Whilst technically cannabis falls within the often strict regulations of the international drug control system, a range of countries have taken more progressive and liberal approaches to cannabis regulation with outliers to even legalising cannabis use and possession.
To mark the launch of Global Prison Trends 2018, the fourth edition in PRI’s annual flagship Global Prison Trends series, PRI will be hosting an Expert Panel and Reception on Tuesday 12 June at Linklaters LLP in London.
This event will offer insights into the most urgent and emerging issues facing criminal justice systems worldwide. Global Prison Trends 2018 will be presented by Olivia Rope, PRI’s Policy and Programme Manager, and copies will be available. The report covers key trends including on prison management and prison populations, filling a gap in analysis in this area.
4.30–5.45pm: Panel
Moderator: Alison Hannah, Executive Director, Penal Reform International
Introductory remarks: Representative of Linklaters LLP
Global Prison Trends 2018: Olivia Rope, Policy and Programme Manager, Penal Reform International (PRI)
The rise of drugs and violence in prisons: Marie Nougier, Head of Research and Communications, International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC)
The rise of female prison populations: Holly Tuckwood, Legal Fellow, AdvocAid, Sierra Leone
The rise of life imprisonment: Professor Dirk van Zyl Smit, Professor of Comparative and International Penal Law at the University of Nottingham
5.45–7.00pm:
Join us for a drinks reception, thanks to the generosity of Linklaters LLP
A discussion on the ongoing challenges of Ireland's drug policy and its debate on the removal of criminal sanctions for the simple possession of drugs.
This event will consider whether stigma is due to misrepresentation - that leads to public misunderstanding of drug use - and whether changing public opinions can lead to the development of improvements in the lives of people who use drugs and in the development of better services for people with a drug problem.
On June 25th, Open Society Foundations will be hosting an event to show support for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking through an artistic platform that illuminates the effects of drug policies on communities all across the world.
The aim for the Global Day of Action is to produce high-profile and visually symbolic local actions that call for drug policy reform and a higher commitment to harm reduction.