Speaking at the “Dealing with Drugs II” conference in Warsaw on Thursday, High Commissioner Volker Türk highlighted the urgent need for a human rights-based approach to drug regulation, highlighting the record number of drug-related deaths and the increase in drug use disorders.
The conference, which builds on the January “Dealing with Drugs I” meeting hosted by the Mayor of Amsterdam, brought together leaders and experts from across Europe and the world to share best practices and expertise.
“Criminalization and prohibition have failed to reduce drug use or deter drug-related crime. These policies simply don’t work – and we are failing some of the most vulnerable groups in our societies.“.
Global drug crisis
The High Commissioner’s speech comes against a backdrop of increasing production and distribution of illicit drugs.
In Afghanistan, despite the Taliban’s 2022 ban, which initially reduced opium cultivation by 95%, 2024 saw a resurgence of 19%, driven by economic hardship and rising prices . Meanwhile, North America faces an unprecedented fentanyl crisis, with the synthetic drugs killing at alarming rates in the United States and parts of Asia and Africa.
From punishment to support
He highlighted the need for a radical change in approach that prioritizes health, dignity and inclusion.
“Instead of punitive measures, we need gender-sensitive, evidence-based drug policies grounded in public health.», insisted Mr. Türk. He also called for “inclusive access to voluntary medical care and other social services,” emphasizing that harm reduction measures are essential to preventing drug overdose deaths.
A key element of reform, Türk said, is decriminalization. “We need to start treating the person, not punishing the drug use disorder.», pleading for support for social reintegration to accompany political changes.
The High Commissioner highlighted clear evidence supporting this approach: “Focusing on inclusion and education rather than incarceration means drug use decreases. Choosing social reintegration over stigma means that drug-related infections decrease.”
Put people first
At the center of policymaking, Mr. Türk stressed the importance of focusing on those most affected by current drug policies.
“Historically, people who use drugs have been marginalized, criminalized, discriminated against and left behind – very often deprived of their dignity and rights,” he stressed.
“We are doomed to failure if we do not ensure their genuine participation in the development and implementation of drug policy.“.
“The evidence is clear. The so-called war on drugs has completely failed,” Türk concluded. “And prioritizing people over punishment means more lives are saved.”
