HIV Legal Network

The HIV Legal Network is one of the world’s leading organizations tackling the legal and human rights issues related to HIV, and advocating at both the policy and community levels. The Network works tirelessly to defend the rights of people affected by HIV, from women, newcomers, and gay men, to people in prison, people who use drugs, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.

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2025 World Drug Day: UNODC and CND must take urgent action to end unlawful use of the death penalty for drug-related offences

On 2025 World Drug Day and Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action, 70 organizations call upon the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to condemn the use of the death penalty from drug related offences. In this joint statement, the signatories demand that human rights safeguards are implemented to uphold international law and standards.

Blog18 June 2025

UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities releases landmark observations urging Canada to embrace safe supply and end coercive drug treatment

In a historic move, the UN CRPD urges Canada to support safe supply and voluntary, rights-based harm reduction. Advocates from the HIV Legal Network call on the government to act, reform drug policy, and uphold disability rights.

News7 April 2025

Canada: Despite Ontario Superior Court injunction recognising irreparable harm, most supervised consumption sites face closure

Health experts warn that recent legislation seeking to close these sites will worsen health and life outcomes for communities.

Publications17 October 2024

Know your rights: On drug laws for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) people who use drugs

The HIV Legal Network provides answers about Canadian drug laws and the criminal justice system to help ACB communities facing systemic discrimination better understand their legal rights.

Publications1 October 2024

Know your rights: On drug laws for Indigenous people who use drugs

The HIV Legal Network highlight the deep-rooted colonialism and racism underpinning Canada's drug laws, offering Indigenous people who use drugs crucial knowledge about their legal rights and protections.

Publications9 July 2024

Drug use stigma and reprisal: Barriers to prison needle exchange in Canada

De Shalit et al. conduct the first independent and national study of Canada's federal prison needle exchange program, determining that drug use stigma and anticipated or actual reprisal from correctional officers are preventing program uptake.

Publications25 June 2024

How to innovate in an emergency: legal and policy measures to scale up safe supply at supervised consumption services

HIV Legal Network identifies barriers and innovative workarounds in promoting a safe supply of drugs, including through non-medical programmes.

Publications13 June 2024

Connection, care, community: Strengthening harm reduction for GBT2Q people who use drugs in Canada

The HIV Legal Network identifies what can and needs to be done to strengthen the response to HIV, other STBBIs, and other health concerns among GBT2Q people who use drugs.

Publications1 April 2024

Towards access for all: Best and promising practices from low-barrier, harm reduction shelters in Canada

The HIV Legal Network provides recommendations on creating a safe and trusting environment through provision of staff training, promotion of knowledge exchange between staff and participants, and centering on people's lived experiences.

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