Concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of the Russian Federation (E/C.12/RUS/CO/6)

51. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation to apply a human rights-based approach to drug users (see E/C.12/RUS/CO/5, para. 29). In particular, the Committee recommends that the State party:

(a) Adopt a comprehensive policy to combat drug problems, including fighting against drug trafficking, and consider decriminalizing drug possession for personal consumption;

(b) Conduct awareness-raising programmes about the serious health risks associated with drug use;

(c) Address discrimination against drug-dependent persons, including with regard to their access to health-care services;

(d) Provide appropriate health care, psychological support services and rehabilitation to such persons, in particular by legalizing effective drug dependence treatment, such as opioid substitution therapy;

(e) Adopt harm reduction programmes, such as needle and syringe exchanges, while ensuring their coverage, particularly in prisons with a view to combating the spread of tuberculosis, and support non-governmental organizations that provide such services, as indicated during the dialogue;

(f) Address more effectively the underlying causes for the rapid increase in HIV/AIDS and the prevalence of tuberculosis and hepatitis C, including by legalizing measures, as recommended by the World Health Organization, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for HIV prevention among injecting drug users, and by increasing the coverage and availability of medication and medical treatment, such as anti-retroviral therapy;