8/3/2019 World AIDS Day Demonstration to Address Severe Abuse in
Russia of People Who Use Drugs
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World AIDS Day Demonstration to Protest Russias Severe Abuse of
PeopleWho Use Drugs
On December 1, World AIDS Day, the Toronto Drug Users Union
(ToDUU) will joininternational drug user organizations to stage
demonstrations in front of RussianEmbassies in major cities in
North America, Europe, Scandinavia and Australia.
The Toronto demonstration will take place at 1000 Finch Avenue
West between 10am and1:00pm.
Seehttp://russianembassyprotest.wordpress.com/ for information
about the internationalcampaign and supportive literature
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The following is ToDUU's press release about the protest:
On the 1st of December, International AIDS Day, the
International Network of People who
Use Drugs (INPUD), and local organisations of people who use
drugs in several countriesaround the world will lead protests for
the millions of Russian people who use drugs whohave needlessly
lost their lives. These deaths are directly attributable to the
brutal natureof Russian drug policies, which instead of offering
treatment force opiate users intoconfined detox programmes, which
are often little more than prison camps.
The evidence for the effectiveness of harm reduction programmes
at reducing andreversing HIV transmission is internationally
recognized and endorsed by internationalbodies. Amongst those
calling for the implementation of comprehensive harm
reductionpackages are UNODC, UNAIDS, and WHO.
We therefore call upon the Russian government to:
Provide the life-saving programmes for those most at risk of
contracting HIV/AIDS. Thisincludes Opiate Substitute Therapy (e.g.,
Methadone) and Needle and Syringe Programsfor people who inject
drugs.
Cease criminalizing the use of illicit drugs, which is in and of
itself a major barrierdissuading people who use drugs from
accessing the few services that are available.
Begin providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to people who use
drugs.
Replace the current punitive, coercive, discriminatory approach
to people who usedrugs with a human rights and science based one,
including the right to liberty andsecurity of person, the right to
health, the right to be free from torture, cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment and punishment, and the right to be free
from discrimination.
Cease persecuting Russian activists and organisations that are
calling for change andthe introduction of harm reduction and human
rights based measures.
Recognise that people who use drugs must be at the forefront of
designingprogrammes and policies aimed at improving our lives.
Please join us in this protest.
http://russianembassyprotest.wordpress.com/http://russianembassyprotest.wordpress.com/http://russianembassyprotest.wordpress.com/
