Harm Reduction and Human Rights – Third Training

“If you are using drugs, do it as safely as possible”-expert Artur Potosyan presented the main philosophy of harm reduction programs.  

The third training on “Harm Reduction and Human Rights” was held in NGO Center in Vanadzor on December 15, 2009.

Medical workers from the 5^th polyclinic of Vanadzor, from Mental Health facilities, NGO representatives and lawyers took part in the training.  Artur Potosyan, the head of the NGO “Anti-drug Civil Alliance” presented the geography of HIV infection. According to him, 96% of new cases are recorded in countries with small and average incomes. He also presented the situation in detention facilities where 70% of the detained are unaware of HIV prevention.

The participants were familiarized with the harm done by injection of drugs and the events held within harm reduction programs. They were also presented with the understanding of human rights and how they are related to drug users and harm reduction programs.

The participants learnt how to define human rights violations in concrete situations working in groups. They tried to justify their viewpoints on being for or against harm reduction programs.

The training was organized by HCA Vanadzor within the framework of the project “Legal Aid to the drug users of Lori, Shirak, Taush regions and the city of Yerevan”, which is implemented by the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation-Armenia.