Decriminalization of drug use in the context of HIV: a guidance note. Creating an enabling legal environment for the HIV response for people who use drugs

The decriminalization of drug use and possession for personal use, when implemented effectively, is a critical element in a human rights and public health-based HIV response. The group of countries that have adopted decriminalization models spans all continents. This document brings together different approaches to and experiences of decriminalization of drug use and possession for personal use and provides recommendations for countries to ensure an enabling environment for the HIV response.