NGO seeking to decriminalise drug use in Lebanon
An online survey conducted by Skoun in 2018 of people aged 18-35 indicated that 44% of those who responded said they were for ending criminalisation of drug use
Saturday, July 20, 2019
The Support Don’t Punish campaign for decriminalising the use of illicit substances is very relevant in Lebanon where the law on drug use and the jumble of the criminal justice system harms young Lebanese whose future is often jeopardised by judicial flaws, the NGO Skoun said. Skoun, which runs addiction treatment centres, has been strongly lobbying for amending the criminal law regarding drug use, with punishment ranging from 3 months to 3 years in prison, in the case of personal consumption, along with a fine. “If you get arrested and prosecuted for drug use it will be on your criminal record and for at least 3 years you cannot apply for a job or get housing loan or move on with your life,” said Michelle Wazan, drug policy coordinator at Skoun.
