SKOSH Global Initiatives
SKOSH’s Global Advocacy for Humane Policy efforts are dedicated to raising international awareness about the damaging consequences of the War on Drugs, particularly in Russia and other authoritarian regimes. Amidst the increasing tendencies of undemocratic governments to suppress civil society and bolster autocratic rule, leveraging the outdated rhetoric of the War on Drugs, this initiative aims to highlight the severe impacts of harsh drug policies on vulnerable communities and their role in supporting dictatorships. Our goal is to advocate for a shift towards more compassionate, informed approaches that uphold human rights and are grounded in scientific evidence.
2023. Support. Don't Punish and IDPC Initiatives Programme
Donor: International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC)
Amount: $5.000
Project Goal: To advance drug policy reform, bolster harm reduction and build bridges with/within/between communities disproportionately impacted by the ‘war on drugs’
Summary outcomes: In 2023, SKOSH embarked on an initiative supported by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) Initiatives Programme to expose Russia’s harmful drug policies and raise global awareness about the perils of the war on drugs. Through a series of drug policy events and efforts to restore the ARF human rights violations archive, SKOSH aimed to shed light on the impact of draconian drug laws. Collaborative public events held in Moscow, Berlin, Tbilisi, and Paris underscored the urgency of reforming drug policies and humanizing approaches to substance use.
One notable event on June 26th featured a mobile pop-up exhibition inside the ARF outreach minibus in Moscow, showcasing powerful photos and artworks portraying the consequences of the war on drugs. In Berlin, SKOSH co-organized a Support. Don’t Punish action, featuring a demo and a Memorial Evening where participants shared personal experiences and advocated for policy change. A documentary, “Russia’s War on Drugs,” highlighted the need for a more compassionate approach.
Further initiatives included a week-long retreat for Russian drug policy activists in Berlin, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. In Tbilisi, an expert panel discussed the influence of Russian drug policies on Georgia, highlighting the impact on drug scenes and young war migrants. Lastly, a multi-day event in Paris featured an art exhibition, panel discussions, and a psychedelic noise concert, engaging diverse audiences in discussions on drug policy reform and harm reduction.
Through these efforts, SKOSH worked to mobilize international support for ending the war on drugs and advocating for evidence-based, compassionate approaches to drug policy.