cehrn_demosr – Page 14 – European Harm Reduction Network

C-EHRN Podcast Series #4: Mental Health, a humbug or an alarming topic?

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected mental health. Prior to the pandemic, marginalised communities already experienced a disproportionate risk of mental health conditions, along with consistently poorer mental health outcomes. It is commonly acknowledged that mental health should become an essential part of any pandemic response, particularly for marginalised communities in general and people who use drugs. However, that is yet not the case.

We talked to Jakub Gren of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, Ben Collins and Nia Dunbar of ReShape/International HIV Partnerships, and Eliza Kurcevic of Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA). Following the session, NPS and Mental Health: humbug or an alarming situation? at the 5th European Harm Reduction Conference 2021 in Prague, our guests discussed the vulnerable communities’ main barriers in accessing mental health care and support. In addition, they told us what works and what does not.

What do you think?

Listen to the podcast and share your thoughts with us!

#HRAtWork #CEHRN #HarmReduction

C-EHRN Podcast Series #3: How to support broader decriminalisation processes?

Following the 5th European Harm Reduction Conference opening session Drug Policy, Decriminalisation: The next global step for Europe?, we recorded the 2nd episode of C-EHRN Podcast Series. Our guests discussed why there are still too few countries taking the bold step of decriminalisation even though it is proven that it works?

Why are policymakers still addicted to prohibition, and what steps would be necessary to get them to rehab?

“I think the challenge is how different demographics of the population are involved in electoral politics. Older people with conservative backgrounds are more prominently voting, and younger people feel increasingly disillusioned with politics and struggle to engage. This creates a bias.” said Mat Southwell.

The Drug Policy Reform Session has centred on the decriminalisation of drugs. However, the work of Harm Reduction sits at the intersection of various movements. Many of the communities harm reductionists work with and belong to have also been criminalised through other legal frameworks: e. g. the criminalisation of sex work, migration, sexuality and reproduction (e.g. abortion) or poverty, just to name a few.

What are mutual aid practices and support across movements still necessary to support broader decriminalisation processes, in your opinion?

Our session guests were Jochen Schroot of VAD – the Flemish centre of expertise on alcohol and other drugs, Iga Jeziorska of Youth Organisations for Drug Action (YODA), Mat Southwell of European Network of People who Use Drugs (EuroNPUD), Maria Plotko of Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA) and Olga Belyaeva of Eurasian Network of People Who Use Drugs (ENPUD).

Enjoy listening to their conversation, and share your thoughts with us!

HCV Testing Starter Kit – HCV Testing in the Community by the Community

Community-based testing refers to an approach by which targeted testing services are implemented in community settings so that they can be accessed, and used, by affected and marginalised people who may be unable, or reluctant, to access such services at public health facilities, such as at major hospitals. Community settings can include one or more of the following: fixed venues; mobile testing

units; outreach sites; through home visits; and also through community-based organisations such as buildings used for religious practices, such as churches and mosques; parks; homeless shelters; needle and syringe programmes; educational environments; and workplaces, amongst others.

This HCV Community Testing Starter Kit is designed to assist services for, and by people who use drugs and their peers to implement quality HCV testing services. It was developed with support of experts from cummunity based organisations of people who
use drugs:

Brugernes Akademi, Copenhagen
Caso (Consumers Associated Survive Organized) Porto
Stockholm Drug User Union
ProLAR Nett, Oslo

The harmreduction organisations

Fixpunkt e.V., Berlin
Free Clinic, Antwerp
EuroNPUD (European Network of People Who Use Drugs)

provided critical feedback.

Go to HCV Testing Starter Kit website

Read HCV Testing Starter Kit pdf

C-EHRN Podcast Series #2: Harm Reduction and Broader Development of Societies

Harm Reduction is not only a set of practices, strategies or approaches to support the needs of marginalised and underserved communities. As such, it is also a human rights movement for social justice. Moving away from responses that solely focus on individual [health] behaviours, harm reduction also brings attention to the impact of social determinants on health.

We talked to Tony Duffin of Ana Liffey Drug Project, Beatrix Vas of Youth Rise and Marta Borges of Social Emergency Unit, Portuguese Institute for Social Security. Following the opening session The Development of Drug Policy and Harm Reduction at the 5th European Harm Reduction Conference in Prague, we discussed advocacy, decriminalisation, and health inclusion, with our guests.

