15 March 2023
The UNODC-WHO Informal Scientific Network (ISN) reconvened on 14 March 2023 at the margins of the 66th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). At this event, more than 30 high-level scientists developed recommendations for the effective treatment of substance use disorders in prison settings. These were then presented at the Plenary of the CND on 15 March 2023 to support UN Member States in developing and implementing evidence-based services for the treatment of substance use disorders in prison settings in line with international standards and regulations.
The ISN meeting on 14 March followed an online session on 28 February 2023, in which ISN Members laid the ground by discussing and assessing the latest scientific evidence on the treatment of substance use disorders in prison settings. The reconvened meeting on 14 March 2023 aimed at developing concrete recommendations based on the science that emerged at the first gathering.
The event was opened by Mr Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, UNODC and Dr Vladimir Poznyak, Unit Head, Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviour, Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, WHO. Both highlighted in their opening remarks the importance of enhancing the overall well-being of people with substance use disorders. Mr Lemahieu pointed out the crucial yet intricate objective to prevent negative health and social consequences by promoting public health, human rights, and social justice. Similarly, Dr Poznyak highlighted the importance of the network in providing opportunities to improve evidence-based interventions for substance use disorder treatment in prison settings, especially given the large discrepancies between the theoretical knowledge of this topic and its practical implementations.
The meeting developed thirteen recommendations which highlight the importance of providing alternatives to incarceration, clinical screening, and adequate treatment services in prison settings for people with drug use disorders. Additional points in the ISN statement highlighted the need for adequate training in health care and justice settings, the importance of supporting and investing in systematic data collection and, most importantly, that individuals with substance use disorders should not be criminalised for their health disorder. The need for adequate funding was also echoed by one of the scientists. Professor Seena Fazel, one of the guest speakers noted,: “It is of utmost importance for treatment resources to be allocated fairly to prison health and considered as an afterthought”.
The meeting was held in a hybrid format and 32 high-level scientists from around the globe attended. Additionally, representatives from UNODC and the World Health Organization participated in the meeting.
Like in previous years, this ISN Meeting provided a critical platform for experts to share their knowledge and expertise on the latest scientific evidence concerning substance use disorders and make the voice of science heard across the globe. The official ISN statement from this meeting serves as a critical guide for UN Member States to develop effective strategies to address substance use disorders in prison settings.
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