Recording – City Report Launch | Civil Society Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe

The video is the recording of the report launch webinar that took place on Tuesday, 9th April 2024.

The City Reports are the final segment of Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network (C-EHRN)’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction 2023 Data Report. These concise harm reduction ‘case studies’ highlight either innovative practices or urgent issues demanding immediate attention in five different European cities. The reports will serve as advocacy tools to engage decision makers at all levels, either by showcasing best practices or as an urgent call to action.

Panellists:

 

Following a new format, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023 Data Report is launched in 6 volumes: Hepatitis C Care, Essential Harm Reduction Services, New Drug Trends, Mental Health of Harm Reduction Staff, TEDI Reports and City Reports (Warsaw, Bălţi, Esch-sur-Alzette, London, Amsterdam). The Executive Summary can be accessed here.

City Report – Amsterdam. Shaping the future of drug regulation from the ‘bottom-up’

On January 26, 2024, the city of Amsterdam hosted a groundbreaking international conference on the legal regulation of drugs, spearheaded by Mayor Femke Halsema, a vocal advocate for drug policy reform. The event united policymakers, academics, and civil society representatives in acknowledging the failures and human rights violations caused by over fifty years of drug prohibition. Emphasising the importance of advancing effective and humane drug policies at the city level, the conference garnered support from several current and former mayors worldwide. While Amsterdam has long been at the forefront of decriminalisation and harm reduction efforts, discussions around legal regulation have been, until now, relatively limited. The conference underscored the importance of ensuring fair and socially just legal regulation, including reparations and affirmative action to those unfairly and disproportionately affected by the war on drugs, and the importance of guarding drug markets against excessive ‘corporate capture’. The event represents a turning point in drug policy reform, especially within policymaking circles, marking a significant stride towards drug policies grounded in health and human rights. At the city level, Amsterdam is taking the lead in proposing innovative approaches to drug regulation, moving the conversation beyond cannabis, and firmly placing the regulation of substances like cocaine and MDMA on the agenda.

 

Following a new format, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023 Data Report is launched in 6 volumes: Hepatitis C Care, Essential Harm Reduction Services, New Drug Trends, Mental Health of Harm Reduction Staff, TEDI Reports and City Reports (Warsaw, Bălţi, Esch-sur-Alzette, London, Amsterdam). The Executive Summary can be accessed here.

City Report – London. The disproportionate harms of drug prohibition on oppressed peoples

In London, punitive drug policies are a driver of discriminatory policing and incarceration, evidenced by the number of drug possession offences that are unduly focused on Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Despite decreased overall police stop and search rates, racial disproportionality has increased, with Black individuals facing drug-related stop-and-searches at nine times the rate of white people. Additionally, Black individuals comprise a quarter of cannabis possession convictions, despite representing less than four percent of the population. The criminalisation of drug use in the UK also limits access to housing for people who require social accommodation, causing fear of eviction among people who use drugs. ‘Public Space Protection Orders’ further exacerbate this issue by penalising activities like rough sleeping and drug consumption, pushing marginalised individuals into deeper isolation and further marginalisation. These punitive measures fail to address underlying issues, amplifying the risks and harms faced by affected communities. This underscores the crucial necessity for harm reduction as a response to both drug-related risks and the harm caused by prohibition.

 

Following a new format, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023 Data Report is launched in 6 volumes: Hepatitis C Care, Essential Harm Reduction Services, New Drug Trends, Mental Health of Harm Reduction Staff, TEDI Reports and City Reports (Warsaw, Bălţi, Esch-sur-Alzette, London, Amsterdam). The Executive Summary can be accessed here.

City Report – Esch-sur-Alzette. Establishing a drug consumption room in a small-scale city

Esch-sur-Alzette, home to fewer than 40,000 people in Luxembourg’s south, reached a significant milestone in 2019 as the second city in the country to establish a drug consumption room. Contact Esch was based upon educational, medical, and social pillars, garnering strong support and success. The DCR’s effectiveness stemmed from robust political backing for harm reduction, effective collaboration among policymakers, NGOs, and local leaders, and the Ministry of Health’s objective to decentralise treatment and harm reduction services across Luxembourg. The Jugend-an-Drogenhëllef Foundation (JDF), the organisation behind Contact Esch, prioritised community involvement, fostering positive relations between locals and the initiative. Esch-sur-Alzette’s success in implementing a DCR, marked by minimal opposition and notable community support, can help to inspire other small-scale cities to implement DCRs, within and beyond Luxembourg.

 

Following a new format, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023 Data Report is launched in 6 volumes: Hepatitis C Care, Essential Harm Reduction Services, New Drug Trends, Mental Health of Harm Reduction Staff, TEDI Reports and City Reports (Warsaw, Bălţi, Esch-sur-Alzette, London, Amsterdam). The Executive Summary can be accessed here.

