EU General Comment - HRC60 - The human rights implications of drug policy
UN Human Rights Council
60th Session – Item 3
L.31 – General comment
The human rights implications of drug policy
EU General Comment
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the EU Member States that are members of the Human Rights Council. This statement has been agreed by the EU as a whole.
We thank the core group´s initiative to present Resolution L.31/Rev.1, which requests a report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and an intersessional panel focusing on the impact of drug-related challenges on the enjoyment of human rights of women and girls.
We agree that the Commission on Narcotic Drugs is the principal policy making body of the UN with prime responsibility for all aspects of drug control and policies. We welcome that this resolution continues to open space for the Human Rights Council to receive input from the High Commissioner on the human rights and public health dimensions of drug policy.
The EU calls on all States to adopt a human rights-based approach to drug policy, grounded in international human rights law, in principles of non-discrimination, participation, accountability, and access to remedies. It should also include gender-responsive measures that address the specific needs of women who use drugs and women drug offenders, while respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of women and girls. This can include access to gender-responsive services for prevention and treatment, as well as for risk and harm reduction.
The EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025 provides the political framework and priorities for the EU’s drugs policy and the accompanying EU Action Plan on Drugs presents concrete actions to achieve such priorities.
The EU is currently working on a new strategy that will continue to promote a balanced, health-focused, and human rights-based approach to drug policy.
The EU regrets amendments were tabled to this text and hopes the resolution will be adopted by consensus.
Thank you.