Impact evaluation of a training program on drug policy, HIV and human rights in Latin America Graciela Touzé Pablo Cymerman María Eugenia D´Agostino Intercambios Civil Association - Argentina

Background Harassment, discrimination, and abuse Prohibitionist drug policy and human rights violations Drug users´ vulnerability to HIV infection

Drug Policy, HIV and Human Rights - Contributions for Reflection and Action Virtual course two months long Aimed to activists and professionals

Objectives Provide a general framework about international and regional mechanisms Analyze convergences and divergences Offer evidences of drug policy impacts on criminalization, health and HIV and hepatitis epidemics Identify human rights violations Provide tools for action

Key topics Stigma / Discrimination Human Rights UN and Inter American drug control and human rights systems Impact of drug policy on criminalization, health and social situation, HIV and Hepatitis epidemics Identification of human rights violations Advocacy strategies

Virtual campus Mentoring Internal mail Discussion forums Virtual library Videos Virtual coffee room

Scholarship program Supported by Open Society Foundations and Levi Strauss Foundation 6 courses between 2010 and participants 89% were awarded scholarships

impact evaluation Random sample = 95 participants (20%) More than 50% under 35 years old Wide range of professional backgrounds (28% mental health field) Distributed in 16 Latin American countries Most (48%) were governmental officials

“I am member of the team involved in human rights education for military staff at the Defense Ministry. The course helped me to improve my work” (Lucila, Uruguay). “I was a drug user for many years; currently I conduct a referral centre. I am very motivated with this course because discrimination is a real fact in my country” (Roddy, Panama).

“I´m a lawyer and I coordinate the legal area of a LGBT NGO. I use this course´s contents to benefit the people I work with” (Gustavo, Argentina). “I work at the Penitentiary System; I´m glad to participate in this course and improve my performance” (Karen, Guatemala).

Interest and contents Course fully fulfilled interests and expectations: 88% Contents were very good: 91% “This course has helped me to get scientific evidences to improve drug users´ quality of life” (Gayle, Mexico). “The lessons have been very interesting as knowing experiences and opinions of the rest of the group as well. I took a great deal of reflections on these issues” (Juan, Argentina).

Utility Course had contributed to their performance: 89% –“new approaches” (29%) –“inputs for intervention” (12%) –“legal information” (10%) “The course gave me many tools for action and new ways to think on these problems” (Rodrigo, Chile)

Changes Changes in everyday practices: 65% –the way they perceived drug problems (42%) –gained better understanding on drug users’ situation (15%) –redesigned projects or activities (7%) “This course has helped me to see things I had in front of my eyes and I have never noticed” (Carlos, Ecuador)

Initiatives 53% undertook a new activity –foundation of NGO in Costa Rica –certification program at Bolivian university –advocacy lesson in PAHO course “It was my pleasure to take this course; it will benefit a lot the population I represent” (Federico, Colombia)

Training opportunities 83% knew no other training opportunity on drug policy, HIV and human rights in Latin America 92% would recommend the program to a colleague “As a public defender, this course was of great interest because most of my clients are drug users” (Cecilia, Uruguay)

Lessons learned Challenge common misconceptions about drug users was well received by participants of the training program. Training continuity is a key component to sustain advocacy efforts articulated with research and intervention initiatives.

Next steps A critical mass of key stakeholders needs to be strengthened. Capacity-building must be complemented with networking and partnership. Seek for more commitment from local authorities.

Thank you for your attention!!!