UN Experts Call for End to Global War on Drugs, Emphasizing Health and Human Rights
UN experts urge an end to the global 'war on drugs,' advocating for health and human rights-focused policies over criminalization
Key Points
- 1UN calls for ending the global 'war on drugs' to focus on health and human rights
- 2Current drug policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities
- 3Experts recommend reallocating funds from enforcement to health programs
- 4European countries explore new cannabis regulations, while France maintains strict policies
A recent declaration by United Nations representatives and human rights experts has called for an end to the global 'war on drugs,' urging a shift towards policies centered on health and human rights. The statement was released in conjunction with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, advocating for a transformation in global drug policy that moves away from criminalization
The experts highlight that current drug policies disproportionately impact marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities, women, and the LGBTIQ+ community. They argue that the 'war on drugs' has largely been a war on people, particularly affecting those living in poverty and facing systemic discrimination. The statement points out that punitive measures often serve as a form of racial control rather than effectively reducing drug markets
In the United States, for instance, Black individuals are significantly more likely to face prosecution for cannabis possession compared to their white counterparts. Similarly, in Australia, Aboriginal people are more frequently charged with cannabis-related offenses. The UN stresses that criminalization prevents access to necessary healthcare and support, with only one in eight individuals with substance use disorders receiving appropriate treatment
The call for policy reform is supported by recent data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, which shows cannabis as the most commonly used illicit drug in Europe. With rising cannabis-related offenses and the emergence of new synthetic cannabinoid products, experts like Kenzi Riboulet-Zemouli advocate for preventive and harm reduction approaches rather than punitive measures. He suggests reallocating public funds from enforcement to health-focused programs
Several European countries, including Germany and Switzerland, are exploring new regulatory approaches for recreational cannabis use. These efforts align with the recommendations to adopt public health-oriented regulations and education strategies. In contrast, France maintains stringent drug policies despite high cannabis consumption rates, highlighting a divergence in policy directions across Europe