UNODC Conducts Training on Drug Prevention and Treatment for Civil Societies in Shiraz

The problem of drug use and subsequent complications of its use, intertwined with developmental and economic problems, are hindering many countries to achieve sustainable development. To tackle this obstacle, governments welcome the support of Civil Societies (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The problem of drugs is vast, deep, complex, and multifaceted, and no government can control it without the help of civil societies. NGOs’ proximity and presence in society  -in guiding and organizing the people’s power to curb the problem of drug use- highlight their important role in this field. These organizations are increasingly active in the implementation of programs and global policies to curb the problem of substance use. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has also been emphasizing the importance of improving the role of civil society organizations in dealing with the global problem of drugs. NGOs and CSOs develop and implement programs in various fields of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reduction of substance abuse in various countries. Many governments have described the role of these organizations in reducing the demand for substances and harm reduction as very important and valuable. For more than two decades, NGOs, CSOs, volunteer forces and community-based organizations in Iran have been active in the field of drug demand and harm reduction. In recent years, the most important outlook in the country has been strategic planning, centered on a community-oriented approach and promoting the role of public participation.

Given the important role of national CSOs and NGOs active in the field of drug prevention, treatment and harm reduction, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Iran organized the ‘Training on Drug Prevention and Treatment among Children and their Families for CSOs’ on 21–23 February in Shiraz. The event was held in cooperation with the Public Participation and Civil Society Organization Department of the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ).  During the training, Mr. Alexander Fedulov, UNODC Iran Country Representative, addressed the participating representatives of various NGOs and CSOs by highlighting the significance of drug demand reduction activities mounting directed towards reducing illicit drug demand. He pointed out the importance of drug use prevention and treatment not only among children, but also among family members affected by drug use.

Mr. Feulov also highlihgtedthe positive measures taken in the past decades and the required further steps, andstated that relevant authorities should put higher emphasis on the involvement of NGOs in drug demand reduction and HIV-related issues, and consider this contribution as crucial for the achievement of commendable results in the country. Referring to the role and mandate of the UNODC, he stated that the agency considers community empowerment and the involvement of civil society and the NGOs -in the areas related to drug demand reduction and HIV prevention and care- as a key element in drug control.

This training was designed in a way that it used the capacities of the national trainers in the area of drug demand reduction, treatment and psychosocial interventions. National trainers covered a range of topics from an overview of the problem of drugs, theory of prevention and health promotion, treatment of drug use disorders among children and youth, motivational interventions for parents with drug use disorders, psychosocial interventions in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug use disorders with special emphasis on women and families, to vocational training and employment in the rehabilitation of drug use. Each session provided a platform for NGOs to share their experiences and challenges in each area and brainstorm possible solutions.