This report, developed by University of Miami School of Law Human Rights Clinic, The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Eurasian Harm Reduction Association, analysis the human rights approaches to harm reduction services available for women.

Worldwide, the vast majority of harm reduction services are at best, gender blind, and at worst, male-centered. Furthermore, there is limited access for women to harm reduction services. Yet research indicates that a gender sensitive approach to harm reduction can increase both the uptake and the outcomes of harm reduction interventions.

Laws which criminalize drug use pose a major obstacle to the human rights of people who use drugs, including the rights to health; to freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and to equality and nondiscrimination. A harm reduction approach, by contrast, respects the fundamental dignity and human rights of people who use drugs, as well as supports their health and well-being.

The report is available in English.