Niamh Eastwood
@niamhrelease.bsky.social
Drug policy reform, radical harm reduction (it’s a movement not an intervention) ❤️ 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇵🇸
Excellent analysis from Dejusticia of last week’s extraordinary meeting of Commission on Narcotic Drugs!
With the USA objecting to language around ‘gender’ & ‘biodiversity’, the consensus is now broken, & there maybe opportunity to review the drug treaties!
www.talkingdrugs.org/a-historic-v...
With the USA objecting to language around ‘gender’ & ‘biodiversity’, the consensus is now broken, & there maybe opportunity to review the drug treaties!
www.talkingdrugs.org/a-historic-v...
A Historic Vote at the CND: Colombia Challenges the Global Drug Control System - TalkingDrugs
At CND, Colombia made waves by pushing for a resolution to review the international drug control system, a first in its history.
www.talkingdrugs.org
March 21, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Excellent analysis from Dejusticia of last week’s extraordinary meeting of Commission on Narcotic Drugs!
With the USA objecting to language around ‘gender’ & ‘biodiversity’, the consensus is now broken, & there maybe opportunity to review the drug treaties!
www.talkingdrugs.org/a-historic-v...
With the USA objecting to language around ‘gender’ & ‘biodiversity’, the consensus is now broken, & there maybe opportunity to review the drug treaties!
www.talkingdrugs.org/a-historic-v...
Reposted by Niamh Eastwood
Please follow and support @crips-against-cuts.bsky.social
National day of action THIS SATURDAY 22 March
National day of action THIS SATURDAY 22 March
March 21, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Please follow and support @crips-against-cuts.bsky.social
National day of action THIS SATURDAY 22 March
National day of action THIS SATURDAY 22 March
Starmer in Times today ‘The rising benefits bill is “devastating for public finances” & has “wreaked a terrible human cost’.
Maybe address lack of progressive tax instead. Failing to tax the wealthy drives extreme inequality which ACTUALLY creates a terrible human cost & wrecks public finances
Maybe address lack of progressive tax instead. Failing to tax the wealthy drives extreme inequality which ACTUALLY creates a terrible human cost & wrecks public finances
March 19, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Starmer in Times today ‘The rising benefits bill is “devastating for public finances” & has “wreaked a terrible human cost’.
Maybe address lack of progressive tax instead. Failing to tax the wealthy drives extreme inequality which ACTUALLY creates a terrible human cost & wrecks public finances
Maybe address lack of progressive tax instead. Failing to tax the wealthy drives extreme inequality which ACTUALLY creates a terrible human cost & wrecks public finances
Really angry about this! PIP literally helps people with disabilities live their lives including being able to work. The way this is being framed is disingenuous there is nothing ‘moral’ about this plan!
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Keir Starmer to unveil drastic disability benefit cuts despite opposition
Changes could deny benefits to people who need help to wash or to remember to go to the toilet
www.theguardian.com
March 18, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Really angry about this! PIP literally helps people with disabilities live their lives including being able to work. The way this is being framed is disingenuous there is nothing ‘moral’ about this plan!
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Excellent piece on Spain’s drug decriminalisation model & the expansion of harm reduction from our colleagues at the fabulous Metzineres
www.talkingdrugs.org/spains-decri...
www.talkingdrugs.org/spains-decri...
Spain’s Decriminalisation: Decades of Quiet Innovation - TalkingDrugs
Spain's drug decriminalisation system has been slowly improving over the decades, supporting people who use drugs across the nation.
www.talkingdrugs.org
March 9, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Excellent piece on Spain’s drug decriminalisation model & the expansion of harm reduction from our colleagues at the fabulous Metzineres
www.talkingdrugs.org/spains-decri...
www.talkingdrugs.org/spains-decri...
Reposted by Niamh Eastwood
🚨 IMPORTANT — The US government's reckless cuts to foreign aid threaten #HarmReduction globally.
@inpud.bsky.social collects data to present before the intn'l community at #CND68.
Fill the survey to relay impact on your activities & share with relevant networks!
@inpud.bsky.social collects data to present before the intn'l community at #CND68.
Fill the survey to relay impact on your activities & share with relevant networks!
Documenting the early impact of the US foreign aid directives on harm reduction programming
Aid cuts disrupt harm reduction services and imperil lives — share your experience to bring the evidence to the upcoming UN CND.
idpc.net
March 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM
🚨 IMPORTANT — The US government's reckless cuts to foreign aid threaten #HarmReduction globally.
