Hybrid side event #CND67: The challenges and opportunities of opioid agonist treatment in prison settings

Organised by Penal Reform International with the support of Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, EU, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, USA, UNODC HIV/AIDS Section, HRI, INPUD and ENPUD.

People in prison bear a disproportionate burden of health-related issues, characterised by a higher prevalence of chronic physical and mental health. This includes drug dependence, more specifically opioid dependence. Addressing the hurdles in accessing options for evidence-based therapy for drug dependence in prisons unveils a challenging landscape shaped by punitive measures towards drug dependence, adversely affecting people who use drugs by restricting their access to vital harm reduction services, such as opioid agonist treatment.

Programme

Opening Remarks:
Jerome Mangelinckx, Global Policy Manager, Penal Reform International

Speakers:
Giada Girelli, Harm Reduction International (HRI)
Aditia Taslim, International Network of People who Use Drugs (INPUD)
Olga Belyaeva, Eurasian Network of People who Use Drugs (ENPUD)
Mohammed Bentaouite, Middle East and North Africa Network of People who Use Drugs (MENANPUD)

Moderator:
Ehab Salah, Adviser on Prisons and HIV, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

22 March 2024,9:10-10:00 (CET)
Hybrid side event #CND67, Room M2
and online at:  https://bit.ly/OAT-in-prison

This side event will bring together state, UN and civil society partners to discuss effective strategies to protect and promote the right to health in prisons.