A new guidance note by UNAIDS, UNDP, INPUD, Release and HRDP outlines how decriminalizing drug use and possession for personal use can strengthen the global HIV response through more effective, rights-based drug policies.
Based on lessons from countries that have already moved away from punitive approaches, the document examines how criminalization undermines access to health services, increases stigma, and worsens HIV outcomes among people who use drugs. It highlights practical policy options and “promising practices” to help governments design decriminalization models that better protect the right to health while supporting evidence-based HIV prevention and care.
At the 69th UN Commission on Drugs, we sat down with the panelists of side event that introduced the guidance note, to learn more about this important new tool.
You van also watch the side event, “Decriminalizing Drug Use, Improving HIV Responses in Countries – Meeting the Goals of Global Aids Strategy 2026-2031” below:
Moderator: Julie Hannah, University of Essex, Opening: Prof. Michel Kazatchkine, GCDP, Keynote Speaker: Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS, Panel discussion: Niamh Eastwood, Release UK, Anton Basenko, INPUD, Tracie Keesee, EMLER (UN), Aniedi Akpan, DHRAN, Nigeria, Boyan Konstantinov, UNDP, Ehab Salah, UNODC, Country interventions: Colombia – H.E. Ambassador Marcela Tovar South Africa
Video: István Gábor Takács
