Bringing young people's voices to the drug policy table with Ruby Rose Lawlor

We are joined by YouthRise's Executive Director, Ruby Rose Lawlor, to discuss influencing drug policy change at the UN, full spectrum harm reduction and the recent recommendation to decriminalise drugs for personal use in Ireland.

Ruby talks us through the work of YouthRise on a global level and how, and why, those young people who help facilitate their work, came to being part of an international movement. Ruby also reflects on full spectrum harm reduction, what it is and what still needs to be done for it be implemented fully and be at its most effective.

Much of Ruby's work is advocating young people's voices to help implement change within the United Nations (UN), most notably at the Commission of Narcotics Drugs (CND). Ruby shares the importance of YouthRise being at the table at one of the highest levels of drug policy, to ensure young people are at the centre of future, evidenced-based, drug policy reform. Lastly, Ruby reflects on providing evidence to the 'Joint Committee on Drug Use', made up of a group of Irish politician's, that has recently advocated for decriminalising drugs for personal possession in Ireland, following a similar recommendation made by the 'Citizen's Assembly on Drug Use'.

If you have been affected by the issues discussed in this episode, please visit barod.cymru and confidentially chat to a trained support worker via Barod's Live Webchat Service, that is open 7-days a week, or call Dan 24/7, Wales' national drug and alcohol helpline on 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066.More information on YouthRise:

Read YouthRise's statement regarding 'Full Spectrum Harm Reduction'.

You can follow YouthRise on:

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Contents of the video:

(00:00) Highlights of the episode

(⁠⁠01:40) Introduction

(06:17) YouthRise

(10:00) Why young people are involved in drug policy reform

(15:01) Full spectrum harm reduction

(25:54) The UN and advocating for young people

(43:37) Decriminalisation in Ireland