The purpose of the Commission is to bring to the international level an informed, science-based discussion about humane and effective ways to reduce the harm caused by drugs to people and society.

A series of background papers have been published to support the work of the Commission:

• Demand reduction and harm reduction
• Drug policy, criminal justice and mass imprisonment
• Assessing supply-side policy and practice: Eradication and alternative development
• The development of international drug control: Lessons learned and strategic challenges for the future
• Drug policy: Lessons learned and options for the future
• The drug trade: The politicisation of criminals and the criminalisation of politicians