Colombia to Host HR25 International Anti-drug Summit

The International Harm Reduction Conference, created by the English non-governmental organization Harm Reduction International, will be held from April 27-30, 2025 in Bogota. The proposal contemplates a different look, a paradigm shift and a new global approach to address the drug phenomenon.

Colombia will host the next International Conference on Harm Reduction 2025 (HR25), the meeting that brings together every two years more than a thousand delegates from around the world to exchange experiences on legislation, policies and best practices associated with reducing the negative impacts of psychoactive substance use.

190 NGOs from 75 countries

The Conference was created by the English non-governmental organization Harm Reduction International, which brings together 190 NGOs from 75 countries and has been held in almost every continent. In 2023 it was held in Melbourne, Australia, where the theme of solidarity and the importance of maintaining a movement of unity were highlighted.

It has the support of the Directorate of Drug Policy and Related Activities of the Ministry of Justice and Law as it is considered to be in line with the National Drug Policy 2023 – 2033 “Sowing life, we banish drug trafficking”.

The term “harm reduction” refers to policies, programs and practices aimed at minimizing the negative impacts of drug use, public policies and drug laws in the legal, social and health spheres.

It is based on principles of justice and human rights, focuses on making positive changes and working directly with people without judging them, coercing them, discriminating against them or requiring them to stop using drugs as a precondition for receiving support.

The Ministry of Justice and Law proposes as a starting point and premise for participation in the event to answer the following questions: how is risk and harm reduction conceived from a social justice and public health perspective and what are the vulnerabilities associated with consumption?

Drug use in Colombia

Drug use in Colombia continues to have a significant impact on both public health and the social fabric of the country. With a long history marked by drug trafficking and narcotics production, Colombia faces devastating consequences from domestic drug use.

The most commonly consumed drugs in Colombia include cocaine, marijuana and hallucinogens such as cocaine paste (CBP) and methamphetamines. This consumption not only has a direct impact on the health of users, but also fuels violence and organized crime in the country.

The public health consequences are serious and multifaceted. Drug use is associated with a range of health problems, from debilitating addictions to mental and physical illnesses. In addition, injection drug use has contributed to the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

The ages most affected by drug use vary, but youth and young adults are particularly vulnerable. Social pressure, lack of opportunity, and the influence of marginalized environments contribute to this population’s propensity for drug use.