@inpud.bsky.social collects data to present before the intn'l community at #CND68.
Fill the survey to relay impact on your activities & share with relevant networks!
@inpud.bsky.social collects data to present before the intn'l community at #CND68.
Fill the survey to relay impact on your activities & share with relevant networks!
Just gave evidence to UN Cttee on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights on the UK’s crisis of drug related deaths.
Read our submission to the Cttee submitted jointly with our friends @harmreductionintl.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social & the drug user led group RATS.
www.release.org.uk/publications...
Read our submission to the Cttee submitted jointly with our friends @harmreductionintl.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social & the drug user led group RATS.
www.release.org.uk/publications...
Submission to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Our joint submission with Harm Reduction International (HRI), the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) and Radical Acts to Survive (RATS) addresses the critical issue of drug-related deaths in ...
www.release.org.uk
February 12, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Just gave evidence to UN Cttee on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights on the UK’s crisis of drug related deaths.
Read our submission to the Cttee submitted jointly with our friends @harmreductionintl.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social & the drug user led group RATS.
www.release.org.uk/publications...
Read our submission to the Cttee submitted jointly with our friends @harmreductionintl.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social & the drug user led group RATS.
www.release.org.uk/publications...
Read @releasedrugs.bsky.social joint submission with @inquest-org.bsky.social & @robralphs.bsky.social on drugs in prison. Really proud of this piece, calls for decriminalisation, decarceration, harm reduction & transformative justice.
www.release.org.uk/publications...
www.release.org.uk/publications...
INQUEST, DPSC and Release submission to the Justice Committee’s inquiry on Drugs in Prison
Our joint submission with INQUEST and DPSC to the Justice Committee’s inquiry on drugs in prison presents a comprehensive analysis of drug-related harms and deaths within the prison system in England ...
www.release.org.uk
February 11, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Read @releasedrugs.bsky.social joint submission with @inquest-org.bsky.social & @robralphs.bsky.social on drugs in prison. Really proud of this piece, calls for decriminalisation, decarceration, harm reduction & transformative justice.
www.release.org.uk/publications...
www.release.org.uk/publications...
The @ukhomeoffice.bsky.social letter to ACMD asking if Ketamine should be reclassified to Class A ‘use in…people, aged 16-24 years, has increased by 231% since March 2013”. Ket was made a Class B drug in 2014.
I don’t understand how they don’t see it! 🤦♀️
www.gov.uk/government/p...
I don’t understand how they don’t see it! 🤦♀️
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Updated harms assessment of ketamine: commissioning letter
www.gov.uk
January 17, 2025 at 7:42 AM
The @ukhomeoffice.bsky.social letter to ACMD asking if Ketamine should be reclassified to Class A ‘use in…people, aged 16-24 years, has increased by 231% since March 2013”. Ket was made a Class B drug in 2014.
I don’t understand how they don’t see it! 🤦♀️
www.gov.uk/government/p...
I don’t understand how they don’t see it! 🤦♀️
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Niamh Eastwood
UK to open its first safe drug consumption room amid soaring deaths
Welcome news, tho political cowardice has caused yrs of delays, costing 100s of lives
As @niamhrelease.bsky.social notes, it's "shameful these facilities are not being opened across the UK”
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Welcome news, tho political cowardice has caused yrs of delays, costing 100s of lives
As @niamhrelease.bsky.social notes, it's "shameful these facilities are not being opened across the UK”
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
UK to open its first safe drug consumption room amid soaring deaths
The Thistle in Glasgow aims to save lives by providing a supervised environment in ‘Europe’s drug deaths capital’
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2024 at 11:24 AM
UK to open its first safe drug consumption room amid soaring deaths
Welcome news, tho political cowardice has caused yrs of delays, costing 100s of lives
As @niamhrelease.bsky.social notes, it's "shameful these facilities are not being opened across the UK”
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Welcome news, tho political cowardice has caused yrs of delays, costing 100s of lives
As @niamhrelease.bsky.social notes, it's "shameful these facilities are not being opened across the UK”
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Reposted by Niamh Eastwood
@shantidas.bsky.social Observer report on ASA’s ruling this week about the misleading practices of some private drug treatment brokers, including a short quote from myself www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
‘Free and impartial’ addiction helplines paid secret commission by rehabs
Advertising regulator reprimands services that claim to offer unbiased advice but then direct people to partner facilities
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2024 at 9:28 AM
@shantidas.bsky.social Observer report on ASA’s ruling this week about the misleading practices of some private drug treatment brokers, including a short quote from myself www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Coverage of Glasgow’s drug consumption room due to open next month (hopefully!). Comment from me highlighting the need for these facilities across the UK to address the crisis of drug related deaths. (Would tag others but function doesn’t seem to work!).
