In Memoriam: Naomi Burke- Shyne

We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of our dear friend and ally Naomi Burke-Shyne from Harm Reduction International. She was a brilliant human rights advocate and a force for change whose vision helped reshape drug policy and public health responses around the world.

Her journey started in Australia as a practicing lawyer, but her passion for social justice took her further, working with the International Development Law Organization across Indonesia, Nepal, and Uganda, where she focused on HIV and health law. In 2017, Naomi joined Harm Reduction International, becoming Executive Director in 2018. She stood up for racially and socially just decision-making, launched initiatives like Divest/Invest, and consistently spoke out against stigma and discrimination.

Naomi’s legacy will live on in the fight for drug decriminalisation, racial justice, and harm reduction that is rooted in dignity and human rights. We extend our deepest sympathies to Naomi’s family and her friends.

Her journey started in Australia as a practicing lawyer, but her passion for social justice took her further, working with the International Development Law Organization across Indonesia, Nepal, and Uganda, where she focused on HIV and health law. In 2017, Naomi joined Harm Reduction International, becoming Executive Director in 2018. She stood up for racially and socially just decision-making, launched initiatives like Divest/Invest, and consistently spoke out against stigma and discrimination.

Naomi’s legacy will live on in the fight for drug decriminalisation, racial justice, and harm reduction that is rooted in dignity and human rights. We extend our deepest sympathies to Naomi’s family and her friends.