Last month we endorsed the statement calling on the federal government to fix fundamental flaws in the Correctional Service of Canada’s “Prison Needle Exchange Program.” We’ve received a thank you from the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Exchange, along with some additional information.
Saturday, August 10, was Prisoners’ Justice Day, and marked the release of this endorsed statement and a supporting media statement. Seventy health and human rights organizations, which represent more than 286 member groups with tens of thousands of individuals Canada-wide, signed their name in support.
For your reference:
The endorsed statement
“We speak with one voice, firmly committed to health and human
rights, to urge the federal government to fix the flaws in its “Prison Needle Exchange
Program” (PNEP), so prisoners have easy and confidential access to sterile injection
equipment.” Read complete endorsed statement
Media statement
This Prisoners’ Justice Day (August 10), as prisoners fast for 24 hours in solidarity and remembrance of those who have fought and died for better treatment in prisons, organizations across Canada are urging the federal government to fix the flaws in its current “Prison Needle Exchange Program” (PNEP). Seventy health and human rights organizations, which represent more than 286 member groups with tens of thousands of constituents Canada-wide, are speaking with one voice. What we’re saying is clear, evidence-based, and firmly rooted in health and human rights: Prisoners need to have easy and confidential access to sterile injection equipment to protect their health and save their lives. Read complete media statement
Social media
“This Prisoners’ Justice Day, we’re urging the federal government to fix the flaws in its current Prison Needle Exchange Program.” Facebook
“70 health and human rights organizations are speaking with one voice: Prisoners need to have easy and confidential access to sterile injection equipment to protect their health and save their lives.” Twitter
Prison Health Now website
Prisoners are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, loved ones and part of our communities. They have a right to health that must be realized. Visit site