GAT signs Oviedo Declaration to integrate prevention into drug policies

10 Outubro 2024

The Treatment Activists Group (TAG) has signed the Oviedo Declaration, an important international document that aims to promote a more humane and people-centered approach to health policies, with special attention to drug policies.

The Oviedo Declaration is a global call for the transformation of health systems, demanding that they be inclusive, equitable and based on principles of dignity, justice and human rights. The appeal was launched at the 67th United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs and includes ten guiding proposals to be incorporated into national and global health and drug policies.

The document recognizes that people who use drugs face enormous barriers in accessing health care and treatment, and underlines the need for public policies that address these issues ethically and responsibly. More than 2,000 organizations from almost 150 countries have already joined the call, including GAT.

The declaration calls for an end to discriminatory practices, increased access to quality health services, and fair treatment of all people, regardless of their health condition or substance use. The document aims to promote a holistic vision of health, where human dignity and personal autonomy are priorities.

A PEOPLE-CENTRED APPROACH, NOT A DRUG-CENTRED APPROACH

The Oviedo Declaration highlights the principle that health policies, including drug policies, should be people-centered. For GAT, this means

  • Respecting human rights: People who use drugs have the right to healthcare that respects their dignity and autonomy. This includes access to treatment without coercion and to harm reduction services, such as needle exchange and substitution therapies.
  • Combating stigma and discrimination: GAT argues that the stigma associated with drug use must be eradicated, so that people can seek support without fear of being judged or stigmatized.
  • Ensuring access to healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is a right for all people. The TAO works to ensure that people who use drugs have access to appropriate health services, regardless of their living situation or health condition.
  • Prioritizing harm reduction: Instead of marginalizing people who use drugs, policies should prioritize their health and well-being, implementing harm and risk reduction strategies to support and prevent overdoses.

GAT argues that effective drug policies should be based on scientific evidence and oriented towards public health, rather than criminalization and stigmatization, which exacerbates marginalization and health problems.

Policies focused on harm reduction and respect for human rights have been proven to reduce HIV and hepatitis infections, as well as decrease overdoses and improve quality of life.

In line with the Oviedo Declaration, GAT prioritizes a person-centred service that respects autonomy and offers continuous support, promoting the dignity and safety of each person, regardless of their consumption. For this reason, the GAT IN Mouraria and GAT Setúbal centers provide free responses, in the same vision as the Oviedo Declaration.

Signing the Oviedo Declaration is a reaffirmation of GAT's commitment to people who use drugs, with a more humane and inclusive approach, built on the pillars of human rights and social justice, made for people, respecting their rights and promoting their well-being.