This implementation report provides a snapshot of four years of Guidelines implementation efforts by stakeholders across more than 25 countries in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa; by the European Union; and by UN human rights mechanisms, reflecting an emerging community of practice among a diverse group of stakeholders. During this period, we have been documenting and analysing the range of practices in order to catalogue this evolving community of practice with the goal of inspiring and expanding the community further.
In this document, we present a feasible pathway for moving towards a human rights-based legal and policy environment relating to drugs. Drawing from experience in the response to HIV, we examine cross-cutting principles and lessons that are applicable also to drug policy. Photo by Mujeres Libres
Watch this video to find out about the bespoke training on the Guidelines which is available for judges and to understand why applying the Guidelines, when drug policy issues reach the court, can help ensure defendants receive a fair trial.
In preparation for the regional dialogue for Sub-Saharan Africa – a region that continues to receive far too little attention in drug policy discussions – extensive work was undertaken to research actors, existing efforts, and strategic opportunities in the region in order to identify initiatives and issues to highlight at the dialogue, and stakeholders who might present them. As part of this preparatory work, over 30 stakeholders were consulted, including representatives from UN and regional entities, organisations of people who use drugs, and civil society organisations working at the national, regional, and international level on drug policy, health, human rights, and the rule of law. In keeping with themes in the Guidelines, particular attention was paid to people deprived of liberty, women, and people in need of controlled medicines for pain relief. Photo by Pien Metaal
Numerous toolkits utilise the Guidelines as an effective framework to identify opportunities for drug policy reform and to monitor and evaluate implementation. See “Alternatives to Detention: A human rights assessment tool”, connecting the Guidelines to alternative pathways to sentencing and detention.
Discover how the Guidelines are being used to create positive change at a global, regional, and national level.
We offer tailored support to government actors, civil society organisations, United Nations agencies and community advocates to advance the implementation of the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy. Our experience includes providing technical support, research, reporting and capacity building initiatives, including training, all aimed at fostering a human rights-based approach to drug policy. Contact us at info@hrdp.essex.ac.uk for further information.
