ln recent years, Portugal is regarded as a guiding country when it comes to the implementation of an evidence-based drug policy and the decriminalisation of drug use. ln May 201-9, the Mayor of Porto – Mr. Rui Moreira – opened the lnternational Harm Reduction Conference in Porto. He declared his full support towards harm reduction and an evidence-based and human-rights based approach in drug policy, We are therefore more than surprised to hear, that the same Mayor just recently called for the reintroduction of criminal penalties for drug use in the public space. Such a measure conflicts with existing evidence and experiences elsewhere that repression doesn’t work and violates significantly the human rights of People Who Use Drugs. Drug use in public spaces can effectively be tackled by harm reduction measures such as a good coverage of drug consumption rooms, drop inn centres and housing facilities. We openly condemn the intention of the Mayor of Porto and call him to commit himself again to his previous efforts and support towards a justice and human-rights based drug policy in Porto.

Criminalisation of Drug Use is not based on evidence.
Criminalisation of Drug Use is a violation of the human rights of People Who Use Drugs.
Criminalisation of Drug Use is a step backwards for Portugal.