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
UK to open its first safe drug consumption room amid soaring deaths
The Thistle in Glasgow aims to save lives by providing a supervised environment in ‘Europe’s drug deaths capital’
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2024 at 10:26 AM
Coverage of Glasgow’s drug consumption room due to open next month (hopefully!). Comment from me highlighting the need for these facilities across the UK to address the crisis of drug related deaths. (Would tag others but function doesn’t seem to work!).
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Brilliant news BC Government repeals public drug use bill which would have recriminalised people who use drugs who don’t have private spaces to consume!
Congrats to our friends & colleagues at Pivot Legal & CDPC & others 💪
drugpolicy.ca/for-immediat...
Congrats to our friends & colleagues at Pivot Legal & CDPC & others 💪
drugpolicy.ca/for-immediat...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Province repeals public use law previously blocked by B.C. Supreme Court for irreparable harm - Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
Joint Statement from the Harm Reduction Nurses Association, the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition and Pivot Legal Society xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, sḵwx̱wú7mesh & səlilwətaɬ lands Vancouver, BC | December 20, 20...
drugpolicy.ca
December 20, 2024 at 10:51 PM
Brilliant news BC Government repeals public drug use bill which would have recriminalised people who use drugs who don’t have private spaces to consume!
Congrats to our friends & colleagues at Pivot Legal & CDPC & others 💪
drugpolicy.ca/for-immediat...
Congrats to our friends & colleagues at Pivot Legal & CDPC & others 💪
drugpolicy.ca/for-immediat...
We are delighted to be hosting the London Joint Working Group on Substance Use & Hep C’s meeting to share the findings of the fabulous @pwud-pride.bsky.social research on safer inhalation pipes
December 12, 2024 at 11:01 AM
We are delighted to be hosting the London Joint Working Group on Substance Use & Hep C’s meeting to share the findings of the fabulous @pwud-pride.bsky.social research on safer inhalation pipes
Unsurprising nonsense from DM, demonstrating a total lack of understanding about fundamental human rights.
People who use drugs, like all ppl, are entitled to basic rights.
The Scottish Govt recognises realising ppls rights can improve health & social needs.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
People who use drugs, like all ppl, are entitled to basic rights.
The Scottish Govt recognises realising ppls rights can improve health & social needs.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Outcry as SNP unveils soft-touch 'Charter of Rights' for drug users
The SNP was yesterday accused of 'doubling down' on its 'soft-touch approach' to drugs after a new 'Charter of Rights' for users was announced.
www.dailymail.co.uk
December 12, 2024 at 10:56 AM
Unsurprising nonsense from DM, demonstrating a total lack of understanding about fundamental human rights.
People who use drugs, like all ppl, are entitled to basic rights.
The Scottish Govt recognises realising ppls rights can improve health & social needs.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
People who use drugs, like all ppl, are entitled to basic rights.
The Scottish Govt recognises realising ppls rights can improve health & social needs.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Such a rich & thoughtful discussions today at the launch of the Charter of Rights for People affected Substance Use. Enjoyed discussing decriminalisation, social & economic rights & broader human rights as part of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights panel
December 11, 2024 at 3:20 PM
Such a rich & thoughtful discussions today at the launch of the Charter of Rights for People affected Substance Use. Enjoyed discussing decriminalisation, social & economic rights & broader human rights as part of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights panel
Really honoured to be part of the organising committee for this year’s Int Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) in Manchester. Hosted by Manchester Met (who madly made me a visiting professor ☺️). Call for abstracts opened www.issdp.org
ISSDP
The International Society for the Study of Drug Policy
www.issdp.org
December 11, 2024 at 2:34 PM
Really honoured to be part of the organising committee for this year’s Int Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) in Manchester. Hosted by Manchester Met (who madly made me a visiting professor ☺️). Call for abstracts opened www.issdp.org
At launch of Charter of Rights for People affected by substance use. First Minister discusses need for ppl who use drugs to be listened to, for their rights to be respected & to be treated with dignity. @releasedrugs.bsky.social @globalcdp.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
December 11, 2024 at 1:17 PM
At launch of Charter of Rights for People affected by substance use. First Minister discusses need for ppl who use drugs to be listened to, for their rights to be respected & to be treated with dignity. @releasedrugs.bsky.social @globalcdp.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social @harmreductionintl.bsky.social
Reposted by Niamh Eastwood
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
New report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy reinforcing pùblic health, decrim and regulation in place of the failed & futile War on Drugs response.
