Solidarity that Cannot be Confined: The Support. Don’t Punish 2020 Global Day of Action

For the last eight years, efforts by Support. Don’t Punish campaigners have materialised with great dedication around a Global Day of Action, observed annually on 26 June. This day is also the the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Historically, this date has been used by governments to showcase drug control “achievements” in coercive terms that have no positive impact on communities’ well-being.

From grandstanding declarations of war, to burning displays of seized drugs, and even public trials where people criminalised for drug offences are sent off for execution, the gruesome theatrics of the “war on drugs” glorify violence and punishment over human dignity and rights.