A briefing on human rights and drug policies

Wednesday 1 November 2017
10hr – 12.00
Room XXIV
Palais des Nations, Geneva

After the crucial contribution of the Human Rights Council to the UNGASS, the impact of drug policies – including on human rights – remains a global concern. This Intersessional Briefing will provide information to delegates and serves as a platform for discussion on how the human rights system can contribute to the ongoing process, supplementing work by other agencies in the UN system and delivering on its mandate. The expert panel will delve specifically into how a new approach to measuring drug policies can incorporate human rights.

Opening remarks
Ambassador Valentin Zellweger, Permanent Representative of Switzerland

Review of UN metrics on drugs and crime: international road map to improve drug statistics
Professor David Bewley-Taylor, Director of the Global Drug Policy Observatory, Swansea University

Opportunities for a stronger human rights-based approach to drug policies post-UNGASS
Olivia Rope, Policy & Programme Manager, Penal Reform International

Case example:
Gender equality (SDG5) and drug policy indicators Luciana Pol, Senior Fellow Security Policy and Human Rights, Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS)

The Human Rights Indicators
Zaved Mahmood, Rule of Law and Democracy Section, OHCHR

Concluding remarks
Ambassador Anna Korka, Permanent Representative of Greece
Ambassador Beatriz Londoño Soto, Permanent Representative of Colombia Targets and indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals in relation to drug policies Maria Luisa Silva, Director of the UNDP Office in Geneva

Moderated by: Khalid Tinasti The Global Commission on Drug Policy