“We manage to be gatekeepers and not human rights services because we put so many questions to let people in that we end up keeping them out. This is the type of advocacy, we have been working on.” says Beatrix Vas.

“How we work with people and how we view people should be changed.” adds Tony Duffin.

And, Marta Borges tells us about how the situation has been like since the arrival of decriminalisation, the “holy-grail”, in her country, Portugal.

Enjoy listening and tell us what you think!

#HRAtWork #HarmReduction #EHRC21

Whoop whoop! C-EHRN Podcast Series is out!

On Human Rights Day, 10th December, we launched C-EHRN Podcast Series. To kick off our long-awaited podcast series’ idea, we held roundtable sessions during the 5th European Harm Reduction Conference 2021 in Prague, talking to harm reductionists on several topics. We happily and excitedly present you with the first episode of the series about Human Rights.

“We are the ones that avoid talking about human rights. Instead, we legitimise our services from a social control point of view. We need to break this cycle and indicate that we do our work for the health and well-being of the people.” said Aura Roig.

Would you agree? Do we tend to forget that everything we do is in the name of equal human rights?
Share your opinion with us.

Listen to the podcast here. Follow us for more.

Equality & Human Rights | The Core of Harm Reduction

Today is Human Rights Day. Every year on 10 December, Human Rights is observed worldwide, “to proclaim the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being.” As announced by the UN, the 2021 theme of the Day is EQUALITY – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights.

COVID-19 has started to be referred to as the inequality virus in recent times. Since the beginning of the pandemic, pre-existing inequalities have been exposed and exacerbated. As a response, international awareness days this year have emphasised the political, social, cultural and economic importance of upholding equity and human rights with renewed strength. An example of this has been the focus of the recently endorsed international World AIDS Day. In alignment with the 2030 Agenda, which is rich in slowly-but-surely approaching elimination goals, including AIDS, HIV, and deep-rooted forms of discrimination.

Today’s Human Rights Day is a crucial and opportune moment for human rights and drug policy reform movements for at least two reasons. On the one hand, it affirms that the war on drugs continues to sustain abusive policing, over-incarceration, coercion and punishment globally. On the other, it highlights the profoundly unequal outcomes of such repressive drug policies.

To mark Human Rights Day, the IDPC has shared its open letter to Ms Ghada Waly, Executive Director, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with a call to reform drug policies that entrench inequality. The letter “issues a strong statement on International Human Rights Day, calling on states to change the drug laws, policies and practices that violate health and human rights, and entrench inequality.” Please read the letter and ask your organisation to sign.

However, before you decide to sign such a letter, perhaps you would like to inform yourself more in-depth about current discussions on decriminalisation policies? During the 5th European Harm Reduction Conference 2021, EHRC21, we had a lively session titled “Drug policy: decriminalisation – the next logical step for Europe?” in which we discussed what you might be asking yourself now. What are the arguments for decriminalisation? If criminalisation can improve public health and human rights drastically, what are some of the complex and challenging questions that remain? You can watch it here.

Also, remember to check the session titled “Mainstreaming Human Rights & Evidence-based Law Enforcement”. This EHRC21 session could also be a valuable look-back since in here essential discussions took place regarding the role that law enforcement agencies ought to have in addressing the needs of people who use drugs. Please watch it here.

Today also marks the end of the #16DayActivism Challenge, which started on the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women. The joint action by the International Network of People who Use Drugs (INPUD) and the Women and Harm Reduction International Network (WHRIN), addressing violence, stigma, and discrimination against women who use drugs, shares its concluding remarks today, on Human Rights Day. Please read them here.

Finally, today we are also launching the C-EHRN Podcast Series. To kick off our long-awaited podcast series’ idea, we held roundtable sessions during the EHRC21, talking to harm reductionists on several topics. We happily and excitedly present you with the first episode of the series about Human Rights.

For this session, we had four guests; Irena Molnar of ReGeneration, Machteld Busz of MainLINE, Sabrina Sanchez of ESWA and Aura Roig of Metzineres; four strong women representing the core of their work with boldness, kindness, sincerity and fire.
“We are the ones that avoid talking about human rights. Instead, we legitimise our services from a social control point of view. We need to break this cycle and indicate that we do our work for the health and well-being of the people.” said Aura Roig.

