#11544. Possessing Drugs, Possessing Rights: Harm Reduction and Drug Policy Reform in Argentina

August 2026publication date
Proposal available till 31-05-2025
4 total number of authors per manuscript0 $

The title of the journal is available only for the authors who have already paid for
Journal’s subject area:
Law;
Health (social science);
Health Policy;
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health;
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Abstract:
National drug law is based on prohibitionist drug policy, this law was intended to severely punish drug traffickers and protect the public from drug use-related health concerns. However, it has failed to achieve these goals, and instead targets people who use drugs (PWUD) and brands them “criminals.” This article discusses this debate from the perspective of harm reductionists, those who work to reduce the negative effects of drug use rather than eliminate drug use or ensure abstinence. Demonstrating their contention that legal apparatus is a major contributor to PWUD’s discrimination, stigmatization, and isolation from health and social services, I argue that challenging these problems through policy engagement allows Argentine harm reductionists to draw attention to the broader question of PWUD’s rights and to ultimately recast PWUD as rights-bearing citizens.
Keywords:
Citizenship; decriminalization; drug policy; harm reduction; rights

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