The year 2012 is particularly fitting to discuss the future of the UN drug control conventions as it marks the 100th anniversary of the first fully-fledged multilateral agreement on drug control held in The Hague. Last year was the 50th anniversary of the legislative bedrock of the current treaty regime: the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. These historic moments highlight not only its longevity, but also represent appropriate moments to reflect on the continuing relevance of the existing drug control regime in its entirety for the contemporary era.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 13:00, Mozart Room in the Vienna International Centre (VIC Restaurant - Ground Floor, F Building) invitation only

In recent times, increasing frictions between the international drug control agreements and certain policy developments within a number of member states have given rise to legitimate questions about the existing legal regime. Member states and civil society organisations are urging greater coherence within the wider UN system on HIV prevention strategies and human rights compliance. There is an increasing need for the drug control regime to be able to manage new challenges, such as the rapidly growing market in novel psychoactive substances.

This lunchtime session aims to initiate serious discussion about the future of the conventions and explore the procedures and politics associated with their reform.The event will be moderated by Carel Edwards, former head of the drugs unit of the European Commission.

Speakers:

• Ruth Dreifuss, former President of Switzerland and Minister of Home Affairs and member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy
• Dave Bewley-Taylor

It will also include the launch of two TNI/IDPC briefing papers on the subject, and a facilitated panel discussion with plenty of time for questions and answers:

• The UN drug control conventions: The Limits of Latitude, by Dave Bewley-Taylor and Martin Jelsma, Series on Legislative Reform of Drug Policies Nr. 18, March 2012
• Towards revision of the UN drug control conventions: The logic and dilemmas of Like-Minded Groups, by Dave Bewley-Taylor, Series on Legislative Reform of Drug Policies Nr. 19, March 2012

This is an invitation-only event targeted at government officials and UN Missions in Vienna. While there is limited space for our NGO colleagues, some availability may open up and if so, we will let you know closer to the event.