Would you agree? Do we tend to forget that everything we do is in the name of equal human rights?
Listen to the podcast here and share your opinion with us.

The alarming decline in testing on the 40th year of the fight against AIDS

Every year on 1st December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. A day we unite to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and reflect upon our worldwide responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Today marks the 40th year of the fight against AIDS. A benchmark. The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is “End inequalities. End AIDS”, aiming to highlight the growing inequalities in access to essential HIV services. As we experience a new pandemic, this becomes more relevant than ever. COVID-19 has exacerbated inequalities, and impacted people living with HIV/AIDS, particular in terms of access to testing, treatment and health services.

There are alarming statistics mentioned in the newly-shared press release “HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs: Let’s make up for lost time against the epidemics!” by the Coalition Plus and EuroTEST initiative, launched on 28th November 2021, the last day of European Testing Week.

A study conducted in 44 countries proves a 35% drop in HIV screenings between 2019 and 2020 among key populations. The number is even higher among sex workers, who were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 59%.

Inequality defines infection patterns
The newly launched Global Aids Strategy 2021 – 2026, aims to respond to the inequalities that exist between key populations in different countries and regions. Although key populations have been able to maintain access to life-saving HIV services in some settings, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and harm reduction – even during COVID-19 lockdowns -, there is a critical and sharp decline in testing caused by the very pandemic that is affecting those most marginalized and underserved.

Building upon this framework, and Political Declaration from last June, on this day we call on the following priority actions to ensure that testing, treatment and care remains accessible for the already marginalized and underserved communities we work for and with.

Intensify and redouble efforts to scale up comprehensive harm reduction for people who use drugs in all settings, including needle-syringe programmes, opioid substitution therapy, as well as prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis community-led outreach and psychosocial support.

Ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights services are non-judgmental and non-discriminating, developing programmes to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination, while fostering initiatives that address the cross-cutting dimensions of stigma and discriminations faces by key populations.

Urgently expand access to combination HIV prevention, including PrEP and harm reduction. To ensure that services articulate person-centred and integrated care models that focus on quality of live outcomes beyond viral suppression goals.

Gender-responsive harm reduction programmes for people (including adolescents and young people) who use stimulant drugs or other new psychoactive substances must be introduced and scaled up.

Take urgent actions against the criminalizing laws, policies, and law enforcement practices against people who use drugs, sex workers, migrants, people of diverse SOGIESC, racialiced people, as well as for the redress of criminalization’s negative effects on HIV, viral hepatitis and other health issues.

Strengthen community-led and community-based harm reduction programmes and to advance community leadership and advocacy, ensuring adequate resources, funding, and enabling eviroments. Within interventions among key populations, a significant increase in resources is needed for combination harm reduction services for people who inject drugs.

Ending AIDS by 2030
Do you also agree that ending inequalities would end AIDS? What does your organisation or you personally do to reach the elimination goals by 2030? What are your recommendations to end AIDS by 2030? Share them online with the hashtag #HRAtWork. We are here to support and strengthen your work.

UNODC Webinar
The UNODC is organising a webinar called “Reflecting on the persistent inequalities that prevent progress in ending the AIDS pandemic” on 2nd December, 10:00-11:30 CET.
Please click here and join the meeting directly tomorrow.

Press Release by Coalition PLus and EuroTest Initiative | #COVID19 Diaries: The sharp, critical decline in testing

The Press Release from Coalition Plus and the EuroTEST initiative titled “HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs: Let’s make up for lost time against the epidemics!” was shared on the last day of the European Testing Week 28th November 2021.

The press release points out the sharp and critical decline in testing for HIV, hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among the most vulnerable populations, led by the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistics are alarming and worrying.

According to a study conducted in 44 countries, there was a 35% drop in HIV screenings between 2019 and 2020 among key populations. The number is even higher among sex workers, who were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 59%.

Ben Collins, the chair of European Testing Week, says that with all the great effective treatments at hand, there is every good reason for anyone at risk for HIV, viral hepatitis, or STIs to get tested this week or any week of the year.

“If we are to reach the global goals set for 2030, it is paramount to remove legal and regulatory obstacles to the provision of services at the community level, which is a crucial step in effectively reaching the unreachable.” concludes the Press Release.

The International and European Testing Week initiative focuses on increasing access to testing and raising awareness about the importance of early testing. The next testing week will be in the spring of 2022. Follow the updates and be on time in supporting their efforts.

