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. More than 100 countries took part in the campaign this year, 10 were from the region (Afghanistan, Bahrian, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and United Arab Emirates).
On the 26th of June, MENAHRA released an animated and still infographics in both English and Arabic.
The Middle East and North Africa Network of/for People who Use Drugs (MENANPUD) have also released statements from across the MENA region.” The aim of this statement is to make the voices of the community members heard.
In Egypt, in the Minya governorate, the “Friends” organization conducted multiple events and activities for the campaign including, meeting with some members of parliament, campaign photos the Egyptian parliament, posted poster supporting the campaign, and the dissemination of awareness material.
Also in Egypt, the EGYPTIAN DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTE (EDHR) conducted a meeting with the Drug Enforcement Administration Directorate of Cairo (DEA) and group of young people in addition to a sport event (football game) for youth.
In Palestine, Al-Maqdese for Society Development (MSD) had an Iftar on the occasion for a group of beneficiaries of the center.
In Lebanon, SIDC Basketball game between two teams: ISF (police) and Beneficiaries In addition to posting posters supporting the campaign, and the dissemination of awareness material.
Also in Lebanon, Skoun, Lebanese Addictions Center in partnership with Legal Agenda hosted a panel focusing on the Lebanese national drug policy.
In Morocco, a football match between doctors and beneficiaries was held in Tetouan. In addition to posting posters supporting the campaign
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.
