Geneva, June 24, 2024: Expert Tlaleng Mofokeng, on behalf of the UN/UNHCR, has today called on the international community to end the ineffective “war on drugs”. Instead, it advocates a shift to policies based on human rights and that promote support and harm reduction. The report was recently published ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on 26 June. The international campaign for this day goes by the name: Support don’t punish!
Criticism: The fight against drugs
The UN expert underlined that the so-calledwar on drugs has largely been a war against people, especially those living in poverty and belonging to marginalized groups, minorities and indigenous peoples. These groups have been severely affected by discrimination and unequal treatment in the context of global drug policies, which has led to widespread human rights violations, including the right to personal liberty, freedom from torture, fair trial, and access to health care and housing.
Impact on different groups
The fight against drugs has had disproportionate and unfair consequences for people of African descent, women and other vulnerable groups. whereas data show that people of African descent are more likely to be victims of unfair judicial interventions and imprisonment for drug-related offences; Women who use drugs face significant stigma and discrimination when trying to access harm reduction programs and drug treatment. Although one-third of drug users are women, they make up only one-fifth of those receiving treatment. Women also face higher levels of criminalization and incarceration due to drug offenses compared to men.
Proposals for measures
The UN expert stressed the need to decriminalise drug use and possession for personal use, as well as to close down forced rehabilitation centres. Instead, voluntary, evidence-based and rights-based health and social services should be offered in the community. In addition, it pointed out the importance of designing drug policies that are gender-sensitive and that actively protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In his statement, the UN expert called on Member States and international bodies to rethink their current drug policies and replace them with strategies based on the principles of comprehensive, restorative and reintegration justice. It was also stressed that effective, community-based and inclusive prevention measures are essential.
The United Nations and the international community have a historic responsibility to reverse the devastation that decades of global war on drugs have caused, especially for marginalized and discriminated communities. Now more than ever, we must replace punishment with support and promote policies that respect, protect and fulfil the rights of all.