Publication Topic : Drug Policy

Provider-Assisted Injection in Ontario’s Supervised Consumption Services: Frequently Asked Questions

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 … Read more

MDR-TB/XDR-TB Among People with Comorbidity: HIV and Drug Dependence

In October 2022, the Russian Federation is required to present its seventh periodic report to the International Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, including information on the implementation of earlier recommendations issued by the Committee concerning the prevention, treatment, and care of tuberculosis in individuals with comorbid HIV infection and drug dependency. In the … Read more

MEDIA STATEMENT: A RENEWED CALL FOR DRUG DECRIMINALIZATION ON INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY (IOAD) 2022

A RENEWED CALL FOR DRUG DECRIMINALIZATION ON INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY (IOAD) 2022 For immediate release August 31st, 2022 — Toronto — On International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the HIV Legal Network remembers the lives of our friends, family, and community members who have been taken too soon due to the drug poisoning crisis. We … Read more

Powerful Together: Annual Report 2021-2022

The path to human rights for all is in view with collaboration, collective advocacy, and community building. To view the 2021-2022 annual report, click here.

Submission to the Special Rapporteur on Health: Questionnaire on Racism and Right to Health (Drug Policy)

The HIV Legal Network and the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation (CDPE) are grateful for the opportunity to complete this questionnaire and inform the Special Rapporteur on the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’s forthcoming report to the General Assembly on the theme of racism and the right to health. This questionnaire focuses … Read more

MEDIA STATEMENT: “WE NEED DECRIMINALIZATION FOR ALL”: DRUG POLICY & HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS SAY MODEL IN BRITISH COLUMBIA LEAVES MANY BEHIND

“WE NEED DECRIMINALIZATION FOR ALL”: DRUG POLICY & HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS SAY MODEL IN BRITISH COLUMBIA LEAVES MANY BEHIND Health Canada’s landmark approval of “decriminalization” for B.C. raises concerns that many people who use drugs remain criminalized For immediate release June 1, 2022 – A growing group of drug policy and human rights organizations across Canada — comprising … Read more

MEDIA STATEMENT: Bill C-216

A Statement on Bill C-216 Bill C-216, being advanced by MP Gord Johns, is expected to come up for vote on June 1 and we urge MPs to vote to move the bill to committee stage For immediate release The following can be attributed to the HIV Legal Network May 25, 2022 — Bill C-216, … Read more

Submission to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: Promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Africans and of people of African descent

In April 2022, the HIV Legal Network and the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation made this submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, focusing on systemic racism and human rights violations by law enforcement officers against Africans and people of African descent, in the context of Canada’s drug laws and policies. … Read more

Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights: Review of Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

In April 2022, Sandra Ka Hon Chu, on behalf of the HIV Legal Network and the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, deputed at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights about Bill C-5, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The remarks focused on the section … Read more

Failure of drug prohibition and criminalization to protect children

The HIV Legal Network, in collaboration with the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, made a submission on drugs and drug policy to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, as it reviewed Canada’s compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In the … Read more