Written by Rebeca Marques Rocha
In the heart of the bustling Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2023, a conversation unfolded, revealing the invaluable experiences of Eliza Kurcevic, a dedicated advocate for drug policy reform and harm reduction in the Eurasian region. Rebeca, a young activist from Youth RISE, sat down with Eliza, delving into her journey and the insights she’s gained over the years. In the first installment of our series “Hear the Pioneers: Conversations with Drug Policy Veterans,” we explore Eliza’s compelling narrative, shedding light on the challenges, aspirations, and wisdom she has gathered along the way.
A Journey of Compassion and Commitment
Eliza, hailing from Lithuania, now serves as a pivotal figure in the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA). EHRA operates as a regional network spanning Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. With 273 members across 29 countries, the organization is a formidable force in advocating for humane drug policies, improving harm reduction services, and ensuring the movement’s sustainability.
Learning from the Past
As Rebeca and Eliza’s conversation unfolded, it became evident that Eliza’s journey was marked by a stark lack of information during her formative years. Growing up in Lithuania, her exposure to drug policy and harm reduction was limited to art class activities surrounding International World AIDS Day. Even then, the connection between drug use and HIV/AIDS remained shrouded in mystery. “Nobody even explained how drugs are related to AIDS Day and what AIDS Day represents,” she said.
Her limited knowledge was further compounded by societal taboos and the absence of open conversations about drugs and their implications. “The only thing which I knew about drugs was basically about cannabis because my peers and I were using it.”. Reflecting on those times, Eliza expressed her wish for more support and open dialogue aimed at helping young people navigate the complexities of drug-related health crises. “I was scared because I didn’t know what to do in case something happened. I couldn’t call my parents and have an open conversation with them. I couldn’t call the ambulance because the police would come along”, she remembers. In the absence of guidance, fear and uncertainty often clouded her perception.
Recalling the challenges she faced as a young person in Lithuania, she emphasizes the importance of having access to a supportive environment that is honest and open about drugs. “I really would like to have had more support. It’s not even about knowledge, but more support openness of the society to helping young people in how to respond to different health crises related with the drug use.”, she says. Compared with the current state, she is optimistic about the positive changes that have been unleashed by new technologies. “Now we have internet, so we have loads of information, and this is where I learned loads of things.”
A Call for Inclusivity in Drug Policy Design
Eliza highlighted the need for young people to be actively involved in shaping drug policies and harm reduction services. In Lithuania, while there may be mention of harm reduction strategies in official documents, translating these into actionable initiatives has been a challenge. Despite national strategies advocating for harm reduction in nightlife settings and festivals, tangible action and funding remain elusive.
Eliza’s pride in organizations like Young Wave in Lithuania underscores the resilience of youth-led initiatives. These groups have taken it upon themselves to provide education, harm reduction services, and support to their peers in the absence of government backing.
Across the broader region, Eliza illuminated disparities in drug policy. In some countries, an archaic focus on prevention through punitive measures persists. This approach includes invasive practices like urine testing for students, further alienating and stigmatizing young people.
However, there are rays of hope, as exemplified by organizations like Mandala in Georgia and Legalize Belarus, which operate tirelessly to provide harm reduction services and advocacy, even under oppressive conditions.
The Value of Lived Experience
Eliza passionately stressed the need to embrace lived experiences in crafting drug policies. Personal encounters and experimentation with substances allowed her to see the limitations of academic knowledge. “What is written on the paper is just, let’s say, scientific evidence which might be applied for some people, but not necessarily to each person,” she notes.
Young people’s experiences could reshape outdated drug policy paradigms, infusing them with fresh perspectives and innovations. The key, Eliza noted, is that young people should advocate for their own needs. They understand their unique requirements, and their voices should be at the forefront of policy discussions. “Just ask young people – they know what they need!” she emphasizes.
The world is moving; drug policy and harm reduction also need to move. That means bringing new perspectives that can adapt and generate new harm reduction services that respond to the actual needs of young people.
A Serendipitous Journey into Drug Policy
Eliza’s journey into drug policy was serendipitous. Initially studying law, she stumbled upon an internship opportunity that led her to work with people injecting drugs and enrolled in opioid substitution treatment. This encounter marked the beginning of her love for this community, as she realized the power of their lived experiences and the need for advocacy in an often-stigmatized field.
After studying abroad and returning to Lithuania, Eliza’s career trajectory led her to the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association. From an assistant position, she has risen to become a program manager, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact on drug policy and harm reduction.
Advice for the Youth: Be Loud!
Eliza’s advice for young people engaged in drug policy and harm reduction is both empowering and resolute. She urges them to be active advocates, to speak their truths loudly, and to ensure that their voices are heard. “If we don’t say it and nobody hears us, then we just don’t exist. We should be loud, we should be even anarchist at some point, pushing for our agenda and supporting our peers”, she affirms.
Emphasizing the importance of supporting peers, she reflects on the motivation that stems from witnessing other young activists making waves in their own countries. “I’m very proud of my peers like Young Wave, for example, in Lithuania. Without any governmental support, acting on a voluntary basis, they are helping young people in obtaining honest information and resources on drugs and harm reduction”.
She also highlighted the work of peers in neighboring countries that deal with more challenging contexts, such as Belarus. She recalls the work of Legalize Belarus, led by a group of young people who had to leave the country due to political repression. Still, even outside the country, they are continuing the advocacy work. “In February, EHRA supported their drug policy activist school for Belarusians who left the country. The project motivated young people to gather, learn and build a community”. Eliza is hopeful that such initiatives will contribute to positive change in the future. “I hope that one day, Balarus will be a free country and this youth with really good education and thoughts will come back and be able to promote better drug policy and harm reduction services in the country”.
Eliza’s journey, from a young law student to a prominent figure in drug policy reform and harm reduction, serves as an inspiring testament to the impact one can make when driven by compassion, determination, and a commitment to social justice. Her insights offer a beacon of hope for the youth navigating the challenging terrain of drug policy and harm reduction, reminding us all that positive change is possible when we listen to the voices with lived and living experiences.