@niamhrelease.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social @kirstensdf.bsky.social
New report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy reinforcing pùblic health, decrim and regulation in place of the failed & futile War on Drugs response.
@niamhrelease.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social @kirstensdf.bsky.social
December 5, 2024 at 11:46 AM
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
New report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy reinforcing pùblic health, decrim and regulation in place of the failed & futile War on Drugs response.
@niamhrelease.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social @kirstensdf.bsky.social
New report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy reinforcing pùblic health, decrim and regulation in place of the failed & futile War on Drugs response.
@niamhrelease.bsky.social @idpc.bsky.social @kirstensdf.bsky.social
Excellent thread on the CSJ report
The new Centre for Social Justice report on addiction and recovery is a mixed bag (a thread) 1/? www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/wp-content/u...
www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk
December 5, 2024 at 7:58 AM
Excellent thread on the CSJ report
Excellent insights from Zaved Mahmood from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights highlighting how drug policies must be grounded in human rights, emphasises the role of the Guidelines on HR & DP @unaids.bsky.social @undp.bsky.social @who.int
December 4, 2024 at 1:46 PM
Excellent insights from Zaved Mahmood from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights highlighting how drug policies must be grounded in human rights, emphasises the role of the Guidelines on HR & DP @unaids.bsky.social @undp.bsky.social @who.int
Reposted by Niamh Eastwood
A terrifyjng talk from Lauren Porter on the consequences of closing needle exchange in Budapest (funding gone, hcv/hiv testing down and cases up, public opinion change, drug pattern change, health declines, increase in criminal sanctions in severity/#, increased marginalization)- horrific #EHRC2024
December 3, 2024 at 1:24 PM
A terrifyjng talk from Lauren Porter on the consequences of closing needle exchange in Budapest (funding gone, hcv/hiv testing down and cases up, public opinion change, drug pattern change, health declines, increase in criminal sanctions in severity/#, increased marginalization)- horrific #EHRC2024
Reposted by Niamh Eastwood
Mainline has been supporting and fighting for the rights of people who use drugs in the Netherlands for decades.
Their public funding is now at risk - meaning their org would disappear.
We're helping them fight to keep their funding - here's how you can too 👇
mainline.nl/en/rescue-ma...
Their public funding is now at risk - meaning their org would disappear.
We're helping them fight to keep their funding - here's how you can too 👇
mainline.nl/en/rescue-ma...
Rescue Mainline: Email with us again! - Mainline
Next Thursday, the House of Representatives will vote on the fate of Mainline. Save Mainline and call on MPs to vote for the amendment.
mainline.nl
December 3, 2024 at 1:19 PM
Mainline has been supporting and fighting for the rights of people who use drugs in the Netherlands for decades.
Their public funding is now at risk - meaning their org would disappear.
We're helping them fight to keep their funding - here's how you can too 👇
mainline.nl/en/rescue-ma...
Their public funding is now at risk - meaning their org would disappear.
We're helping them fight to keep their funding - here's how you can too 👇
mainline.nl/en/rescue-ma...
As Hungary defunded NSP & declared a new war on drugs in 2013, the number of ppl accessing treatment fell.
NSPs are great for connecting ppl with services. And if you target & criminalise ppl using drugs then you are actively deterring them from accessing treatment.
Excellent from Lauren Porter
NSPs are great for connecting ppl with services. And if you target & criminalise ppl using drugs then you are actively deterring them from accessing treatment.
Excellent from Lauren Porter
December 3, 2024 at 1:24 PM
As Hungary defunded NSP & declared a new war on drugs in 2013, the number of ppl accessing treatment fell.
NSPs are great for connecting ppl with services. And if you target & criminalise ppl using drugs then you are actively deterring them from accessing treatment.
Excellent from Lauren Porter
NSPs are great for connecting ppl with services. And if you target & criminalise ppl using drugs then you are actively deterring them from accessing treatment.
Excellent from Lauren Porter