The Need for Legal Aid in Combating HIV/AIDS Amongst Drug Users Hussein Khalid Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) Mombasa, Kenya

Background of MUHURI Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) based at the Coast of Kenya. It began in 1997 to promote the struggle for human rights amongst grassroot communities.

Kenya and Drug Use Drug use in Kenya, as is in most other countries in the world, is illegal and punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both. In Mombasa and the Coastal region in general, drug abuse is the worst with children as young as nine years old hooked on drugs. Majority of those who end up in conflict with the law are drug users who get caught up in the system. 70% of the total prison population are on drug related cases. To many, drug use is viewed as a criminal issue and not a health condition.

MUHURI’s Access to Justice Project Works in 17 different prisons all over the region. Provides legal assistance to prisoners on their cases Conducts moot courts in prisons to build confidence Follow ups and tracing of families and lawyers Connects prison community with the outside world

The Mombasa Legal Aid Clinic In March 2012, MUHURI launched the Mombasa Legal Aid Clinic with the goal of serving the greater public to understand their legal rights. The clinic utilizes paralegal officers and law students to provide pro bono legal aid

Why Legal Aid is Crucial in Dealing with HIV/AIDS Amongst Drug Users? Legal Aid for Drug Users Safeguards the rights of individuals to health care Entry point to treatment including harm reduction Decongests Prisons (which is a major centre of HIV/AIDS transmission)

Key Steps in Legal Aid Provision Amongst Drug Users Screening Tracing Introduction to treatment and legal assistance Legal assistance and linking with key justice actors including probation and judiciary Secure release and follow up to reduce recidivism

Key Challenges in Legal Aid Provision for Drug Users Stigmatisation

Key Challenges Continued… Disabling Laws

Key Challenges Continued… 3. Police

Key Successes 1. Judiciary

Successes 2. Prisons

Successes 3. Harm Reduction Works

For comments and further information, please contact or set up a meeting at the venue pictured below in Mombasa, Kenya with: HUSSEIN KHALID Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) P.O. BOX 42261-80100, Mombasa E-mail: h.khalid@muhuri.org or info@muhuri.org Website: www.muhuri.org