With the support of MENAHRA, Kadirat a Tunisian-based NGO has implemented a project during December consisting of an advocacy and awareness-raising campaign directed at the Tunisian government and parliament to change its policy and approach to people who use drugs.  The aim of the campaign is for the state to provide accessible rehabilitation centers in every governorate, and to adopt a supportive non-punitive approach, which targets harm reduction.

Kadirat has prepared a policy paper that was sent to the Ministries of Interior, Health, Justice, Religious Affairs, and Social Affairs. The policy paper analyses the current policy adopted by the Tunisian government, it also points out the ordeal people who use drugs go through and underlines the absence of rehabilitation centers. It finally gives recommendations about the new approach it recommends.

Kadirat has organized three meetings (two with religious leaders and one with lawyers and magistrates to raise awareness about the increased harm caused by Drug use if the government does not change its punitive approach and fails to provide medical and psychological support to people who use drugs. Dr Mongia Souahi who moderated the meetings, also presented the policy paper to the participants who voiced their commitment to support the new approach and to actively engage in the advocacy campaign.

Kadirat is planning to present its policy paper to the parliamentarians and to the Media during the following week.

We are hoping to get the attention of decision-makers and convince them of the necessity of a change in their drug-fighting policy.