Areas of
Intervention
ALIGN POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES
In recent years Central Asia has witnessed a notable shift in drug use trends. There is a significant transition from highly problematic substances like heroin, to more recreational drug use, albeit still carrying significant risks. Unlike heroin, these recreational drugs pose fewer of physical and social health and are subject to less social stigma. This trend mirrors patterns observed in EU countries from the 1990s, now consolidated in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
There is a clear increased interest in the region on sharing experiences and assessing results of policy interventions with European partners. These insights justify a targeted efforts focusing on strategic and programmatic interventions to show results that will pave the way to rewrite strategies, laws and regulations.
The output is implemented with the support of Episteme Social, Spain.
The main focus of the output is to promote a comprehensive and strengthened evidence-based approach to national and regional drug policies in Central Asia and to mainstream the 2030 Agenda in the updating of existing policies and the drafting of comprehensive national drug strategies and drug-related legislation.
ROLE OF DRUG POLICY
Kazakhstan. In Kazakhstan, drug legislation is in a dynamic and diverse state, reflecting the country’s commitment to addressing the challenges inherent in this global problem. Through a comprehensive and varied approach, a solid regulatory framework has been established that seeks to effectively and efficiently address the different aspects related to the use, trafficking and production of narcotic substances. Given the two patterns of drug use identified in the country – one more traditional, linked mainly to the use of opium derivatives, and the other more contemporary, linked to the use of synthetic substances and NPS – it is imperative to apply tailored and specific responses. Traditional drug use requires an approach focused on health and wellbeing, with an emphasis on harm reduction and access to health care services. Synthetics use, on the other hand, requires a combination of prevention and risk reduction. Both responses must also address the underlying factors that lead to the use of these substances.
Kyrgyzstan. The Anti-Drug Programme for the period 2022-2026, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, demonstrates a comprehensive and strategic approach to the solution of the drug problem in the country. This programme, consisting of a total of 75 actions, provides a precise overview of the goals and priorities of the Kyrgyz government in its fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Synthetic drug use may attract a different set of users than heroin use. There is likely to be an increase in use among young people, among people seeking different leisure experiences, and in different social strata from those seen so far, most likely growing among the middle and upper social classes in the country, which requires a more precise and targeted understanding of preventive actions to be taken.
COHERENT AND BALANCED DRUG POLICIES
Tajikistan. The country’s government authorities have demonstrated a dynamic and diverse approach to drug legislation, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the global challenges associated with this problem. Thus, in order to efficiently and effectively address the various aspects related to the consumption, trafficking and production of narcotic substances, the country has established a solid and comprehensive regulatory framework. The National Drug Control Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period 2021-2030, consisting of a total of 43 actions for the period 2021-2025, is a strategic planning act developed to ensure the security and public health of the country, taking into account national and international practices. At the same time, the Government should align new anti-drug strategies with new emerging consumption patterns in order to more accurately and adequately address the associated challenges and risks, thus promoting a comprehensive and up-to-date approach to tackling the drug phenomenon in the country. As well as addressing new channels for buying drugs through cyber-security measures with the aim of safeguarding the security of citizens and putting an end to these criminal activities in the digital sphere.
Turkmenistan. The government authorities of Turkmenistan have established a rigorous legal framework to address the drug problem and to combat the illicit trafficking, manufacture, storage and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The laws and regulations enacted seek to deter drug-related activities and to protect the health and welfare of society at large. The fact that not all data on key issues – such as drugs seized in border territories or drug-related crime – are recorded annually limits the ability to analyse what is happening in the country, as it is crucial to understand in detail what the specific trends are in each field. In this sense, a precise comparison of these intermediate periods is not possible, and therefore trends cannot be analysed.
NEW APPROACHES in DRUG POLICY
Uzbekistan. Strong commitment by government authorities to adopt measures based on scientific evidence and international best practice and adapted to the specific country context as well as improved capacity for cooperation between different Uzbek government agencies and ministries to take the necessary measures through inter-governmental collaboration are included as key aspects of the actions included in the Plan for the period 2021-2025. The plan also contains scientific research in the field of narcology in the priority directions of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of drug-related diseases. Meanwhile, the development of differentiated policies and programmes are needed and they should effectively address both recreational and escapist use, recognising their differences and specific needs. This will enable appropriate and effective responses to be offered in each case, adapted to the particular characteristics and risks of each type of use.
EU CADAP – impact of the drug policy actions
- Supported the development of country strategies in alignment with international policy commitments
- Stressed the importance of balancing drug supply and drug demand reduction policies
- Assisted Central Asian States to develop their national legislations on drugs through the implementation of evidence-based prevention and treatment interventions
- Development and institutionalization of evidence-based policies and strategies
- Promoted a human rights and gender perspective in the programming implementation
- Provided a platform for international visibility and recognition, particularly of good practices in Central Asia
- Facilitated the exchange of information and knowledge among Central Asian states and EU member states
- Facilitated contact and increased partnership between CSOs and Governmental institutions
