Racial justice

News21 October 2023

A course-correction on cannabis equity in Canada : the moment is now

In reviewing the effects of cannabis regulation, the government must ensure equity to Indigenous people and racialised groups who have been historically at the losing end of the 'war on drugs'.

News25 September 2023

United States: Marijuana rescheduling falls short of expectations on Biden

The Biden administration's move to reschedule cannabis fails to fulfil earlier promises of decriminalisation and does little to address the racial disparities in cannabis enforcement.

News25 September 2023

UN agency says drug war has ‘major human rights impacts,’ urging countries to instead adopt a public-health approach

A recent OHCHR report underscores the vast human rights issues fueled by the drug war, encouraging member nations to transition away from punitive drug control measures in favor of a public health-centered approach.

Publications12 September 2023

Human rights challenges in addressing and countering all aspects of the world drug problem - Report of the OHCHR

OHCHR present their report to the Human Rights Council on the impact of the world drug problem on human rights, urging policymakers to shift towards a health and human-rights centred approach to drug policy.

News21 August 2023

Confronting the drug war: Roundtable series

Harm reduction activists and researchers take part in a multi-part series to deconstruct the disease model of addiction, discuss alternate ways of thinking about drug use and present ways to reform current prohibitionist drug policies.

News21 August 2023

Thanks for nothing, DEA: Fifty years later, drugs are deadlier and more abundant than ever

Despite half a century of increased funding, more seizures and heavier policing, the DEA have failed to prevent the flow of drugs into the U.S, and the number of overdose deaths as a result of a toxic drug supply continue to rise.

News15 August 2023

We know what happens when we prosecute drug dealers as murderers

Instead of doubling down on counterproductive prohibitionist policies, governments should invest in evidence-based health alternatives, supportive services, and better approaches to regulation such as safer supply.

Publications15 August 2023

Bounded equity: The limits of economic models of social justice in cannabis legislation

Hendy et al. examine the potential, and limitations, of existing social equity provisions in cannabis legislation, pointing to the importance of reparatory frameworks that address structural forms of social exclusion.

Publications15 August 2023

Comments to draft General Recommendation N. 37 on racial discrimination in the enjoyment of the right to health - IDPC submission to CERD

IDPC, Amnesty International, CDPE, HRI, DPA, Release and CELS provide evidence on the role of drug policies as a driver of discriminatory policing and incarceration.

Blog13 July 2023

The mask of narco-terrorism: The faces of the war on drugs in Ecuador

Defining criminal groups involved in the informal drug trade as 'terrorists' risks deepening prejudices and repressive state responses, rather than decreasing violence.

Events

Drug decriminalization: From punitive policies to effective solutions

Online

26 June 2023 - 26 June 2023

Open Society brings together speakers seeking to challenge the narratives around decriminalization and drug policy reform in the US.

News11 July 2023

How women self-organise: The birth of street and anti-prohibition feminism

Self-organisation and critical consciousness on the role of the patriarchy, racism and prohibition on the lives of women who use crack are avenues for empowerment and liberation.

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