In order to raise public awareness of effective overdose-death prevention methods, activists set up an unofficial drug consumption room in the middle of Helsinki.

A tent was set up in the centre of Helsinki, where those who inject drugs could come and use them safely, with the support of health professionals offering help, advice, hygienic equipment, and food. The facility aimed to prevent drug overdoses and infections related to the sharing of injecting equipment.

At around 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, the police arrived and asked the activists to disassemble the tent. The tent was disassembled shortly after.

According to the organisers, the police argued that there was a reasonable suspicion that people committed crimes in the tent. However, according to the organisers, no one has visited the tent to use drugs, so there is no reason for the police to suspect.

According to Juha-Pekka Pääskysaari, one of the organisers of the event, this was an act of civil disobedience, borne out of the frustration of professionals and activists that the establishment of drug consumption rooms in Finland has progressed so slowly.

Pääskysaari, like other volunteers, said he was not representing any organisation. The action was organised by individual citizens protesting repressive drug policies.

“Simply put, this is civil disobedience,” said Pääskysaari. “By setting up this room, we want to highlight how people with substance abuse are treated in society. How can there be one group of people in this society whose illness is treated as a crime?”

Police demolished 'illegal' drug consumption room in Helsinki

The Cabinet has approved a new Citizens' Assembly on drug use at its meeting in Dublin.

In a statement, the Government said the assembly will be asked to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes the State could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of ilegal drugs on individuals, families, communities and wider society.

Chief Whip and Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, said: "Drug use affects all members of society, whether directly or through families and communities, and it imposes significant health and financial costs. Involving citizens in decision-making on drugs policy is therefore appropriate.

"I want to ensure that the voice of young people is heard at the Citizens' Assembly, as they can be particularly impacted by drug use. To this end, I have initiated a consultation with young people through Comhairle na nÓg and youth drug projects in disadvantaged areas, which will be presented to the Citizens' Assembly for its consideration".

Minister Naughton said she would bring forward a motion to the Dáil and Seanad next week to formally establish the assembly.

It is expected to begin its work in April and conclude the process by the end of this year.

Ireland: Cabinet approves new Citizens' Assembly on drug use

Supervised consumption services (SCS) are an effective intervention to reduce the harms associated with drug prohibition and a toxic drug supply. SCS increase access to health care, promote safer consumption, and prevent overdoses and other health complications. An SCS may support multiple forms of drug consumption, including consumption by injection, inhalation (smoking), oral, and intranasal (snorting). For people who inject drugs, SCS reduce the risk of HIV and hepatitis C, soft tissue infections, venous injuries, sepsis, and overdose-related deaths.

However, a significant number of clients who inject drugs—between 14% to 49%, according to Canadian studies—require more than a safe, hygienic space and access to care and services: they also require assistance with injection. This resource answers some frequently asked questions about legal liability to help SCS providers in Ontario make informed decisions about their practices related to assisted injection.

Participation and accountability

Police demolished 'illegal' drug consumption room in Helsinki

Ireland: Cabinet approves new Citizens' Assembly on drug use

Provider-assisted injection in Ontario's supervised consumption services: frequently asked questions