Our Work

Shelters are more than temporary accommodation. They are essential services. They represent a safe space and a lifeline for many — and especially people who use drugs, who are overrepresented among people who are homeless and grappling with Canada’s toxic drug crisis. Shelters often connect people to vital services that are otherwise out of reach, … Read more

This submission to the Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law focuses on human rights violations against people in Canada of African descent, in the context of Canada’s drug laws.

This submission responds to key questions that the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism has raised in support of her upcoming visit to Canada. Our responses focus on people who use drugs, sex workers, people without permanent residence or citizenship, and people living with HIV in Canada.

The HIV Legal Network (“Legal Network”)  submited the following information to assist the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (“OHCHR”) in its preparation of a report on drug policy and its impact on the rights of women and girls. The Legal Network’s submission focuses on the context in Canada.

Everyone — including people who have been detained — has a right to the highest attainable standard of health and to healthcare that is at least equivalent to that which is available in the community, whatever their immigration status. The current system — which allows for indefinite and punitive detention without comprehensive oversight — fails … Read more

These materials were prepared by the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO), HIV Legal Network, African Caribbean Council on HIV/ AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO), Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA), and Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP). They will provide you with important information about the law in Canada. If you need legal advice, … Read more

Hard Time Persists: Healthcare and Harm Reduction in Canada’s Prison System Hard Time Persists – Moving Forward Everyone benefits from improved healthcare in prison and imprisonment is not a justification for the denial of healthcare. Gaps in policy and practice in the provision of healthcare in prison settings fuels the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C … Read more

Today we are sharing the second is a series of conversations we have had in recent months with people from Indigenous communities about the impact of HIV criminalization. In Canada, Indigenous people, especially women and youth, are disproportionately affected by HIV. Even though Indigenous people are only 5% of the total population, studies from 2020 … Read more

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing conversations we have had in recent months with people from Indigenous communities about the impact of HIV criminalization. In Canada, Indigenous people, especially women and youth, are disproportionately affected by HIV. Even though Indigenous people are only 5% of the total population, studies from 2020 that … Read more

IMPORTANT LEGAL UPDATE REGARDING REFUGEE CLAIMS IN CANADA On March 26, 2026, the government of Canada passed a new law called Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. Among the serious changes, the new law significantly limits who can make a refugee claim in Canada. NEW RULES IMPACTING REFUGEE CLAIMS One-year limit to making a … Read more

Alongside friends, colleagues, and communities the world over, the HIV Legal Network mourns the passing of Stephen Lewis. He was a true champion for those living with and affected by HIV, a committed human rights activist, and a mensch beyond measure. Today, the world feels heavier without Stephen in it. Stephen Lewis shone an incredible … Read more

For Immediate Release – March 31, 2026 Communities across Ontario are already witnessing the adverse effects of March 2025 closures; one year on, things are only going to get worse. Toronto, ON – Today, exactly one year since the Government of Ontario forced nine Consumption and Treatment Services sites (CTS, also known as supervised consumption … Read more

This statement can be attributed to the HIV Legal Network & HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO). On March 26, 2026, Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, received Royal Assent and became law, despite significant and sustained concerns by civil society organizations, legal experts, and international human rights bodies. The … Read more

This statement can be attributed to the HIV Legal Network and the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition. As organizations working to advance policies grounded in human rights and public health, HIV Legal Network and the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition strongly condemn the decision by the Government of Alberta to close the last remaining supervised consumption sites … Read more

For Immediate Release – March 16, 2026 This statement can be attributed to the HIV Legal Network and the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO).  Toronto, ON – We unequivocally denounce the Government of Ontario’s decision to end provincial funding for Consumption and Treatment Services (also known as supervised consumption services, or SCS) and … Read more

Issued by the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2026 | Geneva —   Today in Geneva, United Nations Human Rights Committee members expressed surprise at Canada’s claim that Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) does not require governments to take positive measures to protect life when it is … Read more

For immediate release The following can be attributed to the HIV Legal Network and the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO) January 30, 2026 – Toronto – The HIV Legal Network (the Legal Network) and the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO) condemn the Government of Canada’s decision to introduce co-payments under the … Read more

We are deeply disappointed by the Government of British Columbia’s move to end its drug decriminalization pilot at the end of this month. This disastrous decision is a major step back in the efforts to end a toxic drug crisis that has killed more than 16,000 people in BC over the past decade; more lives … Read more

Les taux de VIH sont en hausse, alors que nous savons ce qu’il faut faire pour prévenir les nouvelles infections et protéger la santé et les droits humains des personnes séropositives et affectées par le VIH. 1er décembre 2025, Toronto (Ont.) – Aujourd’hui, à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida, le Réseau … Read more

HIV rates are on the rise, and yet we know what needs to be done to prevent new transmissions while protecting the health and centering the human rights of people living with and affected by HIV November 27, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – Today, the HIV Legal Network is joined by people living with HIV … Read more