The vast majority of the global population does not use illicit drugs and wants to live in communities free from drug-related harm, such as addiction. This silent majority supports drug prevention and investments in youth and other vulnerable populations to promote healthy behaviour, norms and environments to reach health and development for all.
We, the representatives of the undersigned international and regional civil society organizations,
Recognize that the use of alcohol, tobacco, narcotic drugs and other psychotropic substances causes health, social and economic harms to people, families, communities and societies at large and thus threatens sustainable development.
Concerned with the health and welfare of humanity, having convened at the first assembly of the Istanbul Initiative to consider enhanced and urgent action to address the world drug problem, including substance and behavioral addictions.
Emphasize that reducing drug use prevalence and keeping it low it is the best prevention. Preventing harm from occurring is the most cost-effective, humane and sustainable way to reduce substance use disorders, saving lives, strengthening communities, promoting public health, sustainable human development and decreasing interrelated problems.
Recognize that drug policies must be Human Rights-based, gender-sensitive, and age appropriate;
Affirm the importance of creating recovery-oriented systems of care that provide comprehensive interventions, ranging from early intervention to harm reduction, rehabilitation and social reintegration with the goal of supporting people with substance use disorders to reach their full potential.
Recognize that substance use problems don’t only affect the individual user but also adversely impact their partners, parents, siblings and children; therefore, comprehensive support services for the family and people around the user are critical to prevent harm and facilitate resilient families.
Affirm the importance of comprehensive community-wide action to curb drug problems as a common and shared responsibility requiring an integrated and evidence-based approach to change policies, practices and systems on all levels through community involvement.
Painfully aware of the destructive impact of the alcohol and tobacco industries we are deeply concerned with the emergence of a new industry that promotes drug use for private profit, causing substantial harms especially to vulnerable groups and societies at large.
Deeply concerned that this new industry is able to change the narrative, shape public policy and influence governments, international organizations and civil society for their economic gains, against the public interest.
Call on all people, especially families, political, cultural, religious, civic, health, educational, youth, sports, and business leaders, and the media to get involved in the efforts to change social norms, reduce drug availability, and build healthy societies;
Call on governments and the international community to pursue a balanced approach between demand reduction, supply reduction and law enforcement, and to invest in prevention, treatment and health services, to achieve international peace and security, and the health of nations.
Call on governments to invest in health promoting environments to achieve health, well-being and development for all.
Declare our commitment to collaborate worldwide in support of grass-roots participation in global policy process and to amplify the voices of the silent majority.
