The right to health and international drug control, compulsory treatment for drug dependence and access to controlled medicines 2010, para. 67
Paragraph
Paragraph text
It should be noted that, for example in Portugal, decriminalization occurred alongside other efforts, including significant expansion of drug treatment programmes, drug education and refocusing of police efforts on interruption of trafficking operations. This demonstrates how legislative change alone is insufficient to minimize significantly the harms occurring with drug use. Where decriminalization occurs alongside treatment, education and other interventions implemented to the required scale - for instance, to contain the spread of blood-borne viruses - the right to health of all members of society is realized most effectively.
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)
Education
Health
Person(s) affected
All
Year
2010
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Health, Report to the UNGA (2010), A/65/255, para. 67.