INCB holds consultation on the human rights dimensions of the international drug control treaties

During the 141st session of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the Board held consultations with Member States on the human rights dimensions of drug control.

Opening the consultation, Prof. Jallal Toufiq, INCB President, emphasized that respect for human rights and implementation of the drug control conventions are mutually reinforcing, and reiterated INCB’s calls for human rights to be respected in the development and implementation of drug control policy. He went on to say: “Measures adopted with the purported aim of furthering drug control which are inconsistent with universally recognized human rights norms are a violation of the international drug control conventions.” Members of the Board spoke in depth about obligations stemming from human rights instruments, including the right to health, promotion of equality and non-discrimination towards people who use drugs, prohibition of arbitrary arrest and detention, the right to a fair trial for drug-related crimes, and protection against all forms of cruel and inhuman punishment. These statements are available on the INCB website. Representatives of 51 Permanent Missions to the United Nations in Vienna and one Permanent Observer attended the consultation and had the opportunity to share their perspectives.

During the session, the Board also held consultations with the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Philbert Abaka Johnson, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ms. Ghada Waly, the World Health Organization and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

On the margins of the session, the Board concluded a memorandum of understanding with the International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC). Signed by the INCB President and Katherine Pettus, Senior Advocacy and Partnerships Director of the International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care (@IAHPC), the cooperation agreement provides for exchange of research, data and analysis on the issue of availability and the dissemination of information to the international community. Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Prof. Toufiq noted: “INCB and IAHPC share common objectives with regard to the provision of guidance and support to governments and the international community on issues related to the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. The Board is committed to ongoing cooperation with governments, international and regional organizations and civil society to further the health and welfare objectives of the drug control conventions, including to promote availability of internationally controlled medicines. This also extends to humanitarian emergencies, whether they be caused by natural disasters or armed conflict, where patient access to controlled medicines must be ensured”.