High Commissioner Volker Türk addressed the ‘Dealing with Drugs II’ conference in Warsaw on Thursday, stressing the importance of a human rights-based approach to drug regulation. He highlighted the increasing drug-related deaths and disorders, calling for a change in current policies.
The conference, following January’s ‘Dealing with Drugs I’ meeting hosted by the Mayor of Amsterdam, gathered leaders and experts from Europe and beyond to exchange best practices.
“Criminalisation and prohibition have not been effective in reducing drug use or crime. It is clear that these approaches are failing vulnerable groups in our societies,” Türk stated.
Global drug crisis
Türk’s speech coincided with a rise in illicit drug production and distribution worldwide.
In Afghanistan, despite a 2022 Taliban ban decreasing opium cultivation by 95 per cent, 2024 witnessed a 19 per cent increase due to economic challenges. Meanwhile, North America is grappling with a severe fentanyl crisis, with synthetic drugs claiming numerous lives in the United States and parts of Asia and Africa.
Shifting focus
Türk underlined the necessity for a transformation in approach, prioritising health, dignity, and inclusivity.
“We must move away from punitive measures towards gender-sensitive and evidence-based drug policies rooted in public health,” he urged. Türk also stressed the importance of providing access to voluntary medical care and other social services, highlighting the significance of harm reduction strategies in preventing drug-related deaths.
Decriminalization was highlighted as a crucial aspect of reform. “We need to shift from punishing individuals to supporting those with drug use disorders,” advocating for social reintegration alongside policy changes.
Türk cited evidence in support of this approach: “By focusing on inclusion and education rather than incarceration, drug consumption decreases. Choosing social reintegration over stigmatization leads to a decrease in drug-related infections”.
Putting people first
Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing those most impacted by current drug policies, Türk emphasized the need for greater involvement of affected individuals in policy development and implementation.
“Historically, individuals who use drugs face marginalization, discrimination, and exclusion, often devoid of dignity and rights,” he observed.
“We cannot succeed unless we ensure their authentic participation in shaping and enforcing drug policies”.
“The failure of the War on Drugs is evident,” Türk concluded. “By prioritizing individuals over punishment, we can save more lives”.
