Decriminalisation, legal regulation & reform

Decriminalisation

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.

Publications15 January 2025

Reducing harm, protecting life - IDPC joins 3 civil society reports to inform the UN CESCR's review of Kenya and the UK

Ahead of the UN CESCR's 77th Session, IDPC supports three bold submissions in Kenya and the UK, assessing their drug policies and human rights records, and demanding urgent reform.

Publications15 January 2025

Tackling intersectional stigma in healthcare access for marginalized communities in CEECA

SWAN examines the social justice impact of intersecting identities and provides recommendations for improving services, rights-based programs, and advocacy.

Publications14 January 2025

The World Drug Report 2024: A failed attempt to reframe the right to health of people who use drugs

IDPC's assessment of the World Drug Report's chapter on the right to health suggests that UNODC prioritises its own policy interests over reflecting the negative impacts of the 'war on drugs' and the most recent guidance on the matter.

News13 January 2025

Harm reduction must replace punitive drug policies

The Lancet calls to repair the harms of punitive drug policies, starting with their repeal and adequate investment in systems of care and support.

Publications11 December 2024

Beyond punishment: from criminal justice responses to drug policy reform

The Global Commission on Drug Policy exposes prohibitionist policies' role in fueling inequities and offers a roadmap for reform including harm reduction measures, decriminalsiation, and the legal regulation of drug markets,

News11 December 2024

‘War on drugs has failed, completely and utterly’: UN human rights chief

The High Commissioner emphasised the need for a radical shift in approach that prioritises health, dignity and inclusion.

Publications1 December 2024

'No penalties. No arrests. No jails': Perspectives on drug decriminalisation among people who inject drugs in Sydney

Dertadian and Sentas examine community members' drug policy preferences, noting widespread support for non-punitive responses, yet skepticism regarding politicians' capacity to effect change.

Publications12 November 2024

Cannabis regulation, EU drug law, trade rules and the UN drug control treaties

TNI, GDPO and WOLA engage with six European countries to discuss trends towards reform in cannabis policy, offering innovative solutions for legal tensions, coordination and policy development.

Publications11 November 2024

Ireland: Oireachtas Joint Committee on Drugs Use - Interim Report

The interim report makes recommendations in favour of decriminalisation, enhancing treatment options, expanded harm reduction options, and addressing social inequity.

News11 November 2024

Racial profiling and drugs: the United Nations reprimand Italy

The UN Human Rights Council denounced the country's racialised drug policing and recommended the decriminalisation of simple possession and the de-prioritisation of people involved in retail.

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