News
A Call for Inclusive Drug Policy Reform at the United Nations Civil Society Conference
Written by Isaac Olushola (Global Fund Project Manager) | isaac@youthrise.org Young people are currently a demographic representing the largest generation in history—1.8 billion young people. There is an urgent need to include our voices in critical policy-shaping forums such as the United Nations Civil Society Conference. May 9-10, 2024 (Nairobi, Kenya) – last month, I…
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Youth RISE and Paradigma Coalition Advocate for Decriminalization and Human Rights on side event during the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Vienna, May 15, 2024– Youth RISE and the Paradigma Coalition are proud to announce their active participation in a significant side event organized by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). ABOUT THE EVENT This side event brought together key stakeholders to discuss human rights…
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“We Need to Talk About Drugs (Policy)” Paradigma Coalition’s First Exhibition at the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya – May 9-10, 2024 – The Paradigma Coalition proudly held the exhibition, “We Need to Talk About Drugs (Policy)” at the United Nations Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 9th and 10th, 2024. This powerful and thought-provoking exhibition aimed to ignite crucial conversations about the global impact of current drug policies.…
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Day 3 of the Paradigma Coalition at the CND
Written by: Marialba Quesada Abrams Youth RISE’s Delegation of the Paradigma Coalition. March 20th, 2024. Last Wednesday, March 20, we reached the halfway point of the CND. And despite the non-stop hard work and the lack of sleeping hours, we continued our path of activism and youth inclusion in the discussions held during the various…
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Day 2 of the Paradigma Coalition at the CND
Written by Alex Betsos (they/them/theirs) The fourth day of CND started off somewhat differently than most. Vienna, which has had nothing but gorgeous weather since I first arrived took on a different character. What had been consistent morning highs of 13 degrees dropped to a crisp 3. It was as if the weather knew what…
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Key United Nations Advocacy for Young People Who Use Drugs
Written by Ruby Lawlor, Executive Director of Youth RISE This week, Youth RISE attended pre-meetings and the High Level Segment of the 67th Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the discussions and advocate for youth-centered approaches to drug policy and harm reduction programmes, and ensure the voice…
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Youth in Power: Insights from the Youth RISE Strategy Meeting in Dublin
Traveling light was my choice for the “Youth in Power” event in Dublin, Ireland—a decision befitting the brevity yet intensity of the three-day event. My journey began with my arrival at Dublin International Airport at 8:00 AM on the 27th of January, where, after a brief interaction with immigration, I hailed a car via the…
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Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats: Youth RISE’s statement
Online on 1 February 2024 The New York NGO Committee on Drugs and the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs organized with the support of the UNODC Civil Society Unit a “Civil Society Hearing” for the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats Members, allowing a broad range of civil society organizations to share their expertise…
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