Original article: ICJ publishes a new set of legal principles to address the harmful human rights impact of unjustified criminalization of individuals and entire communities. The principles are aimed at offering a clear, accessible and operational legal framework and practical legal guidance – based on general principles of criminal law and international human rights law and standards – on the application of the criminal law to conduct associated with:

• sexual and reproductive health and rights, including abortion;
• consensual sexual activities, including in such contexts as sex outside marriage, same-sex sexual relations, adolescent sexual activity and sex work;
• gender identity and gender expression;
• HIV non-disclosure, exposure or transmission;
• drug use and the possession of drugs for personal use; and
• homelessness and poverty.

They aim to assist legislatures, the courts, administrative and prosecutorial authorities, and advocates to address the harmful impact of criminalization of the above-mentioned conduct on health, equality and other human rights.