In the period form 15.05-21.05.2017 there was a workshop in Belgrade for improving social inclusion and protection of human rights of young people using drugs by YODA – (Youth Organisations for Drug Action in Europe)
Twelve countries met in Belgrade, Serbia, London, Poland, Romania, Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Belgium, Albania, representative of Council of Europe, Bulgaria and Macedonia, which was represented by members of HOPS, Katerina, Simona and Radomir.
Simona: We have discussed of various problems, which by forming groups from different countries and sharing experiences from each country we were finding solutions for the given problem.
Key issues that were covered in the workshop were: comparing the criminal penalties associated with drug use in each country, drug treatments for young people who use drugs, programs for needle exchange in prisons and programs for resettlement in prisons, human rights violations in jail.
Simona: I gained many new experiences and expand our knowledge by sharing examples from each country. At the end of each session we were giving recommendations for improving the protection of human rights. I must say it was a wonderful experience and I was honored that I was a part of this workshop.