Drug Control and Human Rights

November 2, 2010

Drug Control, Criminalization, and Global Health (October 26, 2010)

In his latest report, UN Special Rapporteur Anand Grover found 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 report recommends that governments decriminalize drug use and possession and adopt harm reduction services for people who use drugs. It 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 recently co-presented a moderated discussion with the Special Rapporteur on the recommendations of his report.

Listen above.

Topics

Drug Policy Reform, Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction for All

A Lifesaving Loan: A New Investment to Help Curb the U.S. Overdose Crisis

For over a decade, the small Remedy Alliance nonprofit has revolutionized providing lifesaving healthcare for people who use drugs. Our new investment will help the group increase access to the overdose antidote naloxone.

December 12, 2023 | Sarah Evans & Georgia Levenson Keohane

WAR IS OVER?

How the United States Fueled a Global Drug War, and Why It Must End

As U.S. domestic drug policy reform gains momentum, it is time the United States makes a concerted effort to de-escalate the failed war on drugs elsewhere.

June 29, 2021 | Ann Fordham

EVENT RECAP

How Can We Help the Children of Incarcerated Parents?

Some of the most neglected victims of the war on drugs are the families and children of those who are incarcerated because of nonviolent drug offenses. A new report outlines the problem and presents research-driven solutions.

March 3, 2020

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