The treaties do not require the incarceration of drug users, but rather provide for alternatives to conviction or punishment for those affected by drug abuse, including treatment, education, after-care, rehabilitation and social reintegration. That some countries have chosen incarceration rather than treatment has been a denial by Governments of the flexibility that the treaties provide.
- Flexibilities in the UN drug conventions
- Alternatives to punishment
Access to essential medicines is tantamount to the human right for health. We must strive to ensure that those individuals who are suffering and require medication are afforded the opportunity to avail themselves of essential drugs.
- Human rights
- Access to controlled medicines