Criminal justice

Publications1 January 1970

'Disrupt and vilify': The war on immigrants inside the US war on drugs

The Drug Policy Alliance and Human Rights Watch presents recommendations on immigration and drug laws that disproportionately affect migrants

News12 February 2026

South Africa: Crime, cartels and corruption — the drug policy debate we refuse to have

Punitive drug laws are fuelling corruption, strengthening illicit markets and misdirecting police resources, while failing to reduce drug use or improve community safety.

News12 February 2026

Maldives reintroduces death penalty for drug trafficking amid conservative push before council polls

President Muizzu’s raft of socially conservative measures illustrates how criminal law reforms are used for electoral gain.

News12 February 2026

Why Europe should avoid the trap of repressive drug policy

The European Commission’s proposed 2026–2030 EU Drugs Strategy shifts emphasis toward enforcement and border control, prompting calls to prioritise harm reduction, housing, community-based care and rights-based approaches.

Blog20 January 2026

What to expect from 2026: Defending drug policy reform through dark times

As drug policy reform faces renewed repression and securitisation worldwide, 2026 will test whether evidence, human rights and community leadership can still reshape a system under strain — and where the next openings for change may emerge.

News15 January 2026

Maldives: Parliament approves death penalty for major drug trafficking cases

Maldives’ parliament has unanimously approved a landmark amendment allowing the death penalty for major drug trafficking cases.

Publications14 January 2026

A call for inclusive language: Advancing a human rights-based approach to criminal justice at the United Nations

Perseus Strategies and allies call on the UN to replace stigmatising criminal justice language with person-centred terminology to advance a human rights-based approach to justice, dignity and social reintegration.

News7 January 2026

Venezuela: No to the 'war on drugs' as a pretext for U.S. intervention

Civil society groups from around the world reject the 'war on drugs' narrative being used to justify pressure, interference, and intervention in Venezuela—warning of militarisation, human rights violations, and dangerous regional precedents.

Events

Our words matter: Advancing inclusive language and a human rights-based approach to criminal justice at the United Nations

Online

9 January 2026

Join this virtual seminar to learn how inclusive, dignity-based language can strengthen human rights and improve criminal justice outcomes at the UN.

Publications11 December 2025

Drug policy stasis and hegemonic narratives of cannabis in Nigeria

Klantschnig et al. show how dominant state narratives suppress community perspectives, reinforce prohibition, and marginalise livelihoods, revealing why meaningful change remains elusive.

News11 December 2025

Fiji’s HIV epidemic escalates: New rapid assessment highlights urgent gaps in access to safe injecting equipment, HIV prevention, and stigma-free care among people who inject drugs

The lack of harm reduction services is accelerating one of the world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemics, underscoring urgent needs for sterile drug use equipment, community-led outreach, and an evidence-based national response.

News11 December 2025

Dance for freedom: Rave revolution in front of the Hungarian Parliament

Thousands gathered to protest Hungary's escalating police harassment of musicians, clubs and young people.

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