A new initiative from the ever impressive online activist organisation Avaaz is challenging the war on drugs in the run up to the Summit of the Americas in Cartegena, Colombia on 14th and 15th of April. At this summit heads of State from North and South America - including President Obama - meet to discuss a range of issues. For the first time ever drug law reform will be high on the agenda. The Avaaz petition calls upon Latin American heads of state to end to the failed war on drugs and 'move towards a system based on decriminalisation, regulation, public health and education'.
This new campaign is seeking to 500,000 supporters - something that AVAAZ, with more than 10 million subscribers is certainly capable of achieving - with your support! Petitions can often be ineffectual, but something of this scale, at this key moment in history could have a real impact on the high level debates taking place behind closed doors. Remember that there are a number of serving heads of state that will be present who have openly challenged the prohibitionist regime and called for a debate on alternatives including decriminalisation and legalisation/regulation. A huge public mandate from a petition like this can really change the climate in which those discussions unfold. So we urge all our readers and supporters to help promote this initiative through your contacts and networks in any way you can. You can start by signing the latest campaign petition statement here:
In days, heads of state from the US, Canada and Latin America could begin the end of the war on drugs. We are all losers in this senseless war -- it has failed to curb the scourge of addiction and cost us billions, while empowering violent organised criminals across the world.
For the first time ever key Latin American leaders are questioning drug policy and are calling for debate on decriminalisation. And even the US, who invented the war on drugs, is admitting that it is not working. This is a tectonic shift -- but many are scared to to begin the move towards alternative policies for fear of a public backlash. It's up to us to give them the mandate they need.
This summit is a powder keg only we can light that will blast us free from the billions spent to fuel drug violence and destruction. Let’s give these leaders a huge wave of global support to lead their region and the world into a sane and humane drug policy -- sign the petition, share with everyone and when we reach 500,000 signatures, our call will be delivered directly to the summit in Cartagena.
The Heads of State of the Americas:
We call on you to end the War on Drugs and the prohibition regime, and move towards a system based on decriminalisation, regulation, public health and education. This 50 year old policy has failed, fuels violent organised crime, devastates lives and is costing billions. This Summit is an opportunity to initiate a humane and effective approach. We have no time to lose -- take action now!
background;
- Chronicle of a debate foretold - background to the upcoming summit from TNI
- 11 current Latin American leaders call for an exploration of legal drug regulation
- Latin America: crucible for a new apporach to drugs
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