City Report – Bălţi. Violating confidentiality: The disclosure of medical data of people who use drugs

In Bălţi, Moldova’s second-largest city, the prevalence of HIV and HCV among people who inject drugs in Bălţi is disproportionately high. Despite the presence of harm reduction services throughout Bălţi, accessibility to these services remains a key problem. Barriers, including inadequate psychosocial support, employment and travel constraints, and fear of discrimination, hinder participation in treatment and harm reduction services. A notably prominent barrier is the pervasive stigma and discrimination exhibited by healthcare staff towards key populations, deeply rooted within healthcare settings. Approximately one quarter of people who inject drugs avoid medical care and HIV/HCV testing due to fears about their drug use becoming known. This is linked to healthcare personnel disclosing sensitive medical information such as a person’s HIV status, which can lead to stigma, discrimination and even dismissal from employment. It also hinders access to HIV services and breeds mistrust in the wider health system. Legal restrictions criminalising HIV exposure and transmission, drug use, and certain sexual activities further obstruct safe behaviours and service access. Though a national network of specialist paralegals established in 2017 has helped to bring justice to affected individuals, addressing these issues at their core is crucial for systemic, lasting change.

 

Following a new format, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023 Data Report is launched in 6 volumes: Hepatitis C Care, Essential Harm Reduction Services, New Drug Trends, Mental Health of Harm Reduction Staff, TEDI Reports and City Reports (Warsaw, Bălţi, Esch-sur-Alzette, London, Amsterdam). The Executive Summary can be accessed here.

City Report – Warsaw. A critical review of the harm reduction landscape in the district of Praga

Despite a recent boom in gentrification, Praga – one of eighteen districts comprising the city of Warsaw, is witnessing an escalating problem with homelessness, street drug use, and drug-related violence. OAT services in Warsaw have been purposefully accumulated in the Praga district, with the aim of concentrating service users in one spot, away from the city centre. People who use drugs in Praga are subject to fear, intimidation and acts of violence, with around 1200 individuals accessing OAT services in Praga alone. An increase in migration in recent years has increased pressure on these services and the profile and needs of service users has changed significantly. Local residents’ discontent and hostility towards people who use drugs has led to opposition against further treatment and harm reduction centres, fueling further support for punitive responses. The report urges policymakers in Warsaw to take drug policy seriously, calling for collaborative efforts that prioritise health, safety, and human rights for people who use drugs.

 

Following a new format, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023 Data Report is launched in 6 volumes: Hepatitis C Care, Essential Harm Reduction Services, New Drug Trends, Mental Health of Harm Reduction Staff, TEDI Reports and City Reports (Warsaw, Bălţi, Esch-sur-Alzette, London, Amsterdam). The Executive Summary can be accessed here.

C-EHRN Activity Report 2023 – Summary of Activities and Impact

C-EHRN is proud and grateful to present its 2023 Network Report, providing a summarised version of the activities undertaken last year. In this document, we are looking back at a year full of tasks, challenges and opportunities.

Extended Deadline – Request for proposals – Scientific Consultant

Scientific Consultant to assess and improve the methodology of data collection and analysis for Civil Society Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe

RFP Number C-EHRN2024-01
RFP Title Consultancy Civil Society Monitoring Methodology
RFP Closing date & time 29 March 2024

C-EHRN was established in 2004 in Amsterdam (NL) as a European civil society network and centre of expertise in the field of drug use, harm reduction and social inclusion. C-EHRN is hosted by Foundation De Regenboog Groep (FRG) – a non-governmental low-threshold organisation in Amsterdam, providing harm reduction services to people who use drugs and other individuals and communities disproportionately affected by social and health inequalities.
C-EHRN works towards a Europe that embodies a compassionate and equitable society where people who use drugs and other communities disproportionately affected by stigma, discrimination, and harmful (drug) policies have universal access to sustainable, high-quality health and social care, where social justice principles guide policies, and individuals and communities affected by harmful drug policies find empowerment and dignity.

As part of an Operating Grant for our activities in 2024, C-EHRN is looking for a Scientific Consultant to assess and improve the methodology of data collection and analysis for Civil Society Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe and strongly encourages professionals within the Network to submit proposals. Due to funding regulations, we specifically invite candidates from the EU Member States, whose GNI per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average (1).

BACKGROUND

Civil society has an important role in holding governments and donors accountable, among others, by engaging in independent monitoring and evaluation of services and programmes. In combination with advocacy, the application of monitoring tools are crucial strategies to hold governments accountable and to improve the implementation of policies and programmes in line with the needs of people who use drugs and their environments.

Since 2018, C-EHRN has developed a framework for European civil society-based monitoring of harm reduction, aiming, in the long-term, at improving harm reduction responses and policies in Europe. The Monitoring seeks to reflect the experiences of harm reduction service providers, focusing on how drug policies and specific harm reduction guidelines are (or are not) being implemented at the street level. Such in-depth and rich information is crucial to inform the development of policies and services for people who use drugs and can be of great value for civil society organisations advocacy and for policymakers.

Civil society and community-led monitoring of harm reduction in Europe plays a crucial role as a complementary source to existing monitoring mechanisms, particularly those operating at the European level, such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

We realise that our monitoring approach has its limitations. Accurate monitoring is a long-lasting process, requiring sufficient resources, annual evaluation, subsequent adjustments and improvements in its methods and indicators to increase data quality and consistency.

