIC confirm they are compliant and have 2.5G proof.
  • Where meetings and conferences at the VIC do take place (with more than 25 participants), participants must be able to show proof of a valid PCR test not older than 48 hours, also if they are vaccinated or recovered. Information on testing options in Vienna can be found here: https://coronavirus.wien.gv.at/faqenglish/#Testangebote.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

On 7 March 2021, the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice adopted by consensus the Kyoto Declaration on Advancing crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: Towards the achievement of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, calling upon the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) to adopt the appropriate policy and operational measures for the follow-up to the declaration and to identify innovative ways to make use of information on progress made in the implementation of the declaration. The Commission approved the Kyoto Declaration during its thirtieth session in May 2021 and recommended its endorsement through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to the General Assembly. Operative paragraph 87 of the Kyoto declaration refers to the commitment of Member States to adopt effective measures to prevent and combat crimes that affect the environment, such as illicit trafficking in wildlife, including, inter alia, flora and fauna as protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in timber and timber products, in hazardous wastes and other wastes and in precious metals, stones and other minerals, as well as, inter alia, poaching.

During the thirtieth session in May 2021, the CCPCJ approved the resolution, entitled “Preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment”, which has meanwhile been adopted by the Third Committee of the General Assembly. The resolution welcomed the Kyoto Declaration, reaffirmed the central role of the CCPCJ as the main policymaking body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, and reiterated the call made in the Kyoto Declaration to adopt the appropriate policy and operational measures for the follow-up to the Declaration. Operative paragraph 15 of the resolution called upon the CCPCJ to hold, during the intersessional period, expert discussions on preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment with a view to discussing concrete ways to improve strategies and responses to effectively prevent and combat these crimes and to strengthen international cooperation at the operational level on this matter.

THEMATIC FOCUS

Thematic session 1: Preventing crimes that affect the environment

When discussing the prevention of crimes that affect the environment, participants may wish to discuss elements such as the root causes of crimes that affect the environment; the importance of, and good practices in, raising awareness and reducing the demand ; as well as the need to enhance the integrity of legal supply chains; and address linkages with other forms of crime.

Thematic session 2: Combating crimes that affect the environment

When addressing efforts to combat crimes that affect the environment, participants may wish to, among others, discuss the different modus operandi of criminals involved in crimes that affect the environment, and share national, regional, and international good practices in detecting, investigating and prosecuting crimes that affect the environment. In addition, participants may wish to share good practices and challenges in addressing corruption and economic crimes, particularly the illicit financial flows derived from crimes that affect the environment and the confiscation of the proceeds of crimes, as well as other considerations, including related to victim and witness protection or compensation for damage caused.

Thematic session 3: Strengthening international cooperation to address crimes that affect the environment

When discussing international cooperation to address crimes that affect the environment, participants may wish to discuss how the international community can make the best use of existing international instruments and strengthen regional, and international cooperation among Member States, including through cooperation networks. In addition, the meeting may wish to discuss efforts to strengthen and expand technical assistance and capacity building, to enhance inter-agency cooperation and coordination.


CoNGO Notes: To learn about collaborative work done by NGOs about the issue above and related matters, visit the work of CoNGO related NGO substantive committees. For specific 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.

For information about the work of The Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, see crimealliance.org

Stemming the role of criminal groups in contemporary forms of slavery within Nigeria

Jubilee Campaign is hosting a side event this Friday, October 29, 2021, 9:00 am to 11:00 am EST on “Stemming the role of criminal groups in contemporary forms of slavery within Nigeria.” This event is in light of the soon to be released report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Tom Obokata. His report will be presented on the 27th and this event will further explore this issue with a particular emphasis on Nigeria and the enslavement of women and children.

To register for this event, please click this link.

Co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations Office at Geneva

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief, please visit unforb.org. 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 Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.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. 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 to Stop Trafficking in Persons, please visit ngocstip.org.

SDG 16: The Global War on Drugs vs. Rule of Law and Human Rights

SDG 16: The Global War on Drugs vs. Rule of Law and Human Rights

Parallel event to the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

Tuesday July 13, 2020 / 8:00am-9:00am ET

online via Zoom, registration at https:/stopthedrugwar.org/global/ or https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOutqjwoGtWDjicFsLfqM4QJhkTmc6YM

In countries throughout the world, drug war excesses violate rights, and in some cases challenge the rule of law itself.  This session will discuss extrajudicial killings, fair trial issues, the death penalty, as well as the use of legal harassment against critics of governments.  We will also discuss recent applications of international rule of law mechanisms including the ICC and Global Magnitsky Act.  Among the event speakers are experts from The Philippines and Indonesia.

This is a parallel event coinciding with the 2021 UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, focusing on Goal 16 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.  Email borden@drcnet.org or call +1 202-236-8620 for further information.

“SDG 16: The Global War on Drugs vs. Rule of Law and Human Rights” is organized by DRCNet Foundation, a US-based NGO in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.  Visit https://stopthedrugwar.org/global and https://stopthedrugwar.org/philippines for information on our international programs.

Speakers:

Justine Balane, Secretary General Akbayan Youth, Philippines
Iftitahsari, Researcher, Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, Indonesia

Scott Johnson, Human Rights First, US

Co-moderated by:

David Borden, Executive Director, DRCNet Foundation AKA StoptheDrugWar.org
Marco Perduca, Associazone Luca Coscioni & former Senator, Italy

The way forward: developing gender-sensitive treatment programs to eradicate barriers for women

Side-event to the 64th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Women who use drugs face specific barriers that limit their access to recovery programs. The online event will review ways to remove these barriers and improve their adherence to treatment. It will feature an infographic prepared for this event, and emphasize the need to focus on women’s needs in strategies and policies and will offer an Action Plan for a way forward – while highlighting best practice examples from different world regions.

