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his EMCDDA paper explores how better data can help us understand and respond to Europe’s illicit drug markets. Traditional indicators like seizures, prices, purity, and offences provide only part of the picture, so the agency is expanding...

This EMCDDA paper introduces the European Union’s approach to drug supply reduction, explaining how policies, structures, and actions are designed to disrupt drug markets and limit the availability of illicit substances. It highlights the...

This report takes an important step towards understanding how European countries fund efforts to tackle illicit drugs. By examining public spending on supply reduction measures, it highlights how resources are allocated, the gaps in...

UNODC is collaborating with South Africa to enhance the quality and effectiveness of drug use disorder treatment, ensuring services align with the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders. Through training, workshops...

What started with a BBC documentary exposing the harsh realities of Nigeria’s codeine crisis has since become a powerful story of change. In Kano State, UNODC, with support from the European Union, introduced Quality Assurance mechanisms...

In August 2024, UNODC convened policymakers and treatment managers in Johannesburg for a workshop on adapting Key Quality Standards for drug use disorder treatment. The meeting, held in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Social...

In June 2023, UNODC Serbia, with support from the Ministry of Health and international partners, hosted a training in Belgrade on quality assurance for drug use disorder treatment systems. Based on the UNODC-WHO International Standards and...

At the 66th Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2023, UNODC, together with international partners, hosted a side event on strengthening quality assurance in the treatment and recovery support of people with drug use disorders. Experts...

In 2021, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) called on UNODC, alongside Member States and partners, to assess the quality of drug prevention, treatment, sustained recovery, and related support services worldwide. This report uses data...

This Discussion Paper, prepared by UNODC, aligns with key international policy frameworks, including CND resolutions 59/4 and 64/3. These resolutions highlight the importance of developing and disseminating international standards for the...

This Discussion Paper, prepared by UNODC, aligns with key international policy frameworks, including Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) resolutions 59/4 and 64/3. These resolutions emphasise the development and dissemination of...

Improving the quality and coverage of treatment for drug use disorders is a global health priority, highlighted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To support this, the Key Quality Standards for Drug Use Disorder Treatment...

Over 38 million people worldwide are living with drug use disorders, yet only a fraction have access to appropriate treatment. These disorders place a heavy burden on individuals, families and communities, and their wider social costs –...

The International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders, developed by UNODC and WHO, provide guidance for countries to strengthen evidence-based, ethical and effective treatment systems. They are designed for policymakers...

In 1999, the EU highlighted the growing threat of drug abuse and trafficking, noting a sharp rise in cocaine, amphetamines, and synthetic drugs like ecstasy. Reports at the time showed that no Member State was spared from these challenges.

In 2010, the EU introduced a new policy cycle to strengthen the fight against organised and serious international crime. This cycle provides a structured way for Member States to work together, set shared priorities, and respond to cross...

The European Union and Western Balkan countries share a strong interest in tackling drug trafficking and abuse—challenges made more pressing by the region’s location on a key route from Afghanistan to Europe.

Since 2003, a dedicated EU...

On 2–3 April 2014, African and European leaders met in Brussels for the Fourth EU–Africa Summit under the theme “Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace.” The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two continents, built on...

Psychoactive substances are regulated under three key United Nations conventions, agreed by Member States to safeguard public health and prevent illegal drug production:

• 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs – focused on substances...

The 2024 Feedback Survey gathered valuable insights from users of the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs. Running from January to December 2024, it assessed user experiences, explored how Toolkit resources are applied, and identified areas for...