Harm Reduction International

12/06/2026

Join the launch of our new report "Aiding Executions?: How aid donors and the United Nations enable the death penalty for drug offences". This report traces the funding flows that link international taxpayers to executions around the world, at a time when drug offences account for almost half of all confirmed executions globally.

Speakers will present the report’s key findings, including a focus on both donor and beneficiary countries. The discussion will explore the implications for international aid policy, accountability, and the role of multilateral actors in programmes linked to the death penalty for drug offences.

Register now at https://tinyurl.com/AidingExec

09/06/2026

Two years is a long time to wait to reconnect. That is why we are launching the Conference Collective!

Designed to keep the HRI conference community connected between conferences, it’s a new way to stay involved and support the work behind the conference.

With exclusive benefits such as networking sessions, discounted registration fees, exclusive merch and the opportunity to attend HRI's 30th anniversary dinner in Belfast next year, there are two tiers to choose from: Friend or Believer.

Join our club now. 👉 https://hr27.hri.global/conference-collective/

29/05/2026

The Harm Reduction International Conference 2027 website is now live!

Explore key dates and exciting opportunities for our next edition. Check back for regular updates or sign up for the newsletter to get it straight to your inbox!

https://hr27.hri.global/

27/05/2026

The future of harm reduction within the UN system is at risk, and we need decision-makers to get it right.

UNAIDS has been a critical champion for people who use drugs: defending life-saving harm reduction services, pushing for decriminalisation, and making sure our communities have a seat at the table in the HIV response. But with UNAIDS now facing restructuring, there's a real risk that this work gets lost.

We urge the UNAIDS PCB working group to ensure that harm reduction is placed and properly funded within institutions like the World Health Organization or the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - institutions whose broader mandates are compatible with harm reduction.

Harm reduction and the rights of people who use drugs cannot be effectively protected or advanced by institutions whose core purpose is punitive drug control.

Full statement:

Harm reduction organisations warn that changes to UNAIDS could threaten global HIV responses, decriminalisation advocacy and human rights protections.

25/05/2026

In March 2026, our colleague, Giada Girelli, attended the Commission on Narcotic Drugs' side event "From Data to National and Regional Journeys: Ending the death penalty for drug offences", where she highlighted an important truth: The death penalty affects vulnerable populations and low-level figures, not powerful actors.

22/05/2026

Join the webinar "Harm Reduction in Europe in 2026: Global turmoil and shifting priorities in Europe; time to rethink harm reduction." Organised by Trimbos-Institute in collaboration with the European Harm Reduction Network

This webinar will dive in the evolving landscape of drug policy in Europe and the implications for harm reduction and care services. It will provide a regional overview, highlight key country examples, and highlight some trends.

26th May 2026 | 12:00 CET

Register here: https://www.trimbos.nl/aanbod/academie/webinar-harm-reduction-in-europe-in-2026/

19/05/2026

Every conference, we have a new theme. This isn’t just a catchy slogan. We choose it with deep intention, reflecting the moment and the political, social and cultural context of our host city. The theme acts as our anchor; it underpins the entire conference programme and guides action at the conference.

Hit play to find out the theme for

14/05/2026

Last month, Ailish Brennan from HRI joined the Women Deliver Conference in to address the devastating impact of funding cuts to harm reduction services on women and gender-diverse people who use drugs.

The numbers tell a stark story: drug-related offences account for 80% of women's prison populations, funding cuts are widening barriers to harm reduction services, and stigma and discrimination are on the rise. Yet governments continue to pour vast sums into the war on drugs and punitive approaches, even as community-led services are being forced to slash outreach, advocacy, and lifesaving support.

📺Watch the full discussion:

This event explores the gendered impacts of punitive drug policy, tracing women's lived experiences and collective resistance, and centring the death penalty...

13/05/2026

Funding cuts harm vulnerable communities, destabilise essential projects, contribute to burnout, and cost lives. Yet governments continue to pour resources into punitive approaches such as incarceration and aggressive drug enforcement.
It is urgent to divest from the unjust drug war and invest in justice.

07/05/2026

On , we call for person-centred harm reduction services that adapt to the context and needs of people who use drugs.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4tgHMeo