Global commission calls for drug policy reform grounded in scientific evidence, human rights, public health, and security.
PUBLISHED: 21 Dec 2024 at 20:25
GENEVA – A new report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy highlights the detrimental effects of punitive drug policies, citing mass incarceration and serious human rights violations.
In 2023, over 3.1 million individuals were arrested globally for drug-related offenses, with 20% of the international prison population jailed for such crimes—nearly half for mere possession.
Titled “Beyond Punishment: From Criminal Justice Responses to Drug Policy Reform,” the report sheds light on the catastrophic outcomes of prohibitionist strategies, noting more than 1 million overdose deaths in the United States over the past two decades, along with 40,000 in Canada within the last eight years.
Systemic inequities are also underscored, revealing that Indigenous peoples in Canada face drug-related arrests at a rate six times higher than their white counterparts.
The report further identifies significant social issues, including the disproportionate impact on women and children and the perpetuation of poverty and marginalization.
As a solution, the report advocates for reformative measures such as harm-reduction strategies, decriminalization, and the legal regulation of drug markets, stating that these approaches not only save lives but also enhance societal well-being, dignity, health, and equity.
Helen Clark, chair of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, emphasized that global drug policies are heavily influenced by the International Drug Control Conventions. Many governments interpret these conventions as a justification for pursuing a “drug-free world,” leading to oppressive measures.
The repercussions of such policies are evident: rising incarceration rates, the decline of human rights, and disproportionate effects on marginalized communities.
Not only individuals ensnared by punitive drug laws suffer; entire communities, along with collective health and societal progress, are at stake, she stated.
Established in 2011, the Global Commission on Drug Policy is composed of distinguished leaders from diverse sectors who aim to inspire progressive drug policies worldwide. The commission’s membership has expanded to include representatives from across the globe.
