Drug Control, Criminalization, and Global Health

In his latest report, UN Special Rapporteur Anand Grover finds that the current international drug control regime is damaging the health and human rights of people who use drugs. Criminalization and excessive law enforcement practices undermine public health initiatives, perpetuate stigma, and increase health risks to which entire populations—not only those who use drugs—may be exposed.

The Special Rapporteur's report recommends that governments decriminalize drug use and possession and adopt harm reduction services for people who use drugs. The report also calls on UN drug control agencies to take a human rights-based approach to drug control.

The Open Society Foundations and Human Rights Watch present a moderated discussion with the Special Rapporteur on the recommendations of his report.

Speakers

• Anand Grover, UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
• Joseph Amon, Director, Health and Human Rights Division, Human Rights Watch
• Daniel Wolfe, Director, International Harm Reduction Development Program, Open Society Foundations