LEAHN launches statement of support for harm reduction at UN CCPCJ

LEAHN launched a Statement of Support at the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on the 23rd of April 2013 in Vienna. Over 4,000 signatures in favour of harm reduction were collected from police all over the world and then presented to the Commission audience comprising of representatives from Member States, UNODC and a variety of NGOs. The International Police Advisory Group (IPAG) speaking for LEAHN called for police to become part of the global collaborative effort for HIV prevention.

The IPAG has committed to connecting police with harm reduction organisations to improve healthcare access and prevent HIV spread in vulnerable populations such as injecting drug users and sex workers. The Chair of the IPAG, retired Superintendent Frank Hansen from Australia was clear in his message, stating, “Drug use will always be part of society. Police must accept that and use a harm reduction approach to ensure the best interests of the entire community are addressed”. He also noted the growing momentum of police support for harm reduction. This development was further highlighted by Chief Superintendent Jones Blantari, Ghana Police, who explained the decision of police in Ghana to not enforce laws against sex workers despite the practice being illegal. This demonstrates the capacity for police to make changes in law enforcement practices even in difficult policy areas. There has been no sex work related arrest for three years in Ghana as a result.

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