Publications

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture: non-provision of opioid substitution treatment is ill-treatment and torture

7 February 2013

The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Juan E. Méndez has prepared a report focusing on forms of abuses in health-care settings that may cross a threshold of mistreatment that is tantamount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The report will be presented at the 22nd session of the Human Rights Council (25 February to 22 March 2013).

The report addresses issues of criminalization, lack of access to health care and essential medicines, compulsory drug treatment. The report states that criminalization and restriction of access to health care constitutes abusive treatment based on unjustified discrimination solely related to health status.

Please click here to get more information about the 22nd session of the Human Rights Council.

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