Zimbabweans to take part in the 'Don't Punish' campaign

On Friday 26th June 2015, thousands of activists in 100 cities around the world will make their voices heard as part of the global Support 'Don't Punish campaign'. The campaign calls on governments to put an end to the expensive and counter-productive war on drugs. This war has failed to reduce drug use or supply, it costs in excess of $100 billion each year to enforce, it has led to the mass incarceration of the vulnerable and the poor, and it fuels human rights violations and HIV epidemics.

The 26th June is the United Nations' International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - a day which has traditionally been used by governments to 'celebrate' drug arrests, seizures and even executions. The Support. Don't Punish "Global Day of Action" aims to change the narrative, and to highlight the need for a better approach.

In April 2016, governments will come together in New York for a major drugs summit - the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs. This is a rare opportunity for high-level, open debate about the world drug problem, and what is (and what is not) working.

In the build-up to this summit, the "Global Day of Action" is a public show of force for better drug policies. A series of high-profile photo and video opportunities, meetings and seminars, concerts and publicity stunts will take place simultaneously around the world. On this day last year, events were held in 100 cities – including street performances, street art, protests, music events, football tournaments, processions, and even a boat show in the Nile!

In Zimbabwe, the commemoration shall take place in Budiriro, Harare at OK Shopping Centre. The event shall be done in conjunction with the Harare City Council where the Director of City Health shall be the guest of honour. Everyone is welcome to attend the event.

In Zimbabwe, the problem of illicit drug use has been identified in the youths who have been proven to be vulnerable. Illicit drugs such as bron cleer, marijuana, and histalix have seen many a young people undertaking in these drugs. Mental health drugs are also subject to abuse by the young people. A person who takes illicit drugs especially 'BRONCO' ends up being an addict because of the side effects of the illicit drug. We therefore urge our government to holistically look at this challenge so that we have a nation of strong young men and women who can build Zimbabwe to another level without abusing drugs.

The Support. Don't Punish campaign is a global initiative being led by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), the International Network of People who Use Drugs (INPUD), Harm Reduction International (HRI), and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. It calls for investments in proven effective and cost-effective harm reduction responses for people who use drugs, and for the decriminalisation of people who use drugs and the removal of other laws that impede public health services.

ABOUT THE EVENT IN ZIMBABWE /HARARE.

  Where:     OK BUDIRIRO 5B SHOPPING CENTRE
  When:      1030am
  What:       The Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network in partnership with Serenity Organization shall commemorate the above event at OK Budiriro 5B Shopping Complex. The event starts at 1030 - 1300hrs. You are all invited.

CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

 Zimbabwe/Harare ENQUIRIES:  
 Wilson Box
 Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network
 www.zcldn.net
 [zicilidru@gmail.com]
  0777 056 475]