Legal context
Many African drug laws still rely on criminal penalties inherited from older control frameworks, while reform debates increasingly centre public health, prison overcrowding and human rights.
Health response
Harm reduction and evidence-based treatment are growing through public-health agencies and civil society, but access is often uneven between cities and rural areas.
Youth leadership
Young advocates are pushing for honest drug education, non-punitive school policies and meaningful participation in national drug strategy processes.
This country page gives a plain-language starting point for understanding drug policy in Eritrea. Harm reduction data is drawn from Harm Reduction International's Global State of Harm Reduction 2024 where available; detailed national law should always be checked against current local sources.
Drug policy briefing
What young people should know about drug policy in Eritrea
Decriminalisation
Mostly criminalisedPersonal possession is commonly handled through criminal law. Some countries are debating alternatives to punishment, diversion or health-oriented responses.
Evidence · Regional baseline: UNODC, WHO and civil-society drug policy monitoring.
Harm Reduction
Emerging coverageNeedle and syringe programmes, opioid agonist treatment and overdose prevention may exist in selected locations, often with limited national coverage.
Evidence · Regional baseline: Harm Reduction International global state reporting.
Youth Participation
Growing youth voiceYouth-led organisations and student networks increasingly contribute to education, community outreach and policy reform campaigns.
Evidence · Regional baseline: SSDP network knowledge and civil-society consultations.
Treatment Systems
Access gapsTreatment availability varies widely and may combine public hospitals, NGOs, faith-based programmes and private services, with uneven quality standards.
Evidence · Regional baseline: WHO substance-use service profiles.
Sources · Harm Reduction International, Global State of Harm Reduction 2024 · UNODC · WHO · EMCDDA/EUDA · national laws and civil-society monitoring. Last reviewed Harm Reduction International 2024.
Start locally
No active SSDP chapter is listed for Eritrea yet. Young people can start with peer education, coalition-building and the chapter starter pathway.
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Use Policy Lab to compare Eritrea with countries that have decriminalisation, harm reduction or youth-participation reforms.
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If someone needs urgent medical, legal or crisis support, use the help pathway and contact qualified local services.
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