To stop or to stop? That is not the question. | International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

It is 2021. Like many other vital social issues that must have already been extinct, the shameful existence of violence against women, trans and non-binary people gives one shiver. Still, here we are, marking it with the hope of its elimination internationally.

25th of November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This year’s campaign, generated by United Nations – UN, focuses on amplifying the call for global action to bridge funding gaps. It ensures essential services for survivors of violence during the COVID-19 crisis, focusing on prevention and collecting data to improve life-saving services for women and girls.

Its theme is Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!. It marks the launch of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative of 16 full days of activism concluding on the day that commemorates International Human Rights Day (10 December).

What is happening already?
Today, the “Sexism Free Night” Project has launched its European campaign BCRTEST – Bystander Chain Reaction Test, aiming to inspire action, encourage people without shaming or judging, and focus on fighting sexism with creativity and activism massive testing.

Have you taken a test yet? You may do so and share the cleverly developed campaign materials with your words alongside the hashtags #FunZone4All #BCRtest and #sexismfreenight.

The Euroasian Harm Reduction Association: EHRA has accepted the challenge and started their 16 days of activism campaign “Expected and unexpected risks of the #narcofeminism movement in the EECA region”.

What movement..?
The narcofeminism movement was born from the question of how painful and frightening it is to be a woman who uses psychoactive substances in combination with the experience of lack of focus on women for humane drug policies.

It is the response to discrimination, rights violations and injustice by activists from all over Europe.
Check out the details here.

Furthermore, the article “A World Beyond the War on Drugs” written by the Association for Women’sWomen’s Rights in Development (AWID) gives an excellent close look at the movement and its clear vision.

Also, the session: Girls power in HR2: womxn leadership to ensure access to Harm Reduction and Human Rights protection for womxn who use drugs with ReGeneration, EHRA, ENPUD and Metzineres, is highly insightful for you to exceed your knowledge on the topic and the current discussion on and around it.

Wonder how else you can show support in the name of solidarity, equality and humanity?
Why not download the campaign material and join the movement now

Moreover, read the statement pencilled down by the European Commission, mentioning gender-based cyber violence, the Istanbul convention, the use of sexual violence as a weapon and domestic violence. All violent in their own unique, secretive ways and all worrisome.

Last but not least, start acting now.
Act every day, everywhere.

Harm Reduction @Work: What a blast #EHRC21 was!

One of the participants shared her feelings after #EHRC21 with the phrase; the better the high, the bigger the comedown. We have waited long enough to have such a get-together, and it was a blast.

The Conference had a record number of participants. Over 400 people from 43 countries, including people from outside Europe such as the USA, Russia, Canada, and Lebanon, gathered in Prague from the 10th to the 12th of November. Overcoming the difficulties posed by the COVID19 pandemic, harm reductionists remained upbeat until the last minute. Even participants from afar continents like Australia, Africa, South America and Central Asia were hoping they could travel, until the very last minute. Staying positive is a trait we all share in the field of Harm Reduction, after all. To enable a wider audience, we also live-streamed some of the sessions with over 150 viewers.

The sessions were chaired by 28 representatives of organisations from across Europe. There were 116 speakers covering extensively urgent and current topics in the human rights movement of people who use drugs, sex workers, people experiencing homelessness and other marginalised communities. Just to name some. The biggest downer during the Conference was having to choose what to attend during parallel sessions because everything was equally exciting.

Apologies for all the statistics but is this not absolutely incredible that the Conference thrived in such a fashion? So here comes a toast to all harm reductionists in the world.

You rock! Harm Reduction goes on!

Could you not attend for whatever reason?
See below ideas on how you can do a thorough follow-up:

The online discussions during the conference can be tracked down in social media with the hashtags #HRAtWork and #EHRC21, in case of arousal of curiosity 🙂

We are now busy uploading all shareable online. In the meantime, HERE are images from the Conference and HERE is the video teaser from the Conference done by the amazing Drug Reporter foundation.

Last, but not least important, either subscribe to our newsletter to not miss out on the news or follow us on social media via @CorrelationNet.

We would like to wholeheartedly thank all the Conference partners, chairs partners, speakers and participants for their time, energy and support in making the #EHRC21 memorable. Together, we will move the unmovable.