Norwegian campaign for drug policy reform: Hear me!

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Norwegian campaign for drug policy reform: Hear me!

14 December 2012

Watch a short film about a protest at the Oslo parlament demanding better harm reduction services and abolishing social exclusion

A public march and a debate was organized recently in Oslo to express the disappointment of NGOs with regard to the government's latest white paper on drugs. ProLAR, Brukerforeningen Lar-Nett and Foreningen for human narkotikapolitikk were the three nationwide organizations who made their voice heard and spoke out against the current status quo that still penalizes users. The NGOs claim that the governments actions are still lacking behind when it comes to harm reduction and reach out programs for those living with heroin addiction. In addition they call for greater access to substitution treatment, with more user involvement.

The three drug user organizations represented respectively by Ronny Bjørnestad, Karen Følling and Arild Knutsen told that their new “Hear me!” campaign aims to be a wake up call for politicians. It is unacceptable they say that the government is ready to spend 40 thousand Norwegian crowns (5400 euros) on someones imprisonment but is not willing to pay a fraction of this amount to help people with addictions.

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