UN and WHO call for global decriminalization of drugs

The United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have published a public statement in which they call for the decriminalization of the possession and use of drugs, including cannabis.

Thus, the UN and WHO members call for «the revision and repeal of punitive laws that have been shown to have negative health impacts and run counter to established public health evidence.»

This declaration follows on from an earlier request for decriminalization of drugs in the context of reducing AIDS infection. However, this declaration represents another important step in this process. world movement for the decriminalization of drugs.

New reforms?

Last year, at a meeting of countries within the framework of a special session on drugs at the UN General Assembly, Despite concerns on the part of several countries, member countries have maintained the idea that «drug» is synonymous with «criminal». L’OMS then recognized some of the therapeutic effects of cannabis.

On June 26, on the occasion of World Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke about treatment and prevention in the context of human rights.

«Despite the risks and challenges inherent in confronting this global problem, I hope that we are on the right track, and that together we can implement a balanced, harmonized and comprehensive approach that leads to sustained solutions,» he declared. Mr Guterres was Prime Minister of Portugal between 1995 and 2002, when the country has decriminalized cannabis and other drugs. Portugal has one of the lowest rates of overdose and drug dependence in Europe.

Overall, decriminalizing drugs could considerably reduce the number of people incriminated, relieve court congestion and improve public health, provided an effective prevention and care network is set up in parallel.

Mehdi Bautier