June 26: Activists in Hundreds of Cities Across the Globe Stage Actions Calling for Drug Policy Reform

On Tuesday, June 26, activists will gather at 1:30 pm at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, opposite the United Nations Headquarters in New York, to call for global drug policy reform as part of the Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action. The annual day of action coincides with the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The action in New York will take place after the launch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2018 World Drug Report.

Governments around the world often choose to use this day to celebrate their contributions to the global ‘war on drugs’. In the past, some governments have even commemorated it by holding executions or public beatings of drug offenders. For example, from 2009 to 2014, China unveiled executions and other harsh punishments in the lead-up to the International Day Against Drug Abuse and in 2008, Indonesia cited the day as it resumed executions after a four-year hiatus.

However, over the past few years, advocates around the world began to plan counter-demonstrations under the global campaign banner of Support. Don’t Punish, aimed at reclaiming the message and promoting drug policy reforms based on public health, development, and human rights. Last year, 206 cities in 93 countries held diverse, creative, and impactful events. This year, events are being planned in cities in dozens of countries across six continents. The action in New York City will unite New Yorkers with those fighting for drug policy reform across the world, in a show of solidary and to demonstrate the breadth and power of this movement.

Support. Don’t Punish Day of Action

When: 1:30 pm
Where: Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, East 47th Street and 1st Avenue, New York
What: Rally in front of the United Nations Headquarters to oppose punitive drug policies and to call for global drug policy reform that promotes health and human rights. Additional information here.