Violence, policing & punishment

News17 January 2023

Sri Lankan MPs: Reject the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill

The bill would translate into increasing human rights abuses in the name of drug control, including through the involvement of the military in treatment and the expansion of compulsory detention.

Publications30 November 2022

Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of the Philippines - Human Rights Committee

The Human Rights Committee provides recommendations to the Philippines, crucially calling for an end to the violence of its so-called 'war on drugs'.

News29 November 2022

Notes on the emergence of drug cultures and regulation in 20th century London — Interview with Christopher Hallam

Christopher Hallam highlights insights from his research into the early days of drug cultures in London, and the development of their control by British authorities.

News25 October 2022

Brazil harm reduction faces an uphill battle, even if Bolsonaro is ousted

Drug policy reform and harm reduction face a challenging political landscape: fierce opposition in parliament and inconsistent support from President-elect Lula.

Publications19 October 2022

Implementation of HRC Resolution 45/33 on the protection of human rights in the Philippines

OHCHR calls on the Philippine government to adopt a transformative approach that centres rights-based solutions to enduring challenges, including in relation to the destructive war on drugs.

News18 October 2022

Sri Lanka: Draft ‘rehabilitation’ law would spur abuse

The bill would give authorities sweeping powers to arbitrarily detain and torture people who use drugs and almost anyone else.

Publications10 October 2022

Alternatives to conviction or punishment available for people who use drugs and with drug use disorders in contact with the criminal justice system

UNODC summarises relevant legal frameworks, inventorying alternatives at all stages of the criminal justice system, and highlighting information gaps related to accessibility, implementation and impact.

News10 October 2022

South Africa: Criminalising children for cannabis use unconstitutional – ConCourt

The case and ruling were triggered after four children were set to undergo a compulsory residential diversion programme following a school-sanctioned drug test.

News10 October 2022

Australia: People caught with drugs in NSW may not face court, but government resists decriminalisation

After years of delays, the NSW government responds to Howard enquiry by expanding pre-court diversion for possession offences, but the lack of decriminalisation risks perpetuating the disproportionate sentencing of Indigenous people.

News28 September 2022

Philippines not serious about probing war on drugs

Extrajudicial killings continue with impunity under the new Marcos administration.

Events

Thematic discussions of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on the implementation of the Kyoto Declaration

Vienna, Austria

5 December 2022 - 7 December 2022

The sessions will be focused on issues ranging from safeguarding victims' rights, to improving prison conditions, to mainstreaming a gender perspective into criminal justice systems.

Publications6 September 2022

Technical brief: Transgender people and HIV in prisons and other closed settings

This technical brief sets out guiding principles and targeted interventions to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and facilitate access to healthcare for transgender people deprived of liberty.

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