War on Drugs, HIV/ AIDS and Human Rights

War on Drugs, HIV/AIDS and Human Rights brings together a series of articles that assess drug policies in the context of human rights.  Articles articulate a broad range of issues that result from the traditional emphasis on law-enforcement or zero-tolerance policies that often infringe on rights. In particular, the essays address the growing need for HIV prevention among vulnerable populations along with the challenges and contradictions that arise when attempting to take a human-rights approach to drug policy. Some of the texts are theoretical, while others offer practical tools and case studies emphasizing harm reduction policies that preserve rights. The anthology offers an international perspective that reflects the global magnitude of the issue.

Sections include:

• The War on Drugs and the Spread of HIV
• Views on Public Health and Human Rights
• Human Rights and HIV in Contex
• Designing Programs and Policies with a Human Rights Framework

Each section opens with an introduction that puts the articles in perspective.  A general introduction provides the reader with valuable background on the issue.

Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch is the director of the International Harm Reduction Program at the Open Society Institute. 

Sarah Gallagher is an independent consultant to organizations pursuing public education, advocacy and program development around HIV/AIDS, harm reduction, homelessness assistance and prevention, citizen planning and participation models, and human rights.