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June 1, 2016 — Close to 250 Canadian organizations have signed a statement urging federal and provincial governments to immediately implement prison-based needle and syringe programs (PNSPs) in institutions across the country. Representing the views of a broad cross-section of Canadian civil society, the statement highlights the overwhelming scientific, empirical and human rights rationale for Canada’s governments to act without delay.
CANADA CAN’T WAIT: THE TIME FOR PRISON-BASED NEEDLE AND SYRINGE PROGRAMS IS NOW
Statement by nearly 250 organizations Canada-wide
June 1, 2016
We, the undersigned, represent many different communities and interests. But today we speak with one voice, firmly committed to health and human rights, in support of desperately needed prison-based needle and syringe programs (PNSPs) in Canada.
The time for PNSPs is now.
In Canada, people in prison face far greater risk of HIV and hepatitis C infection because they are denied access to sterile injection equipment. Access to sterile injection equipment is a proven harm reduction strategy — it is widely supported and available in communities across the country, has been successfully implemented in prisons in numerous other countries for decades, and is recommended by a wide range of health experts and organizations. But it remains unavailable in Canadian prisons.
Prisoners are part of our communities; for too long, they have been mistakenly seen as outsiders. Prisoners are our mothers, fathers, partners, daughters, sons, constituents, family and friends. They do not lose their human rights upon incarceration.
We, the undersigned, acknowledge the overwhelming evidence supporting PNSPs and recognize they are urgently needed in Canada. Together, we call upon the Canadian federal and provincial governments to immediately implement PNSPs in prisons across the country.
To ensure such programs function effectively, implementation must involve meaningful consultation with current and former prisoners, as well as health, harm reduction, and human rights experts, and with on-going external and independent oversight.
PNSPs are a critical part of a larger strategy to improve the health and well-being of people in prisons, and therefore of our families, friends and communities.
For more information please visit www.prisonhealthnow.ca.
Download the statement with list of signatories.