In observation of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on 26 June, the Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA) coordinated the Support! Don’t Punish campaign throughout the MENA region. Of the 150 cities that took part in the campaign this year, 14 were from the region (Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and United Arab Emirates).
On the 26th of June, MENAHRA released a video that included supportive messages and pictures from decision makers and activists in the region. You can view the video here.
The Middle East and North Africa Network of/for People who Use Drugs (MENANPUD) also released a video entitled “Drug War in the MENA Region: the Hidden Truth.” The aim of the video is to make the voices of the community members heard and to ensure that viewers see the harsh reality that people who use drugs face in the region. You can view the video here.
In Egypt, in the Minya governorate, the “Friends” organization conducted multiple events and activities for the campaign including, a theatre act, campaign photos at a historical sight, posted poster supporting the campaign, and the dissemination of awareness material. You can view the pictures here.
In Palestine, Al-Maqdese for Society Development (MSD) with the support of Women for Jerusalem Society had an Iftar on the occassion for a group of beneficiaries of the center. You can view the picture here.
In Tunisia, ATUPRET conducted a seminar regarding the campaign, disseminated posters and brochures, and a sports tournament in order to support the campaign. You can view the picture here.
In Lebanon, SIDC released TV spots which included supportive messages for people who use drugs from Lebanese decision makers, journalists, religious leaders, athletes, and various celebrities. You can view the TV spots here.
Various activists and decision makers from the MENA region also took part in the campaign by posting pictures and supportive messages on social media sites including Facebook and Twitter.
