Support, don’t punish
An advocacy campaign is calling for better drug policies that prioritise public health and human rights, and for governments to put an end to the expensive and counter-productive war on drugs.
CONCERNED citizens, academics, members of the medical community as well as those affected by drug abuse will come together at the Durban University of Technology’s City Campus on Sunday, 26 June, at 2pm, as part of the global, Support Don’t Punish campaign.
The global advocacy campaign is calling for better drug policies that prioritise public health and human rights, and for governments to put an end to the expensive and counter-productive war on drugs.
Durban is one of more than 150 cities across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas in which activists will make their voices heard. On this day, thousands of people are expected to take to the streets as part of an international show of force calling for more humane and effective drug policies.
Local campaign organisers argue that the current policies and interventions directed at people who use drugs in Durban, and in South Africa more generally, are clearly not working. They also argue that drug use and supply is on the increase, and more an that more drug users are being infected with HIV and Hepatitis C.
The Durban event (26 June) will feature short talks about what needs to change in the existing policy and intervention environment to improve public health and safety outcomes for drug users and their families in Durban. There will also be inputs from medical doctors, drug use experts as well as drug users at the event. Popular artists will perform poetry, maskandi and pop music at the event. South African celebrities such as Mr India South Africa, Razeen Dada, will be providing messages of support at the event, acknowledging the human rights of drug users and their families.
Contact Dr Tamlynn Fleetwood on tamlynn.fleetwood@gmail.com or 079 186 4423.
