Human Rights Council

News16 October 2024

Global coalition supports resolution on the social reintegration of criminalised people at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council

One hundred twenty NGOs from 49 countries voice support for improving social reintegration support systems for former offenders—a group facing disproportionate risk of overdose and drug-related harm.

Publications18 September 2024

4th Brandenburg Forum in Geneva: Towards transformative change in human rights-based drug policy - Meeting report

The Forum addressed environmental, human rights and public health issues related to drug policy, as well as related international progress and opportunities for cooperation.

News16 September 2024

Reforming drug policies is essential to end human rights violations - IDPC statement at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council

IDPC and partners urge the Council to tackle rampant human rights abuses committed in the name of drug control by engaging meaningfully with policy reform.

Publications5 August 2024

Breaking the cycle: ending the criminalization of homelessness and poverty

The UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty calls for a shift away from punitive measures, recognising harm reduction as a framework to address specific vulnerabilities of people who use drugs.

Publications30 April 2024

55th Human Rights Council: Drug policy highlights

Harm Reduction International publishes a summary of major debates, decisions and documents related to drug policy from the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.

Events

Human rights challenges in addressing and countering all aspects of the world drug problem - Human Rights Council intersessional panel

Geneva, Switzerland

5 February 2024

The intersessional panel discussion aims to provide space for a constructive and inclusive dialogue on human rights challenges in addressing the world drug situation.

Publications13 November 2023

54th session of the Human Rights Council: Drug policy highlights

Harm Reduction International highlight key debates, decisions and documents in which drug control and its impact on human rights were analysed and addressed at the 54th session of the Human Rights Council.

Publications18 September 2023

54th session of the Human Rights Council: Drug policy opportunities

Harm Reduction International identify key moments where drug policy will be addressed in the upcoming 54th Session of the Human Rights Council, presenting significant prospects for reform.

Publications15 September 2023

Moving away from the punitive paradigm: An analysis of the 2023 OHCHR report on drug policy

IDPC highlights the major gains from the 2023 OHCHR report on human rights and drug policy, and provides recommendations to Member States and UN entities for its effective implementation.

Publications12 September 2023

Human rights challenges in addressing and countering all aspects of the world drug problem - Report of the OHCHR

OHCHR present their report to the Human Rights Council on the impact of the world drug problem on human rights, urging policymakers to shift towards a health and human-rights centred approach to drug policy.

Blog6 April 2023

Harm reduction, racial justice, Indigenous Peoples rights: UN Human Rights Council breaks new ground on drug policy

The latest Human Rights Council resolution on the human rights implications of drug policy represents the most ambitious and progressive resolution on the matter to date, and should influence the outcome of the upcoming 2024 mid-term review of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration.

Publications6 April 2023

Human Rights Council resolution ‘Contribution of the Human Rights Council with regard to the human rights implications of drug policy’: Analysis and implications

IDPC sheds light on key political wins including in relation to countering racial discrimination in drug policy, recognising the importance of harm reduction for the right to health, protecting Indigenous rights, and promoting engagement by UN human rights bodies in drug policy debates.

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