Red Cross Asiatic Conference
The 1° Red Cross Asiatic Conference in Bangkok recognized drug abuse as one of the main problem in the society and committed RCRC National Societies to take action in this field.
IFRC created a group of experts
IFRC created a group of experts on substance abuse which met ten times during fourteen years and promoted two RC/RC World Conferences on drugs, in Norway (1985) and in Spain (1989). The Group also produced three handbooks on drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
25th International Conference of the Red Cross in Geneva
At the 25th International Conference of the Red Cross in Geneva, the Resolution 29 “The fight against drug abuse” was adopted. It requested National Societies to form groups of experts on this topic and work out a strategy of intervention.
European Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Network
The Italian Red Cross and other 12 RC/RC NSs established the European Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Network on HIV/AIDS and TB (ERNA), with the aim to contribute to the reduction of the spread of HIV, AIDS, TB and other communicable diseases principally among the most vulnerable people, including PWUDs.
IFRC endorsed a new HIV Policy
IFRC endorsed a new HIV Policy that recommended harm reduction work with injecting drug users, and at the same time commissioned a major report “Spreading the light of science: Guidelines on harm reduction related to injecting drug use”, which was published in 2003.
Starting of a Training Programme In Villa Maraini
IFRC, in collaboration with the Italian Red Cross and Villa Maraini Foundation, started a training programme on drug abuse prevention, treatment and harm reduction for RC/RC National Societies and other CSOs. The training courses were held in Villa Maraini Foundation. Since then, 36 training courses have been organized.
Creation of the Rome Consensus Manifesto
The Italian Red Cross and Villa Maraini Foundation initiated a strong advocacy initiative to promote humanitarian drug policy in response to the health disaster caused by drug use and drug addiction. The document, called Rome Consensus, was signed by over 120 NSs and provided a summary of information, principles and best practices on drug policy responses, to assist NSs in implementing effective actions and programmes within their communities. Between 2007 and 2008, several meetings were organized to promote the Rome Consensus at global level (in Rome, Madrid, Cape Verde, Philippines, Uganda, Grenada).
IFRC signed a partnership agreement with UNODC
IFRC signed a partnership agreement with UNODC to address the issues of drug use and related harms at the community level.
Red Cross/Red Crescent Training and Research Partnership on Substance Abuse.
IFRC, the Italian Red Cross and Villa Maraini Foundation signed the agreement that established the Red Cross/Red Crescent Training and Research Partnership on Substance Abuse.