Speakers:

Dr. Gisela Hansen – Dianova International
Britt Fredenman – Women’s Organisations Committee on Alcohol and Drug Issues (WOCAD)
Sara Esmizade – Asian Drug Demand Reduction NGOs Association (ADNA)

Moderator: Regina Mattsson, WFAD

The side-event is organized in partnership with World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD, Dianova International, the Women’s Organizations Committee on Alcohol and Drugs (WOCAD), and Celebrate Recovery.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Drugs, 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 the Status of Women-Vienna, please visit ngocswvienna.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

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.

Hybrid Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda

Dear NGO representatives,

The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Rwanda and the United Nations Office at Geneva will mark the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda during a hybrid ceremony to be held on Wednesday, 7 April 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The ceremony will include the message of Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, read by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director‑General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, followed by her own remarks and the statements of Ms. Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, of H.E. Mrs. Marie Chantal Rwakazina, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations Office and other international organizations at Geneva, of Mrs. Nadia Galinier, survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and of Mr. Cesar Murangira, President of the Association of Genocide survivors IBUKA, Memory and Justice (Swiss section). This year’s ceremony will also include a poem read by Ms. Sarah Burckhardt. Interpretation will be provided in English and French.      

You are cordially invited to this important event through this link. You can also watch live at webtv.un.org.

Provisional Program:

  • Introduction by the Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Alessandra Vellucci Director, United Nations Information Service
  • Lighting of candles
  • Observance of a minute of silence
  • Message of Mr. António Guterres Secretary-General of the United Nations, read by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, followed by the Director-General’s remarks
  • Remarks by Ms. Ghada Waly Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
  • Remarks by Mr. César Murangira President of the Association of Genocide survivors IBUKA, Memory and Justice (Swiss section)
  • Testimony by Mrs. Nadia Galinier Survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
  • Reading of a poem by Ms. Sarah Burckhardt
  • Remarks by H.E. Mrs. Marie Chantal Rwakazina Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations Office and other international organizations at Geneva

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CoNGO Notes: 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.

Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe

Dear all,

On behalf of the Association Proyecto Hombre, it is a pleasure to inform you that, in the celebration of the 64th session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, we are organising an on-line side event on behalf the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs titled “Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe.”  It is supported by the European Union, the Governments of Portugal and Spain, and the Council of Europe. 

The event will take place online via Zoom on 15 April from 9.00 to 9.50 a.m. (CET – Vienna time). You do not need to register in advance.  

Please do not hesitate to contact me and/or Anna Ollo should you have any questions. 

Best regards,

Buenos días,

En nombre de la Asociación Proyecto Hombre, es un placer informarle de que, con motivo de la celebración de la 64ª sesión de la Comisión de Estupefacientes de las Naciones Unidas, organizamos un evento telemático en nombre del Foro de la Sociedad Civil sobre Drogas de la Unión Europea, con el título “Promoting evidence-based drug policies and interventions enshrined in human rights in Europe (Promoción de políticas e intervenciones de drogas en Europa, basadas en la evidencia y en los derechos humanos).” Contamos con el apoyo de la Unión Europea, los Gobiernos de Portugal y España, y el Consejo de Europa.

El evento tendrá lugar a través de la plataforma Zoom el próximo 15 de abril de 9.00 a 9.50 a.m. (CET – hora de Viena), y será en inglés. No es necesario registrarse con antelación.

Por favor, no dude en contactarnos si tiene alguna duda.

Atentamente,

Begoña Gómez del Campo, Tecnica de Incidencia y Proyectos Internacionales

Event access link here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E71WRejcT9uFQDxRGWy_HA

Speakers:

  • Marie Nougier, International Drug Policy Consortium, on behalf of the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs
  • Edith Hofer, European Commission, European Union
  • Péter Sárosi, Rights Reporter Foundation, representative of the EU Civil Society Forum on Drugs
  • Dr. Joan R. Villalbí, Delegate of the Government for the National Plan on Drugs, Ministry of Health, Spain
  • Hannah Bardell, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Rapporteur for the report on “Human rights and drug policies in Europe: a baseline reference”

Moderator: Oriol Esculies, International Commissioner of Association Proyecto Hombre

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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 Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs, please visit vngoc.org.

Reconvened Twenty-Ninth Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Reconvened twenty-ninth session

Vienna, Austria, 3 – 4 December 2020

VIC Meeting Guidelines: COVID-19 –  Guidance for participants of meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic (latest updated on 24 July 2020)

Journals

List of Participants

INDICO Registration – Information

NOTE: As part of the Secretariat’s efforts to reduce expenditure and limit environmental impact through the digitization of conference materials and publications, pre-session documents of the reconvened 29th session will only be issued electronically. 

Document Symbol

Title or description

E/CN.15/2020/1/Add.1 Addendum to the provisional agenda and annotations
E/CN.7/2020/3/Add.1 – E/CN.15/2020/3/Add.1 Addendum: Note by the Secretariat on the work of the standing open-ended intergovernmental working group on improving the governance and financial situation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
E/CN.7/2020/16 –             E/CN.15/2020/16 Report of the Executive Director on the implementation of the consolidated budget for the biennium 2020-2021 for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
E/CN.7/2020/17 –            E/CN.15/2020/17 Report of the Executive Director on gender balance and geographical representation within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
E/CN.15/2020/CRP.xx
E/CN.15/2020/CRP.xx
E/2020/30/Add.1 –          E/CN.15/2020/15/Add.1 Report on the reconvened twenty-ninth Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Vienna 3 and 4 December 2020

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CoNGO Notes: For information about the New York Committee on Drugs, email its Chair, Heather Haase at hhaase@msn.com. For information about the NGO Alliance on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, visit cpcjalliance.org and Facebook.

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