The right to health and international drug control, compulsory treatment for drug dependence and access to controlled medicines 2010, para. 60
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Paragraph text
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights imposes a number of immediate obligations on States Parties, including that they guarantee that rights will be exercised without discrimination. If harm-reduction programmes and evidence-based treatment are made available to the general public, but not to persons in detention, that contravenes international law. Indeed, because of the health risks associated with incarceration, the Special Rapporteur considers that greater efforts may be required inside prisons to meet public health objectives. In the context of HIV and harm reduction, this demands implementation of harm-reduction services in places of detention even where they are not yet available in the community, as the principle of equivalence is insufficient to address the epidemic among prisoners.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Equality & Inclusion
Governance & Rule of Law
Health
Year
2010
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Health, Report to the UNGA (2010), A/65/255, para. 60.