I support the Vienna Declaration because for too long too many individuals and families around the world have suffered and lives have been lost from drug policies that are not based on sound evidence.
To date, drug policies have been used to discriminate against and criminalize individuals on the basis of their drug use.
Some governments, particularly in Asia, continue to execute individuals despite a lack of evidence that this works as a deterrent. Others are mandatorily placed in detention centers in the name of treatment and rehabilitation and are often forced into hard labour. These activities violate the basic human rights of drug users, destroy families, and contribute to a climate of fear, risky behavior, and stigmatization that only increases the harms associated with drug use, such as HIV infection, while having no discernible impact on rates of drug use.
For decades, scientists have been evaluating tools to prevent HIV infection and reduce drug dependence and the scientific evidence clearly demonstrates the way forward. As a scientist, however, I am well aware that most governments, will only respect scientific evidence when public pressure is applied.
The Vienna Declaration provides citizens across the world a way to engage in this critical issue and to make their voices heard in a meaningful way. Collectively, we can send the message to governments that evidence-informed and effective drug policies exist, and that current prohibitive policies only help to perpetuate harm. We can help implement drug policies that are effective and that respect the basic human rights and dignity of all people. That is why I ask you to consider joining me in signing the Vienna Declaration.
Adeeba Kamarulzaman is Professor and Head of Infectious Diseases at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Dr. Kamarulzaman has also been actively involved in the community response to HIV/AIDS in Malaysia as President of the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC), and as a member of the United Nations Regional Task Force on HIV Prevention Amongst Drug Users and the UN Reference Group on HIV and Injecting Drug Use.
July 14, 2011
December 1, 2010
Everyone has the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
October 27, 2010
The evidence is in. Inaction is out.
August 24, 2010
Pushing past the myths
August 8, 2010
We will no longer accept misguided policies
July 22, 2010
Think about the real casualties
July 21, 2010
The Organizing Tool Kit
April 2, 2011
Fact Sheet
April 2, 2011
REPORT: Leading the way to evidence based policy
November 29, 2010
