Community strengthening

Blog22 June 2026

South Africa launches Africa’s first national Drug Decriminalisation Coalition

Launching on Support Don’t Punish Day, on 26 June, the Coalition marks a milestone for decriminalisation advocacy in South Africa and across Africa.

Events

2026 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS

New York, United States / Online

22 June 2026 - 23 June 2026

The meeting will review progress since 2021 and shape a new Political Declaration, setting global commitments and accountability for the HIV response through 2030.

Events

International Overdose Awareness Day 2026

Global

31 August 2026

A global day to remember those lost to overdose, challenge stigma and call for evidence-based action to prevent avoidable deaths.

Publications12 April 2026

Civil society space under threat in EECA - Contribution to the Draft General Comment No. 38 on ICCPR Article 22 (Freedom of association)

This joint civil society submission warns that restrictive laws and funding barriers are undermining the rights and operations of organisations supporting people who use drugs and other marginalised communities.

News11 April 2026

Jude Byrne emerging female leader award - Call for applications

Applications are open until 20 April, for this award supporting women with lived experience in advancing health and rights.

Publications10 April 2026

Building safe and healthy communities: A messaging playbook for proven solutions to homelessness, addiction, and mental health

The Drug Policy Alliance says shifting from fear-based narratives to positive, public health messaging is key to building safer and healthier communities.

News10 April 2026

This group wants to change the way the Philippines talks about drug use

The ACCEPT Project promotes drug education based on evidence, empathy, and a public health approach to policy reform.

Publications16 February 2026

Pipes as an engagement tool: Qualitative findings from a crack equipment and harm reduction training intervention in England

Harris et al. find that providing inhalation equipment alongside workforce training facilitates stronger relationships between providers and people who use crack, and new engagement opportunities, despite enduring structural barriers.

Publications12 February 2026

A National Mission for Change: Putting People, Evidence and Rights at the Heart of Scotland’s Drug Policy  

The Scottish Drugs Forum published a human-centred list of recommendations for the incoming Scottish government, emphasising courageous policymaking and leading with compassion.

Events

Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action 2026

World

26 June 2026

As punitive drug policies regain ground, communities worldwide are mobilising to defend human rights, care and evidence-based responses through the Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action 2026.

News8 January 2026

US federal impact health care medicaid progress on overdose deaths could be jeopardized by federal cuts, critics say

Public health officials warn that the Trump administration’s budget cuts and staff reductions could derail national progress against the opioid crisis by jeopardizing addiction services, treatment, and lifesaving overdose-prevention programs.

News8 January 2026

'Stop the deaths' – Uniting against preventable overdoses in Scotland

Scotland’s "Stop the Deaths" conference highlighted a critical gap where evidence-based policies like safe consumption rooms and same-day treatment struggle to keep pace with a public health emergency, claiming over 1,000 lives annually.

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