UN human rights chief calls for international drugs policy to include focus on human rights and harm reduction

10 March 2009

GENEVA -- In the run-up to an international meeting later this week that will take stock of progress in international drug control over the past decade, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Tuesday stressed the key roles human rights and harm reduction should play in the response to drug use.

“Individuals who use drugs do not forfeit their human rights,” said Pillay. “All too often, drug users suffer discrimination, are forced to accept treatment, marginalized and often harmed by approaches that over-emphasize criminalization and punishment while under-emphasizing harm reduction and respect for human rights.”

Speaking prior to the High Level Segment of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which is being held in Vienna on 11-12 March, Pillay said she was particularly concerned that drug users, including those held in detention, should be given appropriate health treatment and services.

The High Commissioner also stressed the relevance of the absolute prohibition on torture in the context of drug control, noting that those charged with drug offences must not be transferred to countries where they will face torture. Pillay urged those currently setting the course for drug policy over the next decade to take on board lessons learned from the past, including the imperative to use treatment that is soundly rooted in medical science. “It is too late for us to return to earlier, outdated approaches to drug use” she said.

Text of full statement on drug control policy