The province of BC is committed to a human rights-based approach to harm reduction (see Overdose Emergency Response Centre Terms of Reference), and this toolkit focuses on human rights issues associated with discrimination against people use drugs. It draws information collected from people who use drugs compiled and reported in Project Inclusion report, national and international sources.
Each section of the Human Rights Education Toolkit features resources and handouts to support community education and advocacy. This page features a selection from the Tools for Action pages; check all Foundation Tools and Tools for Action sections for more in-depth material.
From How to Engage People with Lived Experience
Nothing About Us Without Us Manifesto poster
Peer Payment Standards (BCCDC) – The BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) Peer Payment Standards guide helps outline payment amounts and methods to use when engaging peers across the province.
Peer Compensation and Resources discusses the Nothing About Us, Without Us principles and provides resources surrounding equitable compensation for and best practices in peer engagement.
From Beyond Stigma-Reduction – Putting Rights First
Respectful Language Checklist (Global Commission on Drug Policy)
From Templates for Change
How to request to speak at a City Council meeting: Request for Delegation
How to write a formal request for a meeting: Sample Letter to City Council
BC Emergency Health Service Policy on Police at Overdose Events (2016)
Harm reduction Guidelines and Best Practices for Health Professionals (BC CDC; Toward the Heart)
Myth Busted: Needle Distribution Model vs. Needle Exchange Model
Overdose Washroom Safety Assessment Tool (City of Vancouver)
Know Your Rights Pocket Cards
Know Your Rights When Talking to Police
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act: What You Need to Know
Know Your Rights with Private Security
Vancouver Police and Sex Workers: Know Your Rights
NEXT Toolkit Home
Foundation Tools: Human Rights and Health Equity | Drug Use as a Health and Rights Issue | Surveying Conditions in BC
Tools for Action: How to Engage People with Lived Experience | Beyond Stigma-Reduction
Templates for Change | Select Handouts at a Glance
More resources can be found on our Substance Use and Harm Reduction page.
Please note that the information in this toolkit is for general information only and should not be taken or relied upon as legal advice. If you have questions about a specific situation, consult a lawyer.