One of the network activities in 2024 aims to further develop C-EHRN monitoring, building on our previous work in the area. More specifically, C-EHRN will work with a consultant to critically assess, update and  improve the methodology used in parts of the C-EHRN Civil society-led monitoring of harm reduction in Europe, namely those related to HCV care and HR essential services. 

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

The development of the C-EHRN Monitoring methodology will involve a number of activities, including:

1) Participation in an in-person kick-off meeting in Amsterdam (2-3 days) to discuss and develop the detailed work plan for the consultancy

2) review and critical assessment of the current methodology of Civil society-led monitoring in the context of needs of various stakeholders (including review and critical assessment of the data collection instruments: Hepatitis C survey questionnaire and Essential Harm Reduction Services survey questionnaire and indicators of each of the data collection instruments); identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the current methodology

3) participation in relevant online meetings and consultations with C-EHRN Focal Points, Scientific Advisory Board and regular communication with the C-EHRN Research Team

4) development of an improved methodological framework for data collection and analysis to be used in the future.

REQUIREMENTS

PROPOSED TIMELINE

All activities should be completed by the end of December 2024, with the preliminary work to be presented during the Focal Points meeting in December 2024. A specific timeline will be established in negotiation with the consultant.

HOW TO APPLY

To be eligible as a consultant, individuals must comply with C-EHRN’s Mission and Vision, which are available here.

Applicants must submit a short letter of interest and a CV. These documents should reflect the candidate’s competency to complete the consultancy, including references to the requested skills, knowledge and professional experience.

Please, submit your application to administration@correlation-net.org until the 29th of March 2024 23:59 CET. In the subject line of your e-mail, please indicate the Reference Number, the title of the Consultancy and your name:

Reference Number | Consultancy Title | Name & Family Name

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important: The availability of this position is contingent upon securing funding. We anticipate having more clarity on the funding situation by late March or the beginning of April.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

All submitted applications will be reviewed by an Evaluation Panel composed of the Management Team of C-EHRN. The panel will assess the extent to which the proposals meet the requirements of each of the consultancies. 

Additionally, the consultants should:

  1. Have no conflict of interest (to be declared in the letter of interest).
  2. Have proven experience and expertise in the area of work.
  3. Have an excellent level of English writing.
  4. Offer a good and reasonable price-quality ratio.
  5. Be based in an EU Member State whose GNI per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average.

Candidates and experts who have already contributed with satisfactory results to the work of C-EHRN in the previous years will be prioritised to ensure the quality of work.

Candidates with the highest evaluation will be invited for negotiation and signature of an agreement. C-EHRN reserves the right to enter into negotiations with one or more applicants to obtain clarifications or additional information and agree on the conditions and timing of the consultancy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

administration@correlation-net.org

(1) EU Member States whose GNI per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average: Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia

Launch of the City Reports | A New Addition to the C-EHRN Civil Society-Led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023

To mark the publication of the City Reports, we invite you to join our webinar on Tuesday, 9th April, 12:00 (CEST/Amsterdam time).

The City Reports are the final segment of Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network (C-EHRN)’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction 2023 Data Report. These concise harm reduction ‘case studies’ highlight either innovative practices or urgent issues demanding immediate attention in five different European cities. The reports will serve as advocacy tools to engage decision makers at all levels, either by showcasing best practices or as an urgent call to action.

During the webinar, primary author Alice Pomfret will be joined by the five representatives of the participating focal points to delve into the findings and discuss the next steps for advocacy based on the reports’ conclusions. Participants are invited to engage in an interactive Q&A session.

 

Panellists:

 

 

Following a new format, Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network’s Civil Society-led Monitoring of Harm Reduction in Europe 2023 Data Report is launched in 6 volumes: Hepatitis C Care, Essential Harm Reduction Services, New Drug Trends, Mental Health of Harm Reduction Staff, TEDI Reports and City Reports (Warsaw, Bălţi, Esch-sur-Alzette, London, Amsterdam). The Executive Summary can be accessed here.

Call for Abstracts – 6th European Harm Reduction Conference

The European Harm Reduction Conference 2024 invites researchers, practitioners, policymakers, activists, and advocates to submit abstracts for presentations, workshops, and discussions across various tracks to advance harm reduction efforts in Europe and beyond. The conference will be held in Warsaw and will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches to harm reduction. 

Under the overarching Conference Theme “Putting People First – Empowering communities and driving innovation”, the conference aims to not only reflect on the progress made but also to move us forward by exploring innovative approaches, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge and experiences that will shape the future of harm reduction in Europe and beyond.

We encourage reflective, innovative submissions that offer pragmatic solutions to the challenges faced in our field. This conference is your platform to share original research findings, best practice case studies, and theoretical analyses and discuss the challenges and solutions related to service delivery, advocacy, policy action, and more.

Abstract Submission Deadline: 12 May 2024
Please read the Abstract Guideline carefully before submitting an abstract. For more information, visit the conference website.