The WHO joins the battle for drug decriminalisation

By Richard Branson, Global Commission on Drug Policy

While huge numbers of people and organisations all over the world have been calling for drug policy reform, including the Global Commission on Drug Policy, now the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made clear it agrees.

In its latest report on HIV/AIDS, to be launched at this week's International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, the WHO experts recommend decriminalisation of drug use as an essential strategy to effectively tackle HIV/AIDS.

It's the latest example of international bodies signalling to national governments that they are no longer expected to pursue punishment as the only response to drug use. In fact, they should focus on helping drug users, not imprisoning them.

Read the full article.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.