The publication provides compelling evidence of the failures of punitive drug policies, but sorely lacks engagement with harm reduction, decriminalisation, responsible regulation and other evidence-based alternatives.
IDPC joins this civil society call for the UN’s main drug control entities to unequivocally condemn the use of the death penalty for drug offences and ensure that international cooperation does not contribute to further executions.
UNODC presents its perspective on the role of treaty flexibilities in enabling decriminalisation as part of health-based approaches, identifying related reforms and alternatives to punitive measures.
Colombia’s Ambassador Laura Gil reflects on challenging the global drug regime, breaking taboos, and building hope for a post-Prohibition future — one coalition at a time.
On 2025 World Drug Day and Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action, 70 organizations call upon the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to condemn the use of the death penalty from drug related offences. In this joint statement, the signatories demand that human rights safeguards are implemented to uphold international law and standards.
Ghada Waly’s resignation offers the UN Secretary-General a chance to appoint a leader who will align UNODC with human rights-based drug policies and the broader UN system.
Organisations worldwide urge UNODC's Executive Director to mark International Human Rights Day 2024 by calling on Member States to align drug policies and practices with human rights, and commit to placing human rights at the centre of all dimensions of the UNODC’s work.
