Middle East / North Africa

Publications11 April 2024

Death penalty in Iran: an appalling number of executions in 2023

56% of all executions concerned drug-related offences.

Publications2 December 2023

Frictions in drug control: prescription opioids, prohibition and consumption cultures in Africa

Nelson and Dumbili introduce a special issue of 'Drugs, Habits and Social Policy' that sheds light on the social and structural drivers of opioid use in the continent, and the impacts of restrictive policy.

Publications16 November 2023

Contribution from the Civil Society Forum on Drugs in the EU on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine

The CSFD urges EU institutions to safeguard human rights commitments and call for an immediate ceasefire, ensuring that humanitarian aid includes access to controlled medicines and the continuity of drug services.

Events

Africa civil society regional consultation in the lead up to the CND mid-term review

Lusaka, Zambia (Hybrid)

7 November 2023

Civil society representatives in Africa will share views and experiences with other stakeholders from the region in preparation for the 2024 CND mid-term review.

News27 September 2023

Putting People First - The Africa Policy Week 2023 in a snapshot

Amidst intolerable inequalities, harm reduction and drug policy reform activists chart new paths towards freedom in South Africa and beyond.

Events

Mental health status and needs of key populations in the MENA region

Online

9 October 2023

This webinar hosted by MENAHRA will explore the mental health conditions and requirements of key populations and marginalised communities in the Middle East and North Africa region.

News16 August 2023

Kuwait: Five hanged as Kuwait continues execution spree into second year

At least one person has been executed in relation to a drug-related offence, in flagrant violation of international law.

News3 July 2023

Prisons turned into killing fields in Iran as drug-related executions almost triple this year

The cruel and alarming surge in drug-related executions in Iran serves as a stark reminder that the death penalty violates the right to life and should be opposed in all cases without exception.

News15 June 2023

Video and media Advocacy training at the Africa Drug Policy Week 2023 – Call for applications

Apply now to take part in a 5-day Video and Media Training, and then use your newly acquired skills during the additional 3 days of the Africa Drug Policy Week!

Publications10 May 2023

The legalization of the cultivation of cannabis in Lebanon - Moralistic views vs the right to health

Skoun sheds light on the evolution of practices and laws on cannabis in Lebanon and outlines much-needed reforms to ensure medicinal access.

Publications29 March 2023

The death penalty for drug offences: Global overview 2022

HRI's twelfth report documents the drastic increase of drug-related executions that have taken place over the course of 2022, the inadequate responses of institutional actors, and the robust resistance of civil society.

News14 February 2023

Iran hangs 50 people this year

Almost 70% of the people executed were condemned in relation to drug offences.

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