UN acknowledges prohibition doesn't work

[Conscious21]

Not sure if this is the best forum for this thread - mods please move if it's not technically 'media'.

I came across a UN report at http://www.idpc.net/sites/default/files/library/Right%20to%20highest%20standard%20of%20health.pdf

Basically it says prohibition doesn't work because it stops users seeking medical help and they have a basic human right to do that. Here is the summary from the beginning of the report:

The current international system of drug control has focused on creating a drugfree
world, almost exclusively through use of law enforcement policies and criminal
sanctions. Mounting evidence, however, suggests this approach has failed, primarily
because it does not acknowledge the realities of drug use and dependence. While
drugs may have a pernicious effect on individual lives and society, this excessively
punitive regime has not achieved its stated public health goals, and has resulted in
countless human rights violations.
People who use drugs may be deterred from accessing services owing to the
threat of criminal punishment, or may be denied access to health care altogether.
Criminalization and excessive law enforcement practices also undermine healthpromotion
initiatives, perpetuate stigma and increase health risks to which entire
populations — not only those who use drugs — may be exposed. Certain countries
incarcerate people who use drugs, impose compulsory treatment upon them, or both.
The current international drug control regime also unnecessarily limits access to
essential medications, which violates the enjoyment of the right to health.
The primary goal of the international drug control regime, as set forth in the
preamble of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), is the “health and
welfare of mankind”, but the current approach to controlling drug use and possession
works against that aim. Widespread implementation of interventions that reduce
harms associated with drug use — harm-reduction initiatives — and of
decriminalization of certain laws governing drug control would improve the health
and welfare of people who use drugs and the general population demonstrably.
Moreover, the United Nations entities and Member States should adopt a right to
health approach to drug control, encourage system-wide coherence and
communication, incorporate the use of indicators and guidelines, and consider
developing a new legal framework concerning certain illicit drugs, in order to ensure
that the rights of people who use drugs are respected, protected and fulfilled.

Currently it's a UN convention that 'compels' most countries of the world to have laws against drug possession. If the UN is changing its stance then countries that want to liberalise their laws will have a lot more room to move.

 

[bluffythefluffy]

Excellent find.

One can only hope that this portends more reasonable policy stances to be taken by the UN.

The prohibitionists have been in charge for about 90 years, but rabid "no-tolerance" nonsense has only been around for about 30 years, so it's not like it's been this way since time immemorial.

 

[7zark7]

Great find. How has everyone missed this?

I have a bit of difficulty in believing a UN-linked group has recommended:

Member States should:

• Ensure that all harm-reduction measures (as itemized by UNAIDS) and
drug-dependence treatment services, particularly opioid substitution
therapy, are available to people who use drugs, in particular those among
incarcerated populations.

• Decriminalize or de-penalize possession and use of drugs.

• Repeal or substantially reform laws and policies inhibiting the delivery of
essential health services to drug users, and review law enforcement
initiatives around drug control to ensure compliance with human rights
obligations.

• Amend laws, regulations and policies to increase access to controlled
essential medicines.

 

[Budisti]

Nice, hopefully now countries only have to worry bout USA if they wanna legalize

 

[caseface99]

Yeah, we might just police their ass if they wanna legalize. A few tokes here, a few tokes there, next thing they know its a laser guided missle comin' through the living room window with "Smoke this!" written on it.

I could see this.

 

[Lucid Dream]

Or on April 1st have the American Government Claim to be free of all drug laws. Then the next day say april fools, and take everyone to jail LOL

 

[melange]

too bad no one cares or listens to the un

 

[Dragynfyr]

Not that the UN means a good god damn but YIPPIE SKIPPY!

An 'authority' admitting the WoD is a crock of shit that just hurts humanity