Drugs and Human Rights

Drug Policy at the United Nations

The UN shapes drug laws and policies through the international drug control conventions. It is responsible for ensuring that countries adhere to international human rights standards, including in their responses to drugs.

We engage with UN agencies and member states to advocate for a rights-based approach to drug policy, to ensure that drug policy is in line with international human rights standards.

Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

In October 2022, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) decided to initiate work on a new General Comment on the “impacts of drug policies on economic, social and cultural rights.” Here you will find more information about the process, updates and how international and national organisations, advocates, people who use drugs, growers, and other relevant stakeholders can engage with the CESCR.

Annotated Draft

Don't miss our events
and publications

Subscribe to our newsletter