59th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

The 59th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs was held in Vienna International Center between 14 and 22 March with the participation of government officials and representatives of international non-governmental organizations.

In the 59th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), international drug control conventions and main agenda of UNGASS were discussed both in plenary sessions and the side events organized by governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

The Turkish Green Crescent attended special and regular segments as well as side events organized by non-governmental organizations together with respective ministries of governments.

Regional Consultation Report on Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Green Crescent was elected as a member of the Civil Society Task Force formed before the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS) at which significant policy changes were envisioned. Within this scope, Green Crescent has strived to encourage non-governmental organizations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to participate in the UNGASS process. Green Crescent held the Regional Consultation Workshop during which implementations of the current drug policies were evaluated so as to provide recommendations to the UNGASS between 19 and 21 April in New York.

Side Event: "An Insight into Different Recovery Models"
A side event titled "An Insight into Different Recovery Models" was held by Turkish Green Crescent at the 59th session of CND. In the side event, clinical psychologist Gaye Kağan made a presentation about the working structure and function of YEDAM Model specifically developed in order to meet current needs in Turkey in terms of drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation. Organizations such as "Stijena" from Croatia and "Towards Recovery" from United Kingdom also shared their works and experiences regarding the treatment process. 

Side Event: "The Importance of Local Governments in Addressing Drug Abuse in Displacement: The Turkish Experience"
The side event was held by Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations in Vienna, and Green Crescent. At the side event, the ongoing works by local governments (municipalities) and non-governmental organizations were introduced and discussed thoroughly.