As in previous years, the Pompidou Group took part in the yearly session (Vienna, 2-6 March 2020) of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the UN's primary policy-making body on drug-related matters. On this occasion, the Portuguese Presidency of the Group delivered a statement in which the 40 member States reaffirm that “drug policy must be developed, implemented, and evaluated in full respect of human rights”.
At this high-level assembly, the Pompidou Group co-sponsored four side events which attracted great attention among government and civil society representatives:
- Family oriented policies in drug prevention, co-organized by the international institutions UNICRI, UNODC, EMCDDA
- Public health, justice and development: Implementing comprehensive innovative approaches to drug policy, organized by the government of Mexico
- Trippin’ through nightlife: innovative approaches preventing harms and risks of drug use in recreational settings, organized by the governments of Lithuania, Portugal and France
- Homelessness and substance use in city centers: balanced and evidence-based policies, organized by the government of Greece
A publication stand of the Pompidou Group present throughout the 63rd Session ensured greater visibility of the Group among the participating delegations.