I support the Vienna Declaration because, in the era of HIV/AIDS, the criminalization of people who use drugs is tantamount to a death sentence – and no one deserves to die because they are addicted to drugs.
While western governments are often vocal advocates of democracy and freedom, within many of these nations the most basic freedoms have been eroded because of the war on drug users. Read more →
I support the Vienna Declaration because, in most countries, approaches to drug use focus overwhelmingly on criminalization and the imposition of harsh penalties rather than public health measures. As a result, people who use illegal drugs worldwide continue being denied harm reduction services, have poor and inequitable access to antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection, suffer abuse and sometimes torture at the hand of law enforcement officials, and are often incarcerated for lengthy periods of time simply for using or possessing drugs. Read more →
As a scientist, I strongly support drug policies that are based on scientific evidence of what actually works and that respect universal human rights. That is why I joined my colleagues around the world to sign the Vienna Declaration.
As the Vienna Declaration notes, current illicit drug policy is a serious obstacle in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. In addition to failing to achieve its stated objectives, the conventional “war on drugs approach” stigmatizes and criminalizes people who use drugs, increasing their vulnerability to HIV. Read more →
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