Our Goal and Mission statement
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By OVOM.org
The Global Parents’ Platform brings together parents and citizens who have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of drug use on children, families, and communities. Our work is rooted in science, law, and prevention, with a strong commitment to ensuring that the voices of families affected by harmful drug use and drug policies are heard.
Our Goal
Our goal is to empower individuals who have experienced the impact of marijuana or other drug use on a child or loved one. Through their lived experience, they can advocate for drug policies that prioritise health, safety, and the protection of future generations.
Our Vision
We envision a world in which families thrive, drug use is prevented, and those struggling with addiction have access to early intervention and appropriate care. We seek to bring forward the voices of families who have been negatively affected by harmful drug policies and by the commercial and social forces that promote drug use.
Our Mission
Our mission is to equip families with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to share their experiences and advocate for meaningful policy change. By uniting parents globally, the Global Parents’ Platform provides a strong and respectful voice focused on prevention, awareness, and the protection of children.
Why the Global Parents’ Network Is Needed
Parents are not being heard.
Families are suffering under harmful drug policies.
Drugs are destroying families and communities.
No parent should feel afraid or ashamed to share their experience.
Parents deserve respect, support, and a strong collective voice.
Public sponsorship and awareness are urgently needed.
Prevention must begin long before drug problems take root.
Drug sales in places where children gather must be addressed and prevented.
Protecting Children: International Human Rights Obligations
Children must be protected from environments in which substance use is present or encouraged. This obligation is clearly set out in Article 33 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the only international human-rights treaty that explicitly addresses drugs. Article 33 requires states to take appropriate measures to protect children from illicit drug use and from involvement in drug trafficking.
Learn more:
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – Article 33
Eindhoven Declaration – Sign the petition: www.ovom.org
How You Can Support the Global Parents’ Platform
- Organise awareness events in your community
- Ask how you can contribute or collaborate
Drugs are harmful. They destroy innocence.
Together, we stand to protect children and empower families.
Real Cases Illustrating the Urgent Need for Awareness
The following cases illustrate how drug use and impaired judgment can lead to neglect, harm, or loss of life. These examples underline the importance of prevention and strong child-protection policies.
Twins Micah and Michael Gard – United States
A mother left her twin sons alone while she went out to buy marijuana. During her absence, a fire broke out, killing both children.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/mom-of-twins-killed-in-fire-while-she-bought-pot-gets-jail
Six-Year-Old Girl Drowned in the Erie Canal
A six-year-old girl drowned after being left unattended while her caregiver used marijuana.
https://13wham.com/news/local/two-charged-in-connection-with-drowning-death-of-6-year-old
Six-Month-Old Baby Thrown to Her Death in New York City
A six-month-old baby was killed after being thrown from a sixth-floor window by her mother.
https://www.news.com.au/world/mum-rants-naked-before-dropping-baby-daughter-to-her-death/news-story/63ef9ae34f8e0b97a5964e41d45a6ba0
Parents’ Stories
The Global Parents’ Platform gathers real stories from parents who have faced the challenges of drug prevention and child protection. These experiences serve as a call to action and a source of awareness for families, policymakers, and communities.
Conclusion
These tragic and preventable stories demonstrate why a global network of informed and engaged parents is essential. Drug use does not occur in isolation—it affects families, endangers children, and impacts communities. By sharing these realities and standing together, we work toward a future in which every child grows up safe and protected.