Law Students for Decriminalization & Harm Reduction is a group of UBC law students passionate about the rights and well-being of people who use drugs and people who engage in sex work. Through our work, we collaborate and partner with community organizations, including the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU); legal advocates, such as Pivot Legal Society and the Canadian Bar Association’s Social Justice Branch; and other student groups at UBC, including the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP).
Last year, we partnered with Law Students Legal Advice Program (LSLAP) and PACE Society to provide free legal advice for sex workers. We also organized an Overdose Response Training session for our members and organized multiple public legal education events. These events included panel discussions on Alternative Legal Drug Policy Models in Canada and Sex Work and the Legal Profession.
Our members believe in reducing the stigma that people who use drugs and people who engage in sex work endure. We manage a public Facebook account where we educate the community on evidence-based policy and engage in anti-stigma campaigns, including a photo campaign on ending violence against sex workers.
Being part of our network also provides ample opportunity to connect with upper-year students and community organizations working on social and legal issues around sex work and drug policy. Some of our upper-year members have completed accredited research projects in these areas and mentor first year students on directing their JD in this way. Our members have also found opportunities to volunteer with lawyers litigating in these areas.
We look forward to meeting you on Clubs Day! You can also contact us through:
Public Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LawStudentsForDecriminalization/
Email: decrim@ubcgmail.com
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