Drug policy reform, non-custodial measures and tackling the root causes of involvement in criminalised activities are among the many ways states can curb skyrocketing women incarceration rates.
By flattening the complex relationship between state actors, citizens and globalised informal drug economies, the term often serves to fuel stigma, harmful stereotypes and further violence.
Following the the first known execution of a woman in two decades in Singapore and a string of recent executions for drug-related offences, Helen Clark, former New Zealand Prime Minister condemns the use of the death penalty in all cases and under any circumstances.
Instead of doubling down on counterproductive prohibitionist policies, governments should invest in evidence-based health alternatives, supportive services, and better approaches to regulation such as safer supply.
Following the release of the UNAIDS report titled 'The path that ends AIDS', this article underscores how ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic necessitates drug decriminalisation.
Drug-testing at festivals in the UK now requires a time-consuming and expensive license, making it virtually impossible for organisations seeking to provide this life-saving measure.
Proposals for cannabis legalisation fell short of the required votes, however the fact the initiative reached the final debate for the first time underscores that the forces for reform in Colombia are stronger than ever.
While a full legal regulation model is yet to be implemented in Luxembourg, new legislation permits adults to possess up to three grams of cannabis and cultivate up to four plants in a secure location.
IDPC joins 200+ organisations in signing an open letter calling on high-level forums on womens rights to be inclusive of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, who are often criminalised for drug-related offences.
While the longer-term impacts of the ban on the global heroin supply will greatly depend on potential subsequent bans on cultivation and trade, the livelihoods of thousands of landless labourers are in danger.
While the report explores the links between drug policy and the environment, it fails to grapple with the role of prohibition in environmental destruction.
