On Thursday, the 26th of June, to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, as well as the 23rd anniversary of its founding, the OASI Foundation organised a National Discussion on the theme of Drugs – the True Reality: Decriminalisation, Legalisation or Depenalisation?

The debate, moderated by Dr. Andrew Azzopardi, consisted of two panels composed of opinionists and experts who discussed the topic at hand.

The audience was an active participant in the debate, and included representatives from diverse fields, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, educators, persons working with youths and students, as well as agencies with direct ties to drug issues and drug users, including Sedqa and Caritas.

The speakers included Dr. Michael Farrugia, Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity; Dr. Justyne Caruana, Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Aging; and Clyde Puli, Opposition Spokesman for the Family and Social Solidarity.

There were also interventions by persons who had experienced addiction and undergone Rehabilitation programs, who spoke about their experiences for the benefit of those present.

Dr. Michael Farrugia, in his speech focused on the reforms that need to be done, in order to improve the current system.

He mentioned that every sector in the field of addiction needs to be specialised, so as to give a better service to those in need. He added that the White Paper, will be developed on the principal concept that the victim does not end up in court, as this might label the person.

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