Africa shifts focus to youth in drug policy reform

Across Africa, people are re-evaluating drug policies to better support young people, moving beyond punishment towards healthcare and participation.

Charity Monareng of Students for Sensible Drug Policy International argues that current approaches often fail because they don’t include the perspectives of those most affected. She and others believe young people possess expertise about their own lives and should be involved in designing policies and services meant for them, not just consulted after decisions are made.

The Global Commission on Drug Policy released a policy brief challenging the long-held belief that harsh drug laws protect children and young people. The brief, developed with input from over 150 people in 47 countries, calls for recognizing young people as rights holders and prioritizing support like mental health services and harm reduction over criminalization. Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos emphasized that policies must be judged by their results, noting that decades of punitive measures haven’t effectively protected children.

Anne-Marie Cockburn shared the tragic loss of her daughter, Martha, to highlight the failures of prohibition and the need for honest conversations about drug use. Aden McCracken, a young drug user and advocate, described how prohibition impacted his family, leading to cycles of arrest, poverty, and trauma. Both advocate for a shift towards restorative justice, harm reduction, and meaningful youth participation in drug policy reform, emphasizing that young people already create their own support networks and possess vital knowledge.