Decriminalisation, Harm Reduction, and the Economics of Justice: Why the New UNAIDS Guidance Must Be a Turning Point
Decriminalisation, Harm Reduction, and the Economics of Justice: Why the New UNAIDS Guidance Must Be a Turning Point
The publication o UNAIDS’ Decriminalization of Drug Use to Reduce HIV and Harm guidance marks a decisive moment at the intersection of drug policy, global health and human rights. It represents the most authoritative articulation to date from within the UN system that criminalisation is incompatible with an effective HIV response, and that decriminalisation is a critical element of one. The guidance reflects an extraordinary collaborative effort spanning civil society, community‑led networks, researchers, UN agencies and governments, and stands as the culmination of decades of advocacy to align global drug policy with evidence. (Drug Science, UK, 19.06.2026)