Ten years ago, the concept of deflection emerged as a transformative approach to divert people with substance use disorders away from arrest and into treatment,… Read More »A Decade of Deflection: The First Academic Special Issue Celebrating 10 Years of a Humanitarian Innovation
“No one is beyond help, not even when everything seems lost.” That spirit echoed through the halls of Villa Maraini-Croce Rossa on May 21st, where international experts, law enforcement, health professionals, and civil society met to confront one of our era’s most urgent public health and human rights challenges: drug abuse and dependence.
This Special Issue marks a historic milestone for the global Deflection movement. Developed through the alliance of the Rome Consensus 2.0, the Knowmad Institut, and PTACC, it represents the first indexed body of peer-reviewed academic research dedicated to Deflection — reaffirming that dignity, science, and collaboration are essential pillars of health-centered drug policy.
Since 1976, Villa Maraini Foundation has led a humanitarian approach to drug use, proving that care and safety can go hand in hand. Its 24/7 emergency unit — unique in Italy — bridges health services and law enforcement, offering immediate, person-centered support. Now, aligned with the Rome Consensus 2.0, Villa Maraini is preparing to launch a permanent task force to formalize this life-saving collaboration.
From March 10–14, 2025, the Rome Consensus 2.0 (RC2.0) participated actively in the 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna,… Read More »The Rome CONSENSUS 2.0 at CND 68: A Platform for Global Dialogue
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing in Global Drug Policy The ISSUP Thessaloniki 2024 Workshops brought together experts, professionals, and organizations worldwide to discuss and advance global… Read More »Rome Consensus 2.0 at ISSUP Thessaloniki 2024
The Rome Consensus 2.0 initiative has a significant global impact thanks to its signatories’ dedicated efforts and growing commitment. This network of advocates tirelessly works… Read More »Global Impact of the Rome Consensus 2.0: A Commitment to Humanitarian Drug Policies