Prioritizing Human Rights Over Drug Policy

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to prioritize human rights over drug policy objectives? It may sound simple, but it’s a highly controversial stance that challenges the status quo. In the world of drug control, being tough on drugs often takes precedence over safeguarding human rights. However, a human rights-based approach calls for a paradigm shift.

At the heart of this approach lies the belief that human rights should be the driving force behind drug policy decisions. Governments and international organizations need to recognize that addiction is a health issue rather than solely a criminal one. In doing so, they can address drug-related issues while upholding the fundamental rights of individuals.

The Moral Imperative of Human Rights

Drug control has long been viewed as a constitutional obligation for many governments. International law, too, has regarded drug addiction as an evil that states have a moral duty to combat. However, we must not overlook the fact that human rights are also threatened by this rhetoric, as it enables unaccountable power.

When discussing human rights, we often focus on the most egregious abuses. In the context of drug policy, the death penalty has been a prominent issue. While some countries advocate for a human rights-based approach but reject the death penalty, we must set the bar higher. Mere lip service to human rights is not enough. Governments and multilateral agencies that use human rights language superficially risk perpetuating inequities and power imbalances.

The Power of Dissent

In 2002, Justice Albie Sachs famously dissented from a South African Constitutional Court decision that upheld the prohibition of cannabis. Sachs argued that the existing system of justice and its accompanying mindset should not be blindly upheld simply because they exist. His vision, which gave priority to protecting rights over drug policy objectives, eventually became the majority viewpoint, leading to a monumental overturning of the decision.

Embracing the Transformative Potential

The challenge we face now is to embrace the transformative potential of human rights in drug policy. We must remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine or subvert these rights. Only by prioritizing human rights can we create a more just and equitable society. It is our responsibility to ensure that human rights become more than mere window dressing; they should form the foundation for a truly inclusive and compassionate drug policy.

To learn more about our commitment to promoting human rights and a human rights-based approach in drug policy, visit Fecomic. Let’s work together to build a world where human rights are cherished and upheld at every turn.