Publications

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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