{"id":50308,"date":"2025-08-07T02:43:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T01:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ket.brussels\/?p=50308"},"modified":"2025-08-07T10:20:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T09:20:34","slug":"drug-policy-ex-aequo-urges-government-to-stop-ignoring-the-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ket.brussels\/nl\/2025\/08\/07\/drug-policy-ex-aequo-urges-government-to-stop-ignoring-the-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"Drug Policy: Ex Aequo Urges Government to Stop Ignoring the Problem"},"content":{"rendered":"

As part of the international campaign Support. Don\u2019t Punish, which calls for the decriminalization of drug use and increased support for users, the Belgian association Ex Aequo joins the movement with two upcoming events highlighting the urgent need for change<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop burying your head in the sand\u201d: A call for a clear-eyed, humane drug policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For too long, politicians have chosen to ignore the realities of drug use. Pablo Sanz Moreno, President of Ex Aequo, states:
“A drug policy focused on repression is ineffective, unjust, and dangerous for public health. It is time to stop burying our heads in the sand and instead support approaches based on health, dignity, and human rights.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ending drug prohibition to protect public health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Faced with mounting evidence that punitive drug policies fail, many experts and advocates urge a paradigm shift. Ending the prohibition of drugs offers a unique opportunity to improve public health, protect the most vulnerable, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Harm reduction saves lives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Repressive policies isolate and endanger people, while regulated approaches enable strict control over substances on the market. This means no more contaminated products or preventable overdoses. Providing access to sterile equipment and supervised consumption spaces significantly reduces the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C. Investing in information, prevention, and harm reduction replaces ignorance \u2014 the main driver of risk \u2014 with knowledge and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Care, not punishment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Criminalization discourages people from seeking help due to fear of prosecution and stigma. Decriminalizing drug use would allow earlier, humane, and tailored support. It would also pave the way for regulated medical use, as already seen with medical cannabis and opioid substitution treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits for society as a whole<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fewer prosecutions would free up resources for public health initiatives. Ending prohibition would redirect funds towards prevention, support, and treatment programs, while breaking the vicious cycle of arrest and incarceration. This would reduce prison overcrowding in Belgium, largely driven by non-violent drug offenses, lessen the burden on police and courts, and weaken criminal networks that fuel street violence over control of the illegal market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Successful international examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Countries such as Portugal, Switzerland, Canada, and Uruguay have implemented alternative approaches with clear positive outcomes: fewer overdoses, lower infection rates, better access to care, and improved overall health for users. Their experiences demonstrate that another path is not only possible but effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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