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

In its resolution 52/24 adopted on 4 April 2023, the Human Rights Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights “to prepare a report, in consultation with States, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other relevant United Nations agencies, civil society and other relevant stakeholders, on human rights challenges in addressing and countering all aspects of the world drug problem”, and to share the report with the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the policymaking body of the United Nations with prime responsibility for drug control and other drug-related matters, through the appropriate channels.

The present report outlines human rights challenges in addressing and countering key aspects of the world drug problem. It also offers an overview of recent positive developments to shift towards more human rights-centred drug policies, and provides recommendations on the way forward in view of the upcoming midterm review of the 2019 Ministerial Declaration and to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Go to report