Support, Don’t Punish: How You Can Help End the War on Drugs

June 26 is the United Nations’ International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Around the world, some governments use the UN’s position against drugs to justify policies that include beatings and executions for drug-related offenses.

In response, last year demonstrations took place on June 26 in 41 cities around the world—including in London, Paris, Kiev, Tbilisi, Oslo, Mexico City, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu, and Nairobi. The aim was to appeal to governments to reform draconian drug laws—which have resulted in mass incarceration, health epidemics, and violence—and to prioritize the public health and human rights of people who use drugs.

Since then, thousands more have taken to social media to share photos as part of this campaign calling on governments to reform drug laws, known as “Support. Don’t Punish.”

This year, the campaign will be even bigger. Visit supportdontpunish.org to find out how you can organize or participate in demonstrations in your city.