Session A6: Pro Bono, Drug Users and Access to Justice in Asia

People who use drugs in Asia are at greater risk of deleterious interactions with police than non drug using community members and are consequently disproportionately overrepresented in the criminal justice system. This leads them to face the significant likelihood of spending periods of time in prison or compulsory detention. The majority of these people face only minor or misdemeanor charges associated with their drug use and in many cases would be released from the criminal justice system if they had access to legal representation. This panel symposium will bring together legal service providers  from across Asia who are seeking to grow the potential of pro-bono (including clinic and legal aid services) to support access to justice for people who use drugs (PWUD). Supporting the unmet legal needs (criminal, civil and administrative) of people who use drugs in Asia will not only result in decreasing numbers of people unnecessarily caught up in the criminal justice system but will also ensure that the negatives individual and public health implications of detention are averted. The session will also act as an initial step in a multi-faceted process to develop and strengthen a regional pro bono network alliance which provides support for PWUD. A follow up strategic network building meeting will be held on September 2^nd, in Bali, following the 5APBC. Those attending the session and interested in attending and participating at this meeting will be invited to do so.