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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…

By Rebeca Marques Rocha, Youth RISE’s Communications & Advocacy In our ongoing series, “Hear the Pioneers: Conversations with Drug Policy & Harm Reduction Veterans,” we have the privilege of engaging with experienced professionals in the field of drug policy and harm reduction. Our goal is to gather insights, experiences, and advice from these pioneers to…

By Ruby Lawlor, Executive Director of Youth RISE The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) December Thematic Intersessional meetings, held from the 3rd to 6th of December, provided a crucial platform for global discussions on the implementation of international drug policy commitments, on the run up to the 2024 Mid-Term Review of the 2019…

From the May 2023 Youth RISE Submission to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. While the international drug control conventions aim to protect the health and welfare of humankind, young people are among the most affected by severe, systemic human rights violations, as a consequence of overly punitive interpretations of these conventions. In…

Written by Dinah Kate Macmillan We are Chemical Sisters, a political collective with a primary focus on anti-prohibitionism and transfeminism. As women who openly identify as substance users, we approach harm reduction from a distinctly gendered perspective, placing it at the core of our harm reduction initiatives. Our mission is to underscore the critical importance…

With the International Campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2023, the Women and Harm Reduction International Network (WHRIN), with campaign partners YouthRISE, EuroNPUD and EWNA call for an end to all forms of violence against women and gender diverse people who use drugs. The EVAWUD campaign highlights the need to end violence against…

In the framework of the World Science Day for Peace and Development (November 10th) The INHSU 2023 event is the 11th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users.It is a significant conference that addresses health issues, particularly hepatitis, in the context of substance use. The event took place from 17-20 October 2023 at…

Written by Greta from Young Wave A wealth of data has evidenced how young people who use drugs are vulnerable to systematic oppression, police brutality, discrimination, and various rights violations. Consequently, youth rights advocates and harm reduction workers are in an ever-expanding search for the fastest and most efficient method to change that situation.  Young…