IDPC members agree to promote five core policy principles in our advocacy work with governments and international agencies. Drug policies should:

1. be developed through an objective assessment of priorities and evidence
2. be undertaken in full compliance with international human rights law
3. focus on reducing the harmful consequences rather than the scale of drug use and markets
4. promote the social inclusion of marginalised groups, and not focus on punitive measures towards them
5. be developed and implemented based on open and constructive relationships with civil society.