We, the undersigned, policymakers and legislators from diverse countries and contexts around the world, recognize that the "War on Drugs" has not achieved its intended goals of reducing drug use and drug-related harms, but instead has led to widespread human rights violations, mass incarceration, and the perpetuation of social inequalities. We emphasize the urgent need to shift towards drug policies that prioritize human rights and public health.
We commit to work together to take the following actions to end the War on Drugs and implement drug policies that center human rights and public health:
1. Reform Drug Laws and Promote Decriminalization:
a) Advocate for the reform of drug laws to prioritize public health, harm reduction, and human rights over punitive measures.
b) Support the decriminalization of drug use and possession for personal use, recognizing that criminalization exacerbates health and social harms.
2. Promote Evidence-Based Approaches:
a) Advocate for evidence-based drug policies grounded in scientific research, public health principles, and harm reduction strategies.
b) Support funding for research and evaluation of alternative drug policy models to inform effective and evidence-based approaches.
3. Prioritize Health and Well-being:
a) Advocate for the provision of accessible and high-quality healthcare services, including drug treatment, rehabilitation, mental health support, and harm reduction services.
b) Address the structural barriers that impede access to healthcare for marginalized and underserved populations disproportionately affected by drug-related issues.
4. Support Harm Reduction Measures:
a) Advocate for the implementation, scaling up and sustainable funding of harm reduction programs, including needle and syringe exchange programs, opioid substitution therapy, and supervised consumption sites.
b) Ensure the availability of naloxone, an overdose-reversal medication, to prevent unnecessary deaths.
5. Invest in Prevention and Treatment:
a) Advocate for increased funding and resources to expand prevention efforts, with a focus on education, harm reduction programs, and early intervention strategies.
b) Promote the availability and accessibility of comprehensive and evidence-based drug treatment and rehabilitation services for those in need.
6. Protect Human Rights:
a) Advocate for the protection of the human rights of individuals who use drugs, including their right to health, dignity, privacy, and non-discrimination.
b) Work towards eliminating human rights abuses associated with drug policies, such as arbitrary arrests, forced treatment, and violence.
7. Combat Stigma and Discrimination:
a) Promote campaigns and educational initiatives to challenge stigma and discrimination associated with drug use, recognizing that it exacerbates harms and prevents individuals from seeking help and support.
b) Work towards creating inclusive and non-judgmental environments that support the dignity and rights of individuals who use drugs.
8. Collaborate with Civil Society and Experts:
a) Engage in meaningful and inclusive dialogue with civil society organizations, experts, people who use drugs, and affected communities to inform policy development and implementation.
b) Seek guidance and expertise from public health professionals, harm reduction specialists, communities of people who use drugs and human rights advocates to shape evidence-based policies.
9. Advocate for a global shift in drug policies:
a) Collaborate with international partners, organizations and experts to advocate for a global shift towards drug policies centered on human rights, public health, and harm reduction.
b) Support efforts to evaluate and review international drug control conventions to align with scientific evidence, human rights commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals.
I pledge to actively pursue these actions to end the "War on Drugs" and champion drug policies that prioritize human rights, public health, and evidence-based interventions.