On 1 November, 2015, the “International Drug Users Day,” the Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA) urges governments and policy makers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to reconsider legislation which criminalize people who use drugs and to consider him/her as a patient, not a criminal.

MENAHRA also call for the inclusion of these policies in the upcoming 2016 United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on Drugs, where is it considered as an opportunity to develop, enhance, or change the current general health policies to reflect the scientific realities of people who use drugs.

According to recent estimates there are between five hundred thousand and one million injecting drug users in the MENA region, and this may lead to high prevalence of infections, viruses (especially HIV and Hepatitis B and C), and a higher death rate due to overdose.

Under this context, MENAHRA encourages decision-makers, international organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), and all members of society to join hands and unite their efforts in order to support people who use drugs in securing their human rights.

On this occasion, MENAHRA also supports the right of people who use drugs to access health care services and calls to take necessary actions that will help to raise awareness, provide treatment, and improve their quality of life.

Elie Aaraj
Executive Director
MENAHRA