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If you have experienced gender-based violence (GBV) and use drugs, you may face extra barriers when trying to access shelter. GBV and drug use are interconnected. Women, trans, and gender-diverse people who experience violence are more likely to use drugs, and those who use drugs are more likely to face violence. Yet, many who use … Read more

If you are living in a shelter with your children, you may encounter family policing services — commonly called “Children’s Aid Societies” (CAS) or “Family and Children’s Services” (FCS). This can happen suddenly, without your knowledge or an explanation. Knowing your rights can help you feel more prepared and better able to protect yourself and … Read more

Canadian civil society organizations are calling on Canada to continue showing leadership in global health, human rights, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive rights (SRHR) by supporting a strong Political Declaration at the HLM in June. Specifically, we urge Canada to demonstrate leadership in negotiations on the draft of the Political Declaration by supporting language … Read more

These recommendations were submitted to Canada’s House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance ahead of the 2026 federal budget.  

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

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

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 December 1, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Today, on World AIDS Day, the HIV Legal Network has released its … 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