Gender

Publications3 March 2026

The Human Rights Council asserts its role in drug policy

IDPC considers Resolution 60/26 a landmark affirmation of the Council’s authority to address the human rights implications of drug policy, strengthening the role of the UN human rights system and reinforcing calls for health-, rights- and evidence-based drug policies globally.

Publications24 February 2026

Shrinking civic space and marginalized populations in Eastern Europe & Central Asia

EHRA and partners analyse how shrinking civic space and punitive legal frameworks are undermining community-led HIV and TB responses in the region, directly impacting LGBTQI+ people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and people living with HIV.

News16 February 2026

Call for inputs: OHCHR report on the impact of drug policies on the rights of women and girls

The report will address human rights challenges and gender-responsive approaches in law and practice, and contributions are received by 31 March.

Events

International Chemsex Conference: Optimising support and care for people engaging in chemsex

Antwerp, Belgium

3 March 2026 - 5 March 2026

A transdisciplinary conference examining the complex realities of chemsex and advancing evidence-based, harm reduction and gender-responsive approaches to support and care, grounded in community expertise and human rights.

News10 December 2025

INHSU Fellowship Program supporting women who use drugs — Applications open

This nine-month fellowship programme aims to build capacity among early and mid-career US-based researchers working to improve gender-based health outcomes.

News21 November 2025

Ethical communication on gender-based violence and substance use

This webinar by Dianova spotlighted how ethical, stigma-free communication can reshape public understanding of gender-based violence and substance use.

Events

Harnessing international advocacy for national progress: regional and international advocacy tactics for civil society to influence national policies

Online

18 November 2025

A RESILIENT project workshop offering tools, case studies, and practice for civil society in EECA to use regional and international advocacy to influence national policy and protect civic space.

Events

Campaign for the elimination of violence against women who use drugs (EVAWUD 2025)

World

25 November 2025 - 10 December 2025

EVAWUD is a global campaign held during the 16 Days of Activism (25 Nov–10 Dec), demanding an end to violence against women and gender diverse people who use drugs through human rights–based, gender-responsive, and harm reduction–oriented drug policies.

News14 October 2025

Women are paying the price for the war on drugs - Women Beyond Walls podcast with Marie Nougier

Marie Nougier exposes how punitive drug laws devastate women’s lives, fueling mass incarceration and inequality — and calls for feminist, humane, evidence-based drug policies rooted in care, not punishment.

Blog8 October 2025

The Human Rights Council asserts its role in drug policy at a time of global change

The Human Rights Council’s latest resolution on drug policy marks a turning point, reaffirming that drug control is a human-rights issue, and calling for person-centred, inclusive, and accountable approaches.

Events

Towards a Gender-Inclusive drug policy: Beijing +30

22 September 2025

At UNGA 80, global leaders unite to expose how punitive drug policies harm women’s health and equality and to advance gender-responsive, rights-based reforms that uphold justice and health.

Publications25 September 2025

Development dimensions of drug policy: Assessing new challenges, uncovering opportunities, and addressing emerging issues

UNDP charts a rights- and development-centred turn in drug policy, prioritising decriminalisation, harm reduction, equity-led transitions, and practical pathways to responsibly regulate some drug markets.

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