Resolution 28/28. Contribution of the Human Rights Council to the special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem of 2016

Recalling in particular that the Human Rights Council has the mandate to, inter alia, promote universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without discrimination of any kind and in a fair and equal manner, to serve as a forum for dialogue on thematic issues on all human rights, and to promote the effective coordination and the mainstreaming of human rights within the United Nations system,

Reaffirming the universality, interdependence, indivisibility and interrelatedness of human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and consequently elaborated in other human rights instruments,

Underlining that the world drug problem remains a common and shared responsibility that should be addressed in a multilateral setting through effective and increased international cooperation and demands an evidenced-based, integrated, multidisciplinary, mutually reinforcing, balanced and comprehensive approach to supply and demand reduction strategies, and reaffirming its unwavering commitment to ensuring  that all aspects of demand reduction, supply reduction and international cooperation are addressed in full conformity with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and, in particular with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of States, all human rights, fundamental freedoms, non-discrimination, the inherent dignity of all individuals and the principles of equal rights and mutual respect among States,

Emphasizing the importance of both the universality of the three above-mentioned international drug-control conventions and their implementation, noting that they concern the health and welfare of humankind, and noting the need to promote adequate availability of internationally controlled narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes, in accordance with national legislation, while preventing their diversion, abuse and trafficking, in order to realize the aims of the said international drug control conventions,

Stressing that the General Assembly decided, as recommended by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, that the special session would have an  inclusive preparatory process that includes extensive substantive consultations, allowing organs, entities and  specialized agencies of the United Nations system, relevant international and regional organizations, civil society and other  relevant stakeholders to fully contribute to the process in accordance with the relevant rules of procedure and established practice,

1. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a study, in consultation with States, United Nations agencies and other relevant stakeholders, to be presented to the Human Rights Council at its thirtieth session, on the impact of the world drug problem on the enjoyment of human rights, and recommendations on respect for and the protection and promotion of human rights in the context of the world drug problem, with particular consideration for the needs of persons affected and persons in vulnerable situations;

2. Decides to convene a panel discussion at its thirtieth session on the impact of the world drug problem on the enjoyment of human rights, informed by the findings contained in the study prepared by the High Commissioner, to have a constructive and inclusive dialogue on this issue with relevant stakeholders, including specialized United Nations agencies and civil society and with the participation of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare a report on the panel discussion in the form of a summary;