Highlights from the Global Commission
Casey Sharpe, Joanna Busza, Cedomir Vuckovic, et al. – February 2026
Pipes as an Engagement Tool: Qualitative Findings From a Crack Equipment and Harm Reduction Training Intervention in England
The Safe Inhalation Pipe Provision (SIPP) pilot in England explored how providing crack pipes and training staff affects engagement with drug services. Safe equipment enabled new contacts and disclosures among highly marginalised users, while workforce training improved communication and trust. Structural barriers still limit access for some, highlighting the need for complementary measures, including peer-led distribution, to ensure equitable support.
Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA), Eurasian Coalition for Health, Rights and Sexual Diversity (ECOM), Eurasian Women’s Network on AIDS (EWNA), et al. – 12 February 2026
Shrinking Civic Space & Marginalised Communities
A 2025 analysis of ten Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries finds that civic space for organisations supporting people living with HIV and key populations is increasingly restricted. Legal pressures, selective enforcement, and criminalisation limit freedom of association, assembly, and expression, while deterring engagement with health services. Civil society adapts through risk mitigation, though these strategies reduce meaningful participation. The report highlights community-led monitoring, strategic litigation, coalition building, and advocacy as vital tools to sustain HIV and TB responses under shrinking civic space.
Drug Policy Alliance – 12 March 2026
Building Safe and Healthy Communities: A Messaging Playbook for Proven Solutions to Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health
This playbook offers evidence-based strategies to tackle homelessness, addiction, and unmet mental health needs in the United States. It highlights proven interventions – including healthcare, drug and mental health treatment, overdose prevention, and supportive housing – that save lives and strengthen communities. By promoting a shared narrative of safety, access, and belonging, it equips advocates to counter fear-based messaging and advance policies for healthier, more resilient communities.
UNAIDS – 12 March 2026
Decriminalization of Drug Use in the Context of HIV: A Guidance Note
This new guidance note offers practical, evidence-based strategies to align drug policies with human rights and public health in the HIV response. It highlights the disproportionate impact of HIV on people who use drugs and the effectiveness of harm reduction and voluntary, community-led services. Decriminalization is emphasized as a key step to expanding access to care, reducing stigma, improving health outcomes, and advancing progress toward ending AIDS.
Harm Reduction International (HRI) – 10 March 2026
The Death Penalty for Drug Offences: Global Overview 2025
In 2025, executions for drug offences surged by 97%, making up nearly half of all confirmed global executions. These harsh measures remain concentrated in a small number of countries and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and low-level actors. More than 1,200 people were executed, with thousands more on death row for drug offences worldwide. Despite evidence showing the death penalty does not deter drug-related crime, its use continues to escalate – highlighting the urgent need for human rights–based drug policy reform and the abolition of capital punishment.
Beyond the War on Drugs: Reducing Harm to New Zealanders
Webinar – The Helen Clark Foundation, 16 March 2026
A webinar hosted by The Helen Clark Foundation exploring evidence-based approaches to reduce drug-related harm in New Zealand, with a focus on policy alternatives to punitive approaches.
Beyond Prohibition: Pavel Bém on Czechia’s Next Wave of Drug Policy Reform
Drug Reporter, 18 March 2026
An interview with Commissioner Pavel Bém discussing recent reforms in Czechia, highlighting public health- and human rights-oriented drug policy developments and lessons for international policy.
World Health Day (WHO)
International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
World Policy Conference
United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting 2026
RightsCon 2026
UN Habitat World Urban Forum (WUF) 13th edition
79th World Health Assembly (WHA)
Reducing Harm from Drug Use in Policy and in Practice: A 2-Day European Intensive Workshop
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
