In recent years, the global community and international organizations have placed an increasing focus on the human rights impacts of drug policies. Drug control efforts seriously undermine human rights in many countries, emphasizing the need for a new approach to drug policy at the global, regional and national levels.

While evidence and guidance from international organizations has long recommended shifting the focus of drug policies from law enforcement to public health approaches, many jurisdictions continue to enforce criminal sanctions on people who use drugs. The criminalization of drug use has exacerbated stigma and discrimination and hindered access to critical health and harm reduction services for people who use drugs; and global drug enforcement continues to have a detrimental impact on the enjoyment of human rights by all.

In this Parliamentary Inquiry, case studies of drug policy reform initiatives will be presented, focusing on opportunities and challenges of implementation at the national, regional and international levels. Expert speakers and participants will highlight how change is possible and what it means to implement a human rights framework in drug policies on the ground, sharing important lessons learned and practical steps parliamentarians take to inform and advance efforts across countries and levels of governance.