Decriminalisation, legal regulation & reform

Decriminalisation

News7 April 2025

An effective and humane approach to drug policies

Human rights experts from the UN and civil society call for a shift from punitive drug policies to health- and rights-based approaches.

News7 April 2025

UN CESCR concluding observations highlight rights abuses related to drug control and call for reform

The Committee's concluding observations on the Philippines and the United Kingdom include clear recommendations on aligning drug policy with human rights standards.

News7 April 2025

US: Oregon abandoned its radical drug law. Then came the mass arrests

The state's decriminalisation rollback has led to thousands of arrests feeding disruptive cycles of detention and release with no improvements in access to housing, healthcare and other forms of support.

News18 March 2025

Drug Decriminalisation [e]Course is making an impact—help keep it accessible!

This [e]course promoting rights-based drug policy has over 1000 alumni and hundreds of positive reviews, but it needs external support to continue its important work.

News6 March 2025

Human rights, harm reduction and drug policy: Redoubling efforts reform and funding efforts - IDPC statement at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council

IDPC calls on governments to end drug-related human rights abuses, invest in harm reduction, and align drug policies with human rights and protect the HIV response.

Events

Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action 2025

World

26 June 2025

Join us on 26 June 2025 to reclaim power, resist injustice, and reform harmful drug laws through collective action in international solidarity.

News20 February 2025

A new dawn for the failed war on drugs

Against the harmful impacts of prohibition, world leaders increasingly embrace public health and harm reduction.

Events

Decriminalisation and the rights of young people who use drugs

Online

18 February 2025 - 20 February 2025

This workshop from YouthRISE will discuss youth-centred legal approaches and advocacy for youth empowerment.

Events

Drugs and decriminalisation in Asia: Global updates on drug decriminalisation

Online

28 February 2025

This webinar aims to present updates on developments in decriminalisation around the world, the backlash in Oregon (US), British Columbia (Canada) and Porto (Portugal), and to discuss their impacts on drug policy and advocacy in Asia.

News10 February 2025

Australia: Canberra cultivators mainly grow 'mild and modest' cannabis, study finds

While the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) decriminalised cannabis cultivation, restrictions on seeds and possession limits mean most growers unintentionally break the law.

Publications16 January 2025

Cultivating ecosystems of change for lasting impact: The Support. Don’t Punish 2024 Global Day of Action – Summary report

The Support. Don't Punish Global Day of Action reflects the growing movement against the 'war on drugs', uniting communities under a shared banner to demand rights-affirming drug policies, harm reduction, and collective action for a fairer future.

Events

International Drug Policy Reform Conference 2025

Detroit, United States

12 November 2025 - 15 November 2025

The Reform Conference convenes the growing and dynamic drug policy reform movement.

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