Hours before the strategic litigation–type criminal procedure today, the Head of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union’s (HCLU) Legal Aid Service, together with the psychologist/social worker of the Drug Prevention Foundation’s needle exchange program (also a colleguae with HCLU), presented the unacceptable situations surrounding HIV/AIDS and hepatitis prevention among IDU’s for the Members of the Drug Committee of the Hungarian Parliament.
The hearing was held after the delegates of the Ministry of Health presented the Hungarian situation regarding illicit drug use and public health, and the governmental responses given, or planned to give to the issue.
The fact, that the Hungarian Chief Prosecutor’s Office’ s legal statement clearly conflicts the national prevention tasks for HIV/AIDS and other blood borne viruses prevention, rose concern of the Members.
Understanding the importance and urgency of an aligned response to the HIV/AIDS and hepatitis epidemic among IDU’s, where law enforcement agencies do not obstruct harm reduction initiatives, the Drug Committee of the Parliament decided to issue its statement, after holding a next special meeting, devoted to solve this problem.
The statement will be made after various experts in the field have met at the meeting, including the Members of the Committee, the Police, the Prosecutor’s Office, and harm reduction experts. HCLU’s delegates will take part in this meeting.
Questions?
36-209-21-88-64
Balázs Dénes
Executive Director
HCLU
