World

Events

Counter-terrorism, organized crime and human rights: The risks of conflating legal frameworks

New York, United States

22 October 2026

Speakers examine how ‘narco-terrorism’ narratives are being used to justify militarised responses and explore alternatives grounded in human rights, harm reduction and drug policy reform.

Publications15 October 2026

Civil society space – Report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

The OHCHR warns that shrinking civic space, restrictive legislation and funding cuts are undermining civil society participation, including the work of organisations advocating for harm reduction and rights-based drug policies.

Events

Youth information sessions on the CND expert panel reviewing the global drug control system

Online

19 October 2026 - 20 October 2026

Youth RISE and partners are organising two interactive sessions to help young advocates engage with the UN expert panel reviewing the international drug control system and prepare written submissions.

News12 October 2026

The World Health Organization coca review: A post mortem

Martin Jelsma argues that the WHO’s decision to maintain the plant's international scheduling disregards scientific evidence and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, reflecting inconsistencies in the UN drug control system and the need for reform.

Events

End violence against women and gender diverse people who use drugs (EVAWUD26)

World

25 November 2026 - 10 December 2026

The Women and Harm Reduction International Network (WHRIN) calls for global action to end violence against women and gender diverse people who use drugs, promoting gender-responsive harm reduction, human rights and an end to punitive drug policies.

News1 October 2026

Asking uncomfortable questions: ensuring human rights and upholding the evidence – Ann Fordham interviews Laura Gil

Colombia's former ambassador to the UN in Vienna, Laura Gil, reflects on the independent review of the drug control system and its role in challenging the assumption that the international legal framework is not open to reform.

Events

Community dialogue: Not another red herring! Full decriminalisation of all drugs is non-negotiable

Online

30 September 2026

INPUD hosts a community-led dialogue to launch its new brief on full decriminalisation, centring the expertise, experiences and perspectives of people who use drugs.

News29 September 2026

Civil society calls to confront systemic racism in drug control — Dialogue with the EMLER at HRC63

IDPC and partners welcomed the UN EMLER’s recognition of systemic racism in drug law enforcement and called for urgent action to address the racialised impacts of punitive drug policy.

Publications22 September 2026

Killing “narco-terrorists” at sea: The legality of military attacks on criminal groups and drug trafficking under international human rights law and other applicable international law

The UN Special Rapporteur concludes that US military attacks against people suspected of drug trafficking cannot be justified under international law and may constitute crimes against humanity.

News21 September 2026

UN must act on the disproportionate impact of drug policies on women — Civil society statement at HRC63

IDPC, formerly incarcerated women and civil society partners call for drug policies rooted in care rather than punishment, with women with lived experience at the centre of policymaking and greater action to address gender and structural inequalities.

News21 September 2026

Civil society warns of high risks from proposed herbicide spraying of coca crops in Colombia — Dialogue with the UN SR on toxics and human rights at HRC63

Dejusticia, Elementa and IDPC denounce plans to resume the use of hazardous herbicides in eradication efforts due to serious risks to rights, environment and communities' livelihoods.

Publications17 September 2026

Human rights challenges in addressing and countering all aspects of the world drug problem, in particular on the impact of drug policies on the rights of women and girls

The OHCHR highlights how punitive approaches expose women and girls to disproportionate incarceration, violence, discrimination and barriers to services, and urges states to adopt a rights-based and gender-responsive perspective, including decriminalisation and responsible regulation.

Explore more content