UN officials’ attempt to decriminilise drugs foiled
UNODC said the document was never sanctioned by the organisation as policy
UNODC said the document was never sanctioned by the organisation as policy. PHOTO: AFP
An attempt by United Nations officials to get countries to decriminalise the possession and use of all drugs has been foiled, reported the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
The BBC said a paper from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was withdrawn after pressure from at least one country. It said the document, which was leaked, recommended that UN members consider “decriminalising drug and possession for personal consumption”.
It argued “arrest and incarceration are disproportionate measures”.
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The document was drawn up by Dr Monica Beg, chief of the HIV/AIDs section of the UNODC in Vienna. It was prepared for an international harm reduction conference currently being held in Kuala Lumpur. The UNODC oversees international drugs conventions and offers guidance on compliance.
Sources within the UNODC have told the BBC the document was never sanctioned by the organisation as policy. One senior figure within the agency described Dr Beg as ‘a middle-ranking official’ who was offering a professional viewpoint.
The document, on headed agency notepaper, claims it “clarifies the position of UNODC to inform country responses to promote a health and human-rights approach to drug policy”.
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“Treating drug use for non-medical purposes and possession for personal consumption as criminal offences has contributed to public health problems and induced negative consequences for safety, security, and human rights,” the document states.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2015.
The BBC said a paper from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was withdrawn after pressure from at least one country. It said the document, which was leaked, recommended that UN members consider “decriminalising drug and possession for personal consumption”.
It argued “arrest and incarceration are disproportionate measures”.
Drug free society: ‘Regional cooperation key to combat trafficking’
The document was drawn up by Dr Monica Beg, chief of the HIV/AIDs section of the UNODC in Vienna. It was prepared for an international harm reduction conference currently being held in Kuala Lumpur. The UNODC oversees international drugs conventions and offers guidance on compliance.
Sources within the UNODC have told the BBC the document was never sanctioned by the organisation as policy. One senior figure within the agency described Dr Beg as ‘a middle-ranking official’ who was offering a professional viewpoint.
The document, on headed agency notepaper, claims it “clarifies the position of UNODC to inform country responses to promote a health and human-rights approach to drug policy”.
Afghan Taliban smuggle drugs and gems, just like a mafia, says UN
“Treating drug use for non-medical purposes and possession for personal consumption as criminal offences has contributed to public health problems and induced negative consequences for safety, security, and human rights,” the document states.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2015.