North America

Publications1 January 1970

'Disrupt and vilify': The war on immigrants inside the US war on drugs

The Drug Policy Alliance and Human Rights Watch presents recommendations on immigration and drug laws that disproportionately affect migrants

Events

International Drug Policy Reform Conference 2025

Detroit, United States

12 November 2025 - 15 November 2025

The Reform Conference convenes the growing and dynamic drug policy reform movement.

News16 December 2024

Trump’s threats of tariffs as a response to migration and the fentanyl overdose crisis

While such tariffs may seem a persuasive political message, they hinder bilateral engagement, defer blame, and perpetuate the very problems they claim to address.

Publications11 December 2024

A world of harm: how U.S. taxpayers fund the global war on drugs over evidence-based health responses

DPA and HRI condemn the US' multibillion-dollar contribution to punitive responses, urging greater transparency and a commitment to a rights-based approach.

News29 November 2024

Ontario’s harmful backslide: A threat to lives and Canada’s legacy in harm reduction

Ontario's legislative action to close safe consumption sites risks undermining the achievements of these initiatives, including saving lives, increasing community safety and HIV/Hepatitis control.

Publications12 November 2024

'They talk about it like it's an overdose crisis when in fact it's basically genocide' The experiences of Indigenous peoples who use illicit drugs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood

Lavalley et al. call for responses to Canada's overdose epidemic to centre the ongoing impacts of structural violence, colonialism and poverty that perpetuate inequalities faced by Indigenous communities.

News12 November 2024

Canada’s harm reduction legacy is under threat. We must not turn back

Prioritising harm reduction efforts, public health and safeguarding rights are key to combatting rising opposition to Canada's historically bold drug policies and increasingly toxic supply.

Events

76th regular session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD)

Washington D.C., United States

19 November 2024 - 22 November 2024

The session's agenda includes discussions on related issues, including synthetic drug use, intersections with human rights, and a gender-focused approach.

Publications7 November 2024

Prioritizing opioid settlement funds for overdose prevention centers in the US

D4DPR argues that money from opioid litigation settlements should also be used for overdose prevention centres to mitigate future death and mortality and improve the quality of life for those who use drugs.

News6 November 2024

Drug overdose deaths in the US may be decreasing – but not for everyone

Recent statistics show a decline in US overdose deaths, but these rates are most likely rising in racialised minority communities due to disproportionate criminalisation and resource scarcity.

News21 October 2024

Canada: Founders of British Columbia's drug 'compassion club' file Charter challenge

DULF founders say shutting down compassion clubs poses great risks to people who use drugs by denying them access to safe supply amidst a drug deaths catastrophe.

Publications17 October 2024

Know your rights: On drug laws for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) people who use drugs

The HIV Legal Network provides answers about Canadian drug laws and the criminal justice system to help ACB communities facing systemic discrimination better understand their legal rights.

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