A group passionate with the zeal and determination to curb drugs intake by the users, especially the youths,, Smile Africa International Youth Development, lamented the stigmatization of drug users, saying actions could only make matter worse for them.
Speaking to journalists, the Coordinator of the group, Purpose Iserhienrhien, said this during a rally to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Advocacy with the theme: “People first: Stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.
He equally said the world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Comrade Iserhienrhien said many people who use drugs face stigmatization and discrimination which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.
The coordinator of the group said the World Drug Day is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
Looking at the present situation report on human rights, and people who use drugs, in Nigeria, Comrade Purpose Iserhienrhien therefore listed, as follows; criminalization, access to healthcare, arbitrary arrests and violence, access to legal services and justice, violations of privacy and dignity, discrimination, gender-based violence against women and girls, in all diversity and harm reduction service provision, as an extension of the right to health.
Comrade Iserhienrhien posited that, the aim of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritizing prevention; and leading with compassion.
He emphazied that physical abuse, emotional abuse and rape of women, who use drugs are common forms of abuse by law enforcement and called on Nigerians to join hands together to see how the cases of stigmatization can be curbed.
Responding, the chairman, NUJ, Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe thanked the group for the rally adding that the union will lend its voice to their demands of ending drugs stigmatization in the country.
Comrade called on all form state governments to work hand-in-hands with the federal government to build psychiatric hospitals to take care of those who have been affected by drugs.
Alenkhe also urged Nigerians to desist from abusing drugs for their health sake and stressed the media both print, online and electronic platforms disseminate the information to the general public.
