“Repressive drug control laws and policies around the world have fueled the HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) epidemics and contributed to mounting human rights violations against people who use drugs. The upcoming Ministerial Segment of the 62nd session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in March 2019 represents another important opportunity for Member States to finally move away from the harmful “war on drugs” and focus instead on approaches based on a commitment to evidence, to public health and to human rights. The OHCHR and the Human Rights Council both have important roles to play in this discussion.
We welcome the March 2018 resolution of the Human Rights Council (Resolution 37/42) requesting the OHCHR to prepare a report on the implementation of the UNGASS 2016 Outcome Document, and are pleased to submit this commentary regarding Canada.”