Faces of the Drug War » Faq

Questions and answers about the FACES campaign

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Frequently Asked Questions Does the FACES campaign support the legalization of drugs? FACES supports the end of drug prohibition through the development of global, rational drug policies.  This does not mean the simple legalization of drugs – it means that each drug would be considered and regulated in appropriate and evidence-based ways.  It also means that people whose only “crime” is their use or dependence on illegal drugs, would no longer be criminalized and would receive the type of health care they need for their drug related illnesses. ………………………………………………………………………………………….. Why is it time to move beyond the war on drugs? There is overwhelming evidence that the war on drugs has failed and caused significant harm to individuals, families and communities world-wide. In the summer of 2010, scientists from all over the world gathered at the 18th International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria and signed the Vienna Declaration (www.viennadeclaration.com) which outlines the FAILURE of drug prohibition to: reduce drug use and the supply of drugs address the serious health and social harms that stem from drug addiction reduce the global black market in illegal drugs. The Vienna Declaration calls for a complete review of the war on drugs in response to the overwhelming evidence that: the criminalization of people who use illicit drugs is fueling the HIV epidemic globally. billions of dollars have been spent fighting this futile war while much needed health and social programs have suffered from severe under funding. Through the Vienna Declaration the leading public health scientists in the world are calling for “evidence-based approaches that respect, protect and fulfill human rights”. There are also new approaches in addressing addictions and new models of drug regulation being considered in many countries. It is time to end the war on drugs and move in new directions based on public health, human rights and scientific evidence of what works. ………………………………………………………………………………………….. What will be the global benefits of drug policy reform? HIV/AIDS deaths will be reduced through disease prevention and harm reduction policies. Corruption and black market economies will be reduced because there will be less of a market for illegal drugs The death toll from gang violence will be decreased Public safety will be increased Criminalization and incarceration of people who have mental health and addiction issues will decrease Basic human rights will be better protected Billions of dollars currently spent on law enforcement will be available for prevention and treatment …………………………………………………………………………………………. What drugs are you talking about? All illegal drugs.  Each category of drug needs to be considered separately with the development of unique policies to best regulate and control each substance. …………………………………………………………………………………………. Who will FACES be donating money to? Money raised by the campaign will support The victims of the war on drugs through such well known organizations as the International Aids Society and the International Harm Reduction Association Drug Policy Reform through such organizations as the Canadian Drug Policy Consortium (Canada), the Drug Policy Alliance (United States), the International Drug Policy Consortium (International) …………………………………………………………………………………………. When and where will the campaign take place? Concerts and dialogues will take place in the spring and summer of 2012 The following cities will host the campaign:  Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Munich and Washington D.C. …………………………………………………………………………………………. How can I become involved in the FACES campaign? We are currently seeking funds to implement this campaign.  We welcome the support of individuals, corporations, funding bodies and others to help with in-kind or financial donations.  If you would like to become involved please contact us through info@facesofthedrugwar.com If you would like to follow our progress please join us through Facebook and Twitter

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