Informal Drug Policy Dialogue 2006, Bern

The third Informal Drug Policy Dialogue was co-hosted by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. Participants, most of whom are actively involved in policy, included over forty people from 21 countries, six inter-governmental organisations, five international NGOs and several academics.

The two-day dialogue had four sessions focused on (1) the effectiveness of law enforcement in supply reduction, (2) recent developments around HIV/AIDS and harm reduction, (3) Bolivia and legal options for the coca leaf and (4) preparations for the 2008 UNGASS Review. In addition, participants were invited to visit the Bern city drug injection facility, where managers explained how the facility functioned and gave a guided tour of the premises.

In addition, participants were invited to visit the Bern city drug injection facility, where m a nagers explained how the f acility f unctioned and gave a guided tour of the prem ises. The visit was highly appreciated by all those who took part. The m eeting was guided by ‘the Chatham House Rule’ to encourage both a free exchange of thoughts and confidentiality at m eetings. Individual contributors therefore remain anonym ous and some tactical discussion points have been omitted from this report.

The form at of the meeting was informal and interactive. For each session a number of people were requested to provide inputs. They were not asked to prepare and deliver full speeches but rather to provide introductory remarks to spark off the round table discussion. Most of the time was devoted to an open discussion between all participants. This report provides an overview of the views expressed during the meeting that taken together reflect the overall tone of the meeting. These do not represent conclusions, however, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent m a jority opinions of those present.