SUPPORT DON'T PUNISH FESTIVAL
In Mexico, a country plagued by the harsh realities of militarized and violent drug policies, young people often find themselves on the front lines of experiencing and resisting the negative impacts of these approaches. Amid these challenges, youth have taken significant steps to advocate for their rights and well-being through innovative, community-led initiatives.
One exemplary initiative is the Support Don't Punish Festival, a powerful response to punitive drug policies in Mexico. This annual event serves as a platform for young people who use drugs to share knowledge about harm reduction, advocate for their rights, and challenge prevailing punitive policies. At Ágora, we support these activities by participating in conferences, facilitating connections with various institutions, and coordinating campaigns within the team.
Festival Activities:
Youth-led advocacy actions: The festival features marches led by young people that not only draw attention to the plight of young people who use drugs but also mobilize the community to advocate for more humane and compassionate drug policies. These marches symbolize a collective stance against the systemic violence and discrimination faced by young people who use drugs.
Harm reduction information booths: Harm reduction information booths are a cornerstone of the festival, providing practical advice and resources on safer drug use practices. These booths are staffed by knowledgeable peers who offer non-judgmental support and guidance.
Showcase of youth entrepreneurship: By showcasing youth entrepreneurship, the festival highlights the talents and potential of young people who use drugs, countering negative stereotypes and providing opportunities for economic empowerment.
Cultural activities: The festival includes performances by bands and artists who oppose the oppression of young people who use drugs, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. These cultural activities help foster a sense of community and solidarity.
Virtual expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival shifted to a virtual format, allowing it to reach a wider audience across multiple countries in Latin America. This virtual expansion enabled the continued exchange of knowledge and advocacy efforts despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Ongoing Activities and Impact:
Beyond the annual event, the Support Don't Punish Festival supports various activities throughout the year, including:
Collective murals and art exhibitions: These creative projects serve as powerful tools for raising awareness and advocating for harm reduction. They engage the community in meaningful conversations about drug policies and the rights of young people who use drugs.
Social media and informational materials: The festival produces engaging social media content and informational materials, including entertaining videos that promote best practices in drug use. These resources help spread knowledge about harm reduction to a broader audience.The Support Don't Punish Festival has become an essential platform for young people who use drugs in Mexico and beyond. It exemplifies how community-led initiatives can effectively challenge punitive drug policies, promote harm reduction, and advocate for the human rights of marginalized populations. By providing a safe and non-judgmental space for young people to connect, share knowledge, and fight for their rights, the festival fosters resilience and empowerment in the face of systemic oppression.
The Support Don't Punish Festival has become an essential platform for young people who use drugs in Mexico and beyond. It exemplifies how community-led initiatives can effectively challenge punitive drug policies, promote harm reduction, and advocate for the human rights of marginalized populations. By providing a safe and non-judgmental space for young people to connect, share knowledge, and fight for their rights, the festival fosters resilience and empowerment in the face of systemic oppression.