0n 7th September 2017, the Ugandan Ministry of Health authorized the Uganda Harm Reduction Network and Community Health Alliance Uganda to pilot needle and syringe programmes in a few designated health facilities in the country.
This CCPCJ side event was an opportunity to highlight best practice examples of countries having moved towards more proportionate sentencing and alternatives to incarceration for drug offences.
The side event held at the 60th Commission on Narcotic Drugs offers insights into how drug policy indicators could aid in achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda.
Policy interventions should capitalise on the self-regulatory and harm reduction practices deployed by the communities of users of crypto-drug markets.
Jamie Bridge explores Resolution 60/12 which, for the first time, calls specific attention to harm reduction and the dire need for funding to combat HIV.
In January 2017, a two-day conference was held to discuss methods of tackling issues surrounding methamphetamine - including prison overcrowding, decriminalisation of drug use and harm reduction measures. Patcharalavan Akbar and Gloria Lai report on the proceedings.
As high-purity/high-dose ecstasy pills return to the market and casualties rise, Oli Stevens discusses the roles testing can play. It can act as a harm reduction initiative, can it shape the composition of drug markets themselves?
Nathalie Rose reports on the Arusha Declaration whereby officials from several East African countries have committed to advocate for the promotion of health services towards people who use drugs.
Maria-Goretti Ane discusses the new Action Plan - targeting high and middle-level drug offenders, while offering alternatives to incarceration for people who use drugs – including treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration services.
To celebrate the adoption of its new strategy, ASEAN released a promotional video on the region’s vision of ‘drug-free communities’ - despite the failure and negative consequences of an overly repressive approach towards drugs.
Jamie Bridge (IDPC) reflects on a recent briefing organised in coordination with TNI on the pending challenges for the international community to address after UNGASS 2016 and towards 2019.
This civil society letter led by IDPC requests ASEAN to establish opportunities for civil society organisations and affected communities to participate in the official process for the development of the new ASEAN strategy and work-plan on the use and supply of drugs.
With President Duterte enjoying huge popularity as he begins his six-year term, comments in response to media articles show strong support for his policies. There are however, some high-level opponents to the extrajudicial killings.
