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

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.

Events

Addressing the fentanyl overdose crisis effectively: evidence from the border and beyond

Online

10 October 2024 - 10 October 2024

Join experts in a webinar hosted by WOLA as they explore adverse effects of militarised drug policies and the need for effective, rights-based solutions to the overdose crisis.

News2 October 2024

Canada: Drug decriminalisation is under attack

Communities must unite against the political weaponisation of the overdose crisis and defend human-rights-focused solutions such as decriminalisation and harm reduction.

News2 October 2024

Why drug overdose deaths in the US are dropping fast

Provisional data shows a 10.6% decrease in overdose deaths, and scaled-up public health and harm reduction efforts could be a contributing factor.

News2 October 2024

Canada: 17 organisations condemn forced detention plans in BC

A comprehensive response should include community-based and voluntary programmes, and solutions to the housing, toxic drug supply, and poverty crises.

Publications1 October 2024

Criminal legal system engagement among people who use drugs in Oregon following decriminalization of drug possession

Smiley-McDonald et al. find that despite decriminalisation, people who use drugs in Oregon continued to face high levels of policing, incarceration and drug seizures, whilst awareness of decriminalisation remained low.

Publications1 October 2024

Know your rights: On drug laws for Indigenous people who use drugs

The HIV Legal Network highlight the deep-rooted colonialism and racism underpinning Canada's drug laws, offering Indigenous people who use drugs crucial knowledge about their legal